Catskills Scenic Ride N Peak Benefit Bike Ride Sets Off in May

DELHI, NY (04/14/2009)(readMedia)-- The KAATS organization is ramping up for their first annual Catskills Scenic Ride 'N Peak Benefit Bike Ride for adults and kids. On May 16th - rain or shine - riders will be able to view the beauty of the Catskills on one of five rides (104 miles ride, then a 75, 54, 25, and finally a 14 mile ride), starting and ending in Margaretville, in the Central Catskills. The day will start early with the longest route heading off first at 8am, and at half hour intervals, until the shortest ride heads off at 10am. The shortest route is a fun family ride to an historic church and back (7 miles each way). To give the kids a chance to rest there will be a water and snack stop at the halfway point. While all the rides are going on there will be bike safety classes, an obstacle course for kids, and bike related vendors at the finish line at the Pavillion on the community field in the village of Margaretville. The end of the event will be celebrated with live music.

The longest ride takes you from Margaretville west on State Hwy 28 then south on State Hwy 30 along the Pepacton Reservoir, then up the Tremperskill on Rt 1 to Andes. Rejoin Hwy 28 going north to Delhi, making a right in the village and heading east out County Hwy 10. You'll take a back road jaunt up Elk Creek Road to East Meredith, intersecting the historic Catskill Turnpike, then south on Rt. 33 to Bloomville. Head east on State Hwy 10 again to Stamford along the West Branch of the Delaware River. Then follow State Hwy 23 to Grand Gorge and finally southwest on State Hwy 30 back to Margaretville along the East Branch of the Delaware River.

This century ride is exactly the type of training done by Georgia Gould. Gould, a member of biking Team Luna, Olympic Mountain Biking team member in 2008, and winner of all six National Mountain Bike Series events in 2007, says this of her training in the central and western Catskills. "The Catskill Mountains offer a wide variety of terrain to ride - from gently rolling hills to super-steep lung-busting climbs. I never run out of options when I am training in the region. The scenery is beautiful, and there are tons of low-traffic roads to choose from. A cyclist's dream!"

There is a $25 registration fee ($30 for day of event registrations) that includes a commemorative t-shirt, and water/snacks at rest stops along ride route. 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. This is a USA Cycling authorized bike ride.

For more information on the event, to preview maps of ride routes, or to register, visit centralcatskills.org/bike, or email bikerideinfo@markproject.org and get further information you may need.

Lucci Kelly, board member from the KAATS Organization, said they decided to do a fun ride as the group's first foray into promoting cycling in the Catskills. "KAATS was formed to promote "green" related events throughout the Catskills, and eventually all of New York, bicycling to be specific as it is a "clean and green sport"! KAATS stands for "Kaatskills Art, Agriculture, Tourism, Sports". This bicycle Ride for Charity, with a great selection of routes, mileages and degree of difficulty, has something for everyone! All encompass the fabulous vistas we enjoy here in the Catskills. It is an opportunity to do a fund raising event for a worthwhile charity (this year, Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care) and showcase our Delaware County." The Catskills Scenic Ride 'N Peak is the result of several community based organizations coming together for a good cause. Supported by a grant from the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O'Connor Foundation, this event is a partnership between the MARK Project, the KAATS Foundation, the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce, the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, and Delaware County Tourism. "We hope to make this an annual event." Lucci said. "In future years, this event will take place in different areas of our county."

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, Stay-and-Play Packages or any other activities in the western Catskills, log on to: www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For free travel literature, call toll-free: (866) 775-4425 or e-mail: info@greatwesterncatskills.com. For timely events in the area visit delawarecountytoday.com.