One of the "kettle lakes" at the CVSP
This year’s second weekend tour will take place on June 16-17. The destination this time is the Chenango Valley State Park near Binghamton. We’ll meet at the Caroline School on NY 79 at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 16 and follow a route through Harford to Marathon, then south to the CVSP along NY Bike Route 11. On Sunday, we will probably return by the same route, though variations may be introduced.
This is a ride very suitable to newcomers to bicycle touring. While there are some hills (this is, after all, the Finger Lakes region!) they are not terribly long or steep and we have a whole day to go a relatively short mileage. The main climbing will be at the beginning of the ride, going from Slaterville toward Harford. After that, it is only the lesser climb to Marathon and then the small undulations as we follow the river valley all the way to our destination.
We’re planning on making a rest stop at the diner in Marathon. At some point before entering the park, we’ll pick up the final groceries for our supper, which we’ll have to prepare ourselves. There is no restaurant in or near the campground. Since we’ll probably arrive quite early in the park, we’ll be able to take hikes to see the lakes, walk down to the historic stone buildings and aqueduct, and learn about the history and natural history of the park. It’s a place full of a variety of interesting features.
On Sunday, we’ll start back to Ithaca after discussing what variations we might want to take on the route. The park is remarkably isolated from the roads toward the west, but we do have some choices. Some may want to take the shortest route back via NY 79, which also has the less strenuous climbs.
the distance by the mapped route is about 42 miles; heading straight back via NY 79, it’s about 37 miles. Cue sheet and map (for printing); full map info.
If you’re interested in joining us on this little adventure, let me know (touring@flcycling.org) and sign up on the google doc for this ride.
Hi, Coming from Pittsburgh area to Finger Lakes area. What area would suggest with the least climbing. We’re ok with the rollers/undulations but one of us is a pathetic climber. Thanks. Diane
I’d like to join. I’m pretty new to this, so I’m not sure if it’ll work out, though.
I added Steve when I entered myself.
I fixed the google doc permissions, so now you can sign up. sorry about that.
I couldn’t figure out how to put my info on Google Docs
Sign me up!