Peddlers Wanted

DELHI, NY (04/03/2009)(readMedia)-- New York State's Great Western Catskills in Delaware County have long been a place for those who are inspired by the open rural landscape. For some the best way to experience it is with the wind in your face on the two wheels of your choice. Biking in the Catskills really is one of the best kept secrets of the region. The roads are uncrowded with other cars and bikers. Long, challenging, but not grueling, mountain roads give you a great work out on the way up and plenty of recovery time with breathtaking views on the ride back down.

1st Annual Catskills Scenic Ride N Peak

The KAATS organization is organizing their first 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 14 mile ride), starting and ending in Margaretville. The day will start early with the longest route heading off first at 8am, and every half hour 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 snacks served and restful activities. While all the rides are going on there will be bike safety classes, an obstacle course, 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.

This is a USA Cycling authorized bike ride. There is a $25 registration fee includes required USAC one day license, commemorative t-shirt, and water/snacks at rest stops along ride route. There is an extra $5 fee for registration on the same day. 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.

Funds raised during the ride will go to benefit Catskill Area Hospice. For more information and ride routes visit centralcatskills.org and follow the News and Events link to May 16th. To register call the M-ARK office at 845/586-3500 or email bikerideinfo@markproject.org and get further information you may need.

Bike Rentals

You don't have to own a mountain bike to take advantage of great events or rides on your own. The town of Arkville is home to Arkville/Bikeville at 43358 State Hwy 28. You can call ahead to reserve your mountain bike at 845-586-5637 or try your luck. Summer hours are 10am to 5pm.

Need a little more help to get you going? Catskill Outback Adventures will be setting up a weekend home in Margaretville during the summer. Saturdays they will bring mountain bikes (as well as kayaks and canoes) to rent out to the public. They offer a shuttle service for Rt. 30 to the Catskill Scenic Trail for biking and also offer guided tours with advanced reservations. Call them for more info at 845-254-9888 or visit their website at www.catskilloutback.com.

Plattekill Ski Center will rent out their mountain bikes to residents and travelers alike. Call ahead to inquire about availability and reserve the right size bike for your height. Helmets provided. Ask about their drop off or pick up service as well. Call them at 607-326-3500 or visit www.plattekill.com.

Catskill Scenic Trail

The Catskill Scenic Trail lies on top of the former rail bed of the Ulster & Delaware Railroad. The 19 mile Rails to Trails project offers a hard-packed surface that makes it perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The Trail's very gentle grade is a unique feature, with only a four hundred foot change in elevation over the entire 19 miles. The young and the young-at-heart will find this an easy trek through some of the most beautiful scenery in the state.The trail can be accessed at several points between Bloomville on State Hwy 10 to South Kortright. Moving on to Stamford, the trail turns east, mirroring State Highway 23 to Grand Gorge and then south along State Highway 30 to Roxbury. Look for the small parking areas and blue and gold "CST" signs.

The Trail is owned and maintained by the Catskill Revitalization Corporation, a not-for-profit organization. For more information on the Catskill Scenic Trail, visit www.catskillscenictrail.org or call 866-775-4425 for a copy of the trail map.

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: tourism@delawarecounty.org. For timely events in the area visit delawarecountytoday.com. Any time of year, come visit the Great Western Catskills of Delaware County and "Let the magic of our mountains move you."