September 8, 2024

Friends: I hope you're having a nice late summer weekend! I look forward to seeing you next Sunday for a fun Brewster to Poughkeepsie (to New Paltz) ride, including a pause at the awesome Walkway Over the Hudson! Sunday's ride is comprised of 4 major sections (and is part of the awesome 750 mile Empire State Trail from NYC to Albany, then either to Buffalo along the Erie Canal; or north to the Adirondacks!). First is a short connector section from Brewster to the Empire State Trail; then the 9-mile Maybrook Trailway, which passes by "dense woods, farm fields, ponds and wetlands"; and then the 14-mile WRS Duchess Rail Trail, which "passes through wooded areas, local parks, and residential communities" culminating in a "spectacular 1.5-mile park built on an historic railroad bridge high above the Hudson River"; and a short final 8-mile stretch to cute New Paltz! Please save my number in case you have any questions & to stay in touch on Sunday: 646.729.5449 John (jlnewsome@gmail.com)

September 8, 2024

Sunday 9/15 itinerary: 8:45am (please be timely) - Meet by the info center in the Main Concourse @ Grand Central to confirm train/track & bike friendly cars (in theory, Metro North has a bike limit policy, but it's unthinkable we'll have any issues) 9:09am Harlem Line Train departs prompty for Brewster (restrooms on board) 10:38am Train arrives @ Brewster Station 10:45am Begin Empire State Trail from Brewster Station! (if joining in Brewster, please arrive by 10:30am) 10:45-2:00pm Bike 38 miles to Poughkeepsie (rest stop in Hopewell Junction, others as needed)

September 8, 2024

2:00pm Break (rest area, snack options) after crossing to the west side of Walkway Over the Hudson - the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world! Option to return to Poughkeepsie, take Metro North back to NYC 2:15pm Bike 8 miles to New Paltz, quaint college town with lots of food options 3-4pm Return to Poughkeepsie; trains to NYC at 2:51 & 3:51, etc; arrive GCT 2 hours after departure Thanks again and I look forward to seeing you shortly! John (646.729.5449 jlnewsome@gmail.com)

September 10, 2024

Hi John, I will joining at the Harlem station at 9.19am. I'll text you in the morning and you could let me know where on the train you guys are. But it's probably best to spread out a bit with the bikes anyway. 

September 11, 2024

Hey John- looking forward to it! Based on past experiences, I might recommend starting a WhatsApp group, checking in with each other that way about arrival times and train platform #s, and having everyone just go to the train platform as they arrive. I say this because, on these weekend trains upstate, the bike spots tend to go fast and we've had trouble with finding places for our bikes if we didn't get to the train early. Just a thought!

September 11, 2024

Thanks for the heads up about your travel plans, Christian! We'll look forward to catching up with you in Harlem!

Stephan, re: the WhatsApp group: Great suggestion! Thank you!

Folks, can you email me your WhatsApp #? (jlnewsome@gmail.com) 

I'll create a group now, starting with the #s I already have :) 

Thanks again and more soon!

-john

September 11, 2024

Oh: Or you can text me with your WhatsApp info: I’m on 646.729.5449. Thx!

September 11, 2024

I think on the morning of the ride, as the host, you'll be able to log into this portal and see everyone's numbers to create the whatsapp :)

I'm 2066040025

September 11, 2024

I just want to remind everyone that these comments are public and visible across the internet. Phone numbers posted here are public.

September 14, 2024

Hi all, I look forward to seeing you Sunday at GCT at 8:45!

Thanks, Peter, for the reminder that this thread is public. That said, I haven't seen a way to unlock a private thread. 

Please text, WhatsApp, or email me and I'll create a thread for us to all stay in touch. My info is 646.729.5449 (cell & WhatsApp) & jlnewsome@gmail.com. Thanks again!

September 14, 2024

Hey John! I'll keep responding here, since it may be of common interest. As the  ride organizer, you can use the "Additional Information" section to automatically send out info to riders in the RSVP email that you don't want to be seen by the world at large. You can also use the "Email RSVPers" button at the bottom of the ride page to send out a manual email.

Additionally you can also other details (liked your phone number) to the "Start Location" section that will only be visible to RSVPers.

The WhatsApp groups is also a great idea to keep riders organized. You can even use it to share locations if someone gets lost.

Overall, this ride sounds great and I'm really happy that you've organized all this! Thank you!!!

September 14, 2024

Hey all, unfortunately I have to take care of a few things around in the city tomorrow morning, so won't be able to make it :(