Once again I am thrilled to be riding in the Roe Jan Ramble Bike Tour, and to have this chance to fundraise for the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Just shy of 40 years ago, my Mom, Elinor Mettler, began to advocate for the construction of a Rail Trail on the abandoned railroad bed of the Harlem Division. She was soon joined by Larry Tell, another pioneer on this journey. Others joined- Dan Haas, Dr. George Beneke and as time went on the dream became a reality.
Today the Rail Trail is about 26 miles long, leaving 20 miles to go to reach Chatham. The success thus far is thanks to the HVRTA- their committment to this effort has spanned four decades. Much appreciation goes to the Board, and especially the Executive Director, Lisa DeLeeuw.
It is my hope that in the months to come, New York State will step up to accelerate the completion of the trail- first crossing Route 22 at Black Grocery and then on to Chatham. The trail so far is stunning, the completed trail will be a NYS treasure.
As my mother always said: "Chatham or Bust"! If you can contribute to this worthy goal, I would be so grateful.
Thank you,
Jeanne
Roe Jan Ramble Bike Tour
Join us for the 12th anniversary of the Roe Jan Ramble Bike Tour! It's free to all participants and is sponsored by the towns of Copake, Hillsdale and Ancram, NY on the border of Massachusetts in some of the most beautiful scenery of the Hudson Valley & Taconic foothills you've ever seen. While it is free to ride, our event encourages donations for the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Funds raised will be used to support, connect and expand the public trail from Copake Falls, NY to Hillsdale, NY and continue north.
The Roe Jan Ramble Bike Tour is sponsored by the Towns of Copake, Hillsdale, and Ancram, New York. This free public event raises funds to support the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association. The Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association (HVRTA) was founded in 1986 and incorporated in 1995 as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for completion of the rail trail in Dutchess & Columbia Counties, New York. HVRTA’s core mission includes partnering with public and private agencies, leading volunteer efforts to assist with trail maintenance, raising capital for purchasing rights-of-way, and offering trail design expertise to public and private agencies.