Climbing

If you want to start doing self-contained touring but want to start small, here's the perfect bike overnight. Day 1 is quite easy, using the South & North County and Putnam Trailways to just above Brewster (Sears Corner). It's 55 miles and 2200 vertical feet. Day 2 is more challenging (but shorter - about 42 miles and 2900 vertical feet) with more climbing and several steeper sections, but it goes past beautiful lakes and through state forests. Just make sure you have low gears. Since you're just doing one overnight at a motel, you won't need to pack a lot.

This is a fairly short ride with a lot of climbing, but it's an excellent way for strong C-riders and slower B riders to enjoy the back roads and splendid views of Westchester County. The ride begins at the comfort station in Sachkerah Woods Playground at Jerome Ave & W Gun Hill Rd in the Bronx. Take the #4 train to Mosholu Pkwy or Woodlawn, or take the D train to 205th St Norwood.

This is an excellent way for strong C riders and slower B riders to do Bear Mountain. Take Metro North to Cold Spring. You start with a 10-mile warm-up ride from the Cold Spring train station and then do the 4-mile climb up Bear Mountain while you have lots of energy. After the descent there are still a couple of shorter climbs before lunch at the Cove Deli. Then it's mostly pleasant side roads and rail trail to get home, with a second snack/ice cream stop in W. Nyack. Ride ends on the NY side of the GW Bridge.