In the Dutchess County Spotlight

The adventure, sightseeing, and outstanding bicycling awaiting visitors to New York's famed Hudson River Valley are highlighted in the new guidebook Cycling the Hudson Valley: A guide to history, art, and nature on the east and west sides of the majestic Hudson River. The guidebook describes in vivid detail one of New York's most beautiful, historic, and environmentally and culturally rich regions.

Published by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the leading statewide non-profit parks and trails advocacy organization, in partnership with the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, the guide details routes on both the east and west sides of the Hudson River. It also lists attractions, campgrounds, breweries, wineries, bike shops, information centers, and service areas. The guide, an indispensable tool for cyclists and a key resource for other outdoor enthusiasts, serves as the perfect companion for touring any segment of the Hudson Valley or the entire region between Albany and New York City.

The 142-page guidebook includes 40 easy-to-read, full-color maps, and is divided into seven bridge-to-bridge sections. The spiral-bound guide's 5" by 9" size is perfect for bike saddlebags, back packs, or the car glove compartment. Modeled after its companion guidebook, Cycling the Erie Canal, the Hudson Valley guidebook also includes information on travel logistics, trip preparation, and safety tips.

Cycling the Hudson Valley is the result of Parks & Trails New York's years of experience organizing the Great Hudson Valley Pedal, an annual supported bike tour from Albany to Manhattan, as well as many PTNY staff hours bicycling and walking the valley's roads and trails.Dutchess County Tourism is proud to have contributed many photos to the project.

"Over the years, more and more requests have come in from cyclists who want to ride routes in the Hudson Valley on their own and are looking for a resource to show them what to see and do along the way, where to find a B&B, and how to locate a bike shop, pharmacy, or ATM. Cycling the Hudson Valley provides this critical information," says Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York and co-author of the guidebook.

Cycling the Hudson Valley retails for $23.95. It's available from Parks & Trails New York by visiting www.ptny.org or calling 518-434-1583.

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) is New York's leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving New Yorkers' health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space. PTNY promotes bicycle and heritage tourism through two annual bicycle tours, the Great Hudson Valley Pedal and Cycling the Erie Canal, "Bicyclists Bring Business" workshops, and various publications.