Bike Ride Fun for Charity Gears Up For May 22nd.

Wind in your face. Charity in your legs.

DELHI, NY (05/06/2010)(readMedia)-- On Saturday, May 22nd - rain or shine – more than one hundred intrepid cycling fans will raise money for central Catskills charities by riding any where from 14 to 75 miles through the beautiful river valleys of Delaware County. Last years ride drew cyclists from Philadelphia, Hoboken, Long Island, Washington DC and many Hudson Valley and Catskills towns to enjoy the western gateway to the Catskill Park and its gentle mountain roads. This years' ride is on track to do the same.

The second annual Catskills Scenic Ride 'N Peak kicks off in Margaretville at 8:30am. Riders will set off in various directions throughout the scenic byways of the Margaretville area including the bucolic Dry Brook Valley, the Pepacton Reservoir loop, and the valleys of the east and west branches of the Delaware River including the towns of Margaretville, Roxbury, Fleischmanns, South Kortright, Bovina, Andes, and Delhi. This year the event features five ride options: 14 mile, 25 mile, 26 mile, 54 mile and 75 mile rides. Maps of the rides are available to preview on the Central Catskills Chamber website at www.centralcatskills.com. Easier rides follow river roads which tend to have less grade change. Longer rides offer the option of biking up and over multiple mountains so be prepared for a great challenge and exquisite vistas to reward you. There will be water and snacks/fruit stops along the routes to keep riders refreshed and energized.

There is a $25 registration fee ($35 for day of event registrations) and comes with a free t-shirt. Children from 10 - 14 ride free with a registered adult rider and are restricted to the 14 and 25 mile routes. Children under ten can be a tandem passenger with a registered adult rider. All riders must wear ANSI or SNELL approved helmets. For more information on the event and to register online go to www.centralcatskills.com and look for the event on their calendar. It will link you to further information you may need.

If you're hanging out in the park with the kids while other family members ride the big routes, think about participating in the Margaretville Central School PTA's first annual Tricycle Race. Starting at 1pm teams (that would be a two person team – one over 16 and one under 16) will compete in various heats. Team fee is $10. Helmets for the kids will be made available at no charge, courtesy of the Delaware County Sheriff's Department. Additionally, the local wellness committee from the Margaretville Hospital is sponsoring two clinics on proper golf stances at 9:30 and 11am. Also, the Greater Margaretville Historical Society will be hosting a walking tour of the village starting at 1pm – meet tour leader Fred Miller at the pavilion.

Ice cream and Italian ices will be available in the afternoon for families and riders to recharge everyone's energy, as well as heartier far like pulled pork BBQ sandwiches and beverages. Margaretville itself has lots of restaurants, shopping and a wonderful park and river walk to enjoy, so there'll be lots for the non-riders to enjoy all day.

"This is an fun adventure for the whole family and the proceeds go toward good causes" notes ride coordinator Lucci Kelly. "The event also highlights the region's many cycling opportunities and increases activity in our communities."

The Catskills Scenic Ride-n-Peak is a community event supported by volunteers from the MARK Project, the KAATS Foundation, the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce, and Plattekill Mountain. The ride is supported by a grant from the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O'Connor Foundation, and the number of regional sponsors is growing.

Great Western Catskills Tourism

The Great Western Catskills is an easy day trip from New York City metro area, Albany, or Binghamton and a great weekend getaway or vacation destination for all. To learn more about outdoor resources, affordable local lodging around Margaretville, Stay-and-Play Packages and great events going on in the western Catskills, log on to: www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For free travel literature like our fishing map and antique and art gallery directory can be mailed out to you - call toll-free: (866) 775-4425 or e-mail: info@greatwesterncatskills.com.