Take 18 intrepid bicycle riders, 250 miles along the Hudson and up and over mountains and through rolling farmland, three beautiful fall days, and professional organization and volunteer support, and what do you get?  The first annual Green Ride fundraiser and some $48,000 for Black Rock Forest education programs.

The riders set off bright and early from Fort Tryon Park in upper Manhattan on the first day of the Columbus Day weekend, October 6, and rode across the George Washington Bridge and up Route 9W, stopping to enjoy the annual Open House Day at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.  They continued up to Bear Mountain Park (with spectacular riding along the Hudson River), past West Point and around Storm King Mountain to the Forest for the night.

The second day was the longest and most strenous, some 100 miles up and over the Shawangunk Mountains and Minnewaska State Park (with stunning views of the Catskill High Peaks) and then back to the Forest through farms and rolling country roads.

The final day brought the riders back to New York City along a slightly different route, ending with a wonderful greeting party in Fort Tryon Park.

The Ride was organized by Marty Rosen, the creator of the successful Empire State AIDS Ride who, along with Carolyn Blackburn, parent of an Amistad Dual Language School (PS/IS 311) student, created the idea of the only fundraising ride to benefit the environment in the Hudson Valley region.  Each rider had to raise at least $1800 in donations from friends and family to participate in the ride.

During the ride, Marty Rosen and her team of more than a dozen staff and volunteers provided support for the riders, everything from helping with signage to cooking and washing dishes to entertaining the riders at night in the Forest Lodge.  "i have never felt as well cared for in my life," said Dr. Martin Stute. Cornwall businesses provided prizes for the volunteers. 

Rider after rider mentioned the other riders as the best part of the event.  "I never expected to bond with other riders like I did," said Dr. Neil Maher.  "After three days of biking together, sweating together, eating together on the road, and gathering back at Black Rock Forest in the evening, a connection quickly developed."

Riders also mentioned the experience of being outdoors in a wonderful setting.  "The natural beauty of the Hudson River and the Hudson Valley more generally was eye-popping," said Dr. James Danoff-Burg.

Helping support the Forest and its education programs was another important feature for riders.  "Helping the Forest and its conservation mission while cycling through the areas I love was an unparalled opportunity," according to Dr. Danoff-Burg.

The second Green Ride is scheduled for October 11-13, 2008 (Columbus Day weekend).  Learn more at The Green Ride's web site . . .  and start training!