My family was so honored when the HVRTA built the Elinor Mettler Memorial Garden in 2018. The creation of the Harlem Vally Rail Trail- from Wassaic to Chatham- was my mom's dream.
Since 2014 the Roe Jan Ramble Bike Tour has raised over $90,000 towards the completion of the trail from Copake Falls to Hillsdale. Today the HVRTA is chugging along- building new trail every day. Right now they are completing Millerton to Boston Corners. Next step: crossing Route 22 at Black Grocery.
My mom always said: Chatham or Bust. Now it looks like this will be a reality, in the not so distant future.
There were lots of folks who have been important to the story. My Dad, for starters. And of course Larry Tell, Dan Haas, Dr. George Beneke.... Dick Hermans and Lisa DeLeeuw.
I am very proud to be part of this effort, too.
CHATHAM OR BUST!
Roe Jan Ramble Bike Tour
The Roe Jan Ramble Bike Tour is going strong in its 7th year with a marvelous, scenic and enjoyable ride, sponsored by the towns of Copake, Hillsdale and Ancram, NY on the border of Massachusetts. There are 6 routes to choose from (10, 18, 25, 35, 50 miles and New!-100km or 62.5 miles) on quiet country roads in some of the most beautiful scenery of the Hudson Valley & Taconic foothills you've ever seen.
While our event is free, we encourage donations for the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Our fundraising will be earmarked to connect the trail between Copake Falls & Hillsdale, and to create an uninterrupted traffic-free trail for biking, walking, jogging & healthy exercise that extends from Wassaic, NY ultimately 46 miles to Chatham, NY.
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.