KINGSTON >> Scores of bicycle enthusiasts of all ages flocked to Forsyth Park Sunday for the 11th annual Tour de Kingston-Ulster.
Bicyclists could choose from a wide range of ride lengths and styles ranging from a 5-mile flat family ride to 25- and 50-mile rides for more experience riders.
The other 10- and 18-mile rides mixed road and trail riding.
PHOTOS: Tour de Kingston-Ulster
Dave Schleede, the event’s co-founder and owner of Bike Brothers in Ulster County, said approximately 300 people rode this year in the event which is sponsored by the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County and the Health Alliance Foundation
“It was a big year for the biggest challenge for experienced cyclists,” he said, speaking of registrations for the 50-mile ride.
He said Ulster County is a wonderful place to ride. “It’s very scenic,” he said, noting that each course used roads less traveled as much as possible.
“It makes it more enjoyable,” he said.
He said the event offers a wide range of rides so everyone can find a distance that’s right for them.
“There are guys out there that ride every day doing the longer part of it,” he said.
The shorter rides offer a great introduction to cycling, he said.
“Cycling is great for fitness,” he said. “It’s easier on your body, there’s no impact with cycling.”
Among the newcomers were Ethan Karras and Erin Marinho of Lake Katrine, who were getting ready to set out on the family ride with their children Jack, Emma and Ethan.
Jack rode his own bike, while Ethan and Emma rode along in a carriage towed behind Karras’ bike.
“We just wanted to have a good time,” Karras said, adding that they are knew to bike riding and they hope it’s an activity they can do together in coming years.
Shortly after the family ride left, Moe Keegan of Ulster Park, was packing up her bike after taking the 25-mile ride with her husband, Dave Bolles, and a few friends she rides with each week.
She said the Tour de Kingston-Ulster is just one of several rides they take part in each year and she’s done it several times in the past.
She said she was impressed with how many faces were attempting the 25-mile course.
“There were a lot of women, working real hard, taking it easy,” she said.
Sean Giobane, Michael Lang and Harry Giles, all of Saugerties, did the 25-mile course as “Team America.”
Giobane said they were first to cross the line, although he admitted there wasn’t any prize because the Tour is considered a ride and not a race.
He called it a wonderful ride and said the race organizers did a great job with the course.
“There were some good climbs, good descents and the beautiful weather,” he said.
