Rails to Trails is a terrific organization and can use all the support it can get. They publish guide books that describes in detail with maps all of the rails to trails to-date. They have one for New York. -- railstotrails.org

Another important group for long distance cycling is the Adventure Cyclist. This group is the outgrow from the 1976 transAmerica ride. While geared to the touring cyclist, they have excellent maps and other information for the type of riding that you want to do. == adventurecycling.org ==

I second Birdie's recommendation of Lancaster, PA for a beautiful fall weekend. I remember biking there once right after we returned from France, and thinking that the countryside was just as beautiful. I saw a cow standing in an old mill stream under a big weeping willow. I just don't see scenes like that often. You can take the train to Philadelphia and then out to Lancaster.

RIght off the BRP they do a Mt. Mitchell climb every year. It is not for the faint of heart.http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/bicycling.htm

The 264 mile KATY trial in Missouri is a beautiful rail trail. Much of it is along the Missouri River. There are B&Bs along the route and part of it passes through wine country. My favorite section has cliffs on one side and the river on the other. Lewis & Clark camped along this stretch. http://www.bikekatytrail.com/

In the spring, I have twice done Bike Florida. They move your luggage to the next location when you can camp or stay in a motel. Those trips were lots of fun. One of the rides began with watching a launch at the Cape. http://www.bikeflorida.org/

I did a great tour with Michigan Bicycle Touring, but they went out of business.

Keith

If you would like a midwestern bike route, Milwaukee has a wonderful bike trail along Lake Michigan and through parks that was part of the '76 celebration. Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties (south to IL border) have bike ride maps indicating both on and off road trails of various lengths. Many are former railroad routes without the tracks. The ones near Lake Michigan are cool both in temperature and views. The Sparta-Elroy Trail is probably the best known bike trail in WI, but IMO there are many better without the crowds. Having toured on bikes averaging 100 miles per day many years ago, I still enjoy biking locally now. This week Wisconsin roads will be filled with Harley Davidson motorcycles for their 105th Anniversary in Milwaukee. I much prefer the quiet of my bike to the "thunder" of the 100,000+ bikes expected this weekend. Chicago also has many bike trails. The fall colors are beautiful in this area so come enjoy them on a bike.

Two ideas if you ever come to southern Maine or western VT: In Maine, there's the Maine Lighthouse Ride during September of each year. The funds from this raise money for the ongoing construction of the 4-season, recreational Eastern Trail. It is great fun. Check it out at www.easterntrail.org.

In Vermont, they have some of the best biking in the Northeast. We just did a biking tour of Grand Isle, South Hero, etc. in Lake Champlain. With the Adirondacks in the background it is just gorgeous! Both of these are not too challenging.

Here's another: www.summerfeet.net

We live near Buffalo, NY where you can bike over the Peace Bridge and ride approx. 35 miles along the Niagara River to Niagara on the Lake (NOTL). It is obviously very scenic seeing as you pass Niagara Falls! The ride from Niagara Falls to NOTL is also interesting because there are several wineries and farmers markets along the route, not to mention beautiful mansions.

Hi Katie-this group always seem to be having a great time when they whiz through one of our favourite areas, Cape Rosier, ME.
http://www.ciclismoclassico.com/trip...php?trip_id=46 - 32k