CLERMONT LOOP

Starting in Germantown - the oldest town on the river - 300 years old (1711)  - where the Brits dumped off the Palatines.  Small, quaint, beautiful views and essentially upstate horse and orchard country.

Ramble on through and with a pit stop in Tivoli for a stretch or a great lunch @ the Mexican; japanese; Spanish Tapas or Vegan restauraunt.  All quality choices as they service the Bard College set.

Culture available as well at Clermont State Park - former home of Robert Livingston - one of the 5 drafters of the Declaration of Independance.  Great place for a view of the river and a picnic lunch if you decide to bring your own food. PS - there is a tour of the house - bring streetshoes.

Move on to Woods Road!! all the way back to Germantown.  Huge towering first growth oak and maples over 150 feet tall tower over your head and provide a nice cool backstretch ride even on the most opressing days in August. Oh! - I forgot to mention that all the powerlines have been buried here on state property - enhancing the views and giving you that pre-technology experience you rarely get these days.

Finish up back in Germantown @ Otto's market with some home made ice-cream late in the afternoon.

You'll love this ride if you just cut through it in 2 1/4 hours or make a liesurly 7 hour day of it stopping everywhere and having lunch in tivoli - or anyting inbetween.

Enjoy!!!