This ride and this cause mean a lot to me. My mom, Elinor Mettler, had a dream that there should be a Rail Trail from Wassaic to Chatham. She wrote about it in her newspaper- the Roe Jan Independent- and it became a dream for a lot of other people too.
Now I remember her earliest supporters- my Dad of course, but also Larry Tell, and Dan Haas. I remember my Dad going out there with his brush hog to literally build trail. I remember the rallies where we would carry signs proclaiming "CHATHAM OR BUST".
Now those signs are relics, stored in my basement. But the dream is carried on by people like LIsa Deleeuw, Rose Aulino, Tom Carty, Jose Calle and Dick Hermans. And still, Dan Haas.
If you still believe in the dream, I hope that you will join me in building trail. For me it is still CHATHAM OR BUST!
Your contribution, whether large or small, means a lot. Thank you.
Jeanne
Roe Jan Ramble Bike Tour
The Roe Jan Ramble Bike Tour is a free ride, sponsored by the towns of Ancram, Copake and Hillsdale, NY. Cyclists have a choice of four routes, each of which travels through the beautiful Roe Jan area. More info at www.roejanramble.org
All participants have the option of raising money for the Harlem Valley Rail Trail to help extend the rail trail through the Roe Jan area.
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.