Late November and all the trees are bare of leaves. A short stop at Jamesport confirms that Winter is not to far away.

No Magnolia Muffins Ride

Wow, it's been a while since my last entry. I've been riding, but inexcusably not writing. So, I finally finished a Jeff ride and decided to write about it. I've caught several of his SBRA B-, and B rides before, though all while midway into, or just finishing my own ride. As I said, I finally finished this one. However I actually didn't start with the group. I met them midway, as I was late in getting to the meeting spot. Anyway, arguably the best part of any ride are the food stops. Though on a previous ride I threw my back out bending over to pick up one of those blueberry filled muffins. No, these muffins are not from the over rated Magnolia Bakery but from the local L.I. Briermere Farm .

Winter Riding

Winter has it's own beauty. However riding in 4-5 inches of snow creates a myriad of problems. Safety is the main problem. However Nordic Skiing is one of the best aerobic execises when bicycling is not possible and the best thing is there are no cars. We caught The 550 acre Muttontown Preserve on a cloudless morning after a heavy snow. Unfortunately it lasted only for a few days.

Vitus for Sale

It was tough decision but I finally decided to retire my classic Vitus. For larger photos click here or title of this post.

Two Weeks in China

It's been too many weekends with out bicycling. The truth is I've been preparing for my 2 week trip through China . I decided to replace bicycling weekends with running weekends, targeting my training to the specific activity for the next 2 weeks, not that I'd be running, but rather walking more often. What irony, walking in China, a country of more that a billion bicycles. But as in all cases when you travel the choice is always between getting close to the country or see more of the country. I chose to see more of the country. In doing so I shot over 2,000 photographs. The challenge to see and capture 5,000 years of history in 2 weeks was over whelming.

Tour de Jamesport

What a weekend of bicycling. Denis Mechov won The Giro d'Italia by a close margin. Lance Armstrong finished despite a broken collar bone. Inspired by their accomplishments I rode my version of the Giro, despite my flating at the beach fans waited patiencely to cheer me on.

Catskills Fall Foliage

The date of this MTB ride in Minnewaska State Park Preserve was agreed upon several months in advance. However no amount of planning assures that you will see the fall foliage at its peak. We got lucky as the colors and the weather couldn't be better. Minnewaska Preserve is part of the Shawangunk Ridge located in a sparsely populated area in the Catskills. The carriage trails provide the most spectacular views. The Nature Conservancy has designated the preserve as one of the "75 Last Great Places on Earth".

Harlem Valley Rails Trail Millerton, New York

Since there are no hills to speak of in Long Island's Suffolk County I decided this weekend to take on the foothills of The Berkshires. You might call it my own private Alpe d'Huez. This ride was a 2 day event organized by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and Bike New York. The first 10 miles are flat as we're on the Harlem Valley Line's Rails Trail. This abandoned rail track is now paved as a muti-use recreational trail. In 1845, the New York State Legislature authorized further rail road extension northward to create a connection with Albany. This inland route later became known as the "Harlem Valley" line. The valley route was easier and less costly to construct than a route following the Hudson River. However, competing business interests in cities along the river simultaneously started construction on The Hudson River Railroad. This competing project was completed at almost the same time and eventually became the primary route. The inland counties of Putnam and Dutchess formerly served by the Harlem Valley Line was known as The Harlem Valley and is still called that today.

The first 10 miles on the Rails to Trails.

The first rest stop at Wassaic. Ten miles south of Millerton.

What hill? Piece of cake.

No need to pedal for this hill!

Riverhead to Cutchogue #1

Meeting in Rivehead's waterfront at 9:30 AM.




Hava and Norm with their Trek Tandem

Bob, Norman and Hava round up the group

Bob and Rich

Norm and Hava saddle up

Bob decides to model his outfit

Norm and Hava in New Suffolk

Rich and Sue

Rich and Tricia

Shelter Island

Shelter Island is nestled between the North and South Forks of Long Island. The island is around 8,000 acres in size. However, vast tracts are protected wetlands nature preserve marshland. Nearly one-third of the island is owned by The Nature Conservancy and kept in a forever-wild state. The Island can be reached via ferry from Greenport to the north (approximately 15-minute trip) or from North Haven to the south (approximately 5-minute trip).


On the Greenport Ferry








Goose Neck Pond

Silver Beach

Briemere Pie Ride

The Briermere Pie ride lead by Barbara a SBRA and ADK trip leader. The ride name refers to the rest stop for a slice of pie at Briemere Farms.


Peconic Bay





Jamesport Marina

Peach Cherry, Blueberry or Apple Pie?

One of each please.

Anyone want a second piece?

Thanks, one will do for now.
Hmm... on second thought, the additional fuel will come in handy