Roe Jan Ramble returns Sept. 20

COPAKE — The 13th annual Roe Jan Ramble is returning to the roads of south Columbia County on Saturday, Sept. 20.

The free community bike ride offers routes at a variety of distances for cyclists of every skill level, from a 10-mile jaunt around Copake to a 64-mile marathon ride looping around Hillsdale, Copake and Ancramdale.

Participation is completely free, as the event is paid for and sponsored by the towns of Copake, Hillsdale and Ancram, but organizers do accept donations benefitting the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association.

Organizer Tom Goldsworthy said the ramble has raised more than $25,000 in donations over the years.

“We had many people who participated in rides the first couple of years when we didn’t accept donations and they all said ‘Where can I donate? I love the ride so much,’” Goldsworthy said. “The ride is free as a public event that’s sponsored by the town so anybody can participate regardless of ability to pay.”

The six routes available to participants travel through the hamlets as much as possible, Goldsworthy said. “They’re some of the less-traveled roads that have some really beautiful views,” he said. “Scenic parts of the towns that people wouldn’t normally see.”

Such as the 64-mile ride, which routes cyclists around Copake Lake. Or the 25-mile ride that routes past the scenic Herondale Farm in Ancram.

Participation has been solid for the annual cycling event. “Last year we had over 700 riders,” Goldsworthy said. “And it looks like we’re on track to do the same thing this year.” Riders come from Columbia and Dutchess Counties and points further south in New York mostly, but include cyclists from as far as New Hampshire and Vermont, he said.

Interested cyclists can sign up online at www.roejanramble.org

Registration is free, but riders and their friends and family can submit a donation to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail through the ramble’s website.