The Forest Ride
In the Hudson Highlands, just 60 miles north of New York City, lies a wooded oasis hidden in plain sight. The Black Rock Forest is nearly 4,000 acres of increasingly rare, native ecosystem. Home to more than 150 species of birds and more than 65 species of trees—as well as many populations of rare and endangered plants and animals—the Forest's proximity to the largest city in the United States provides a unique opportunity for research, for school study... and for visitors just like you!

The Forest Ride is designed to showcase this amazing natural wonder. Over Columbus Day weekend, you will be able to enjoy three spectacular cycling routes through the Hudson Highlands and the Catskills, hike forest trails, and get a hands-on education as a forest ecologist and student docents lead you on a tour of Black Rock Forest's most scenic vistas, its colonial and Native American historic sites, and research stations where scientists do vital work on climate change, biodiversity loss, mercury deposition and more.

The Forest Ride begins on Saturday, October 10, 2009 in Cornwall, NY. *Three-day riders must arrive by 8:30 am on Saturday, October 10 for our registration activities; crew must arrive Friday by 3:00 pm. Lodging for crew is included on Friday night. Riders who would like Friday lodging should contact us to learn about the options available.

About two months before the ride, you'll receive a travel packet that will include details on travel options to the start, including transportation from Manhattan and bike shipping. (For three-day riders, your lodging is included on Saturday and Sunday nights.)

The ride begins at 8:30 Saturday morning with breakfast and registration activities, followed by a brief Opening Ceremony. We've planned a beautiful first-day warm-up for you: a 25-mile fall foliage tour. The joy is in the journey today, so take your time and enjoy the view. After lunch, a staff ecologist will lead you on a guided hike through Black Rock Forest, where you'll discover some of the Forest's many secrets and learn more about the Consortium's research and educational work.

On Sunday we welcome our one-day riders to the event. All riders will choose to ride either 62 or 100 miles through the hills of Orange County and up toward the Catskills, enjoying the beautiful country roads and sweeping Hudson River views.

The Ride concludes on Monday, Columbus Day, with a 60-mile ride featuring the best of upstate agriculture. We'll be making stops at local farms and feature super-fresh produce and cheeses to complement the autumn vistas. We'll wrap up with a victory celebration at an organic vineyard, toasting everyone's successful completion of the three-day journey!

Throughout the weekend your ride will be fully supported. You will meet new friends along the way, take in stunning scenery, and pace yourself on the challenging hills, knowing that every 15 miles you'll find an "Oasis." More than a simple pit stop, it's a respite from the road with lots of cheering and a variety of snacks, water and sport drink, toilets, medical assistance, advice on stretching, and bike techs. At midday, we'll feed you a delicious, locally prepared lunch. Our sweep vans have a way of appearing when you need them. In fact, you'll be so well supported that Tuesday morning will be a rude awakening when the crew is gone and you have to fetch coffee yourself!

Your fundraising makes science and environmental education opportunities possible for students from some of the poorest school districts in the country. Not only that, the funds you raise help to further environmental research with important implications for our region, and help restore native species through the Consortium's conservation efforts. Won't you join us?   
*Specific location pending final route approval.