by | November 13, 2016 · 4:13 pm

Jewel in the Crown?

***UPDATE***

Alert cyclist Brent noted that the bicycle ramps have had a entry ramp added – see picture: bike-ski-11-28-16-crop

 

Back-story – The revitalization of the Corning Riverfront Park proceeds apace. The “finishing touches” are nearing completion. The new “green path” is open or will be soon so that people on bicycles can ride from the Slater to the Barge/DGS building without having to navigate amongst the walkers, joggers, and strollers. At Colonie/Water Sts., a second segment helps riders get clear of the Corning Riverfront Park and across the I-787 exit ramp. [Ed: Be careful here!]

Alert cyclist Brent reported that bicycle ramps are installed on the stairs leading to and from the Corning Riverfront Park over the bridge that crosses I-787 at Pine St. on Broadway. Now, instead of carrying one’s bicycle up or down the stairs, one can walk it up or down the ramp. As a cautionary note, lean your bicycle away from the hand railing to prevent interference with the pedals.

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The ramps help those whose bicycle weight or degree of fitness makes climbing/descending the stairs a chore. In addition, those who want to enter the Corning Riverfront Park WITHOUT risking the Jose Perez Memorial Plaza (at the Slater entrance) or the I-787 off ramp (at Colonie St.) or who are in midtown, can now use the pedestrian bridge (with ramps) as a good alternative. Notabley, people on bicycles can access the Corning Riverfront Park from either end by using the BikeAlbanyMap. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The ramps are a good idea. Nevertheless, check the motorized “bicycle lift” in Trondheim – a good idea for the  State or Morton St. hills?

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by | November 8, 2016 · 3:37 pm

A Century of Riding Bliss

A Century of Riding Bliss

 As another step toward exploring all the bicycle paths in New York State, cyclist Ed set out over the 2016 Labor Day Weekend to complete the following Century.charlton_pumpkin-comp

Summary – Home in the New Scotland Ave. area of Albany – to Slingerlands, Albany, Mechanicville, Ballston Spa, Amsterdam, Niskayuna, and back to home. Total per Google maps – 107.6 miles and with various diversions – 115.0 miles.

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  • 2.2 miles Home to Albany County Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail
  • 7.0 miles Albany County Rail Trail to Corning Riverfront Park/Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail
  • 5.0 miles to Watervliet
  • 5.8 miles through Watervliet/Green Island to Black Bridge and the Delaware Ave. Trail through Van Schaick Island and Peebles Island, Cohoes, to Waterford.
  • 9.0 miles Rt. 4 from Waterford to Brookwood Rd. to Old Champlain Canal Trail (gravel) Upper Newton Rd. to Rt. 4 to Mechanicville/Main St.
  • 4.1 miles South St. /Pruyn Hill Rd. climbs to Johnson Rd., right onto Staniak Rd., to Coons Crossing Rd., to Zim Smith Mid-County Trail
  • 9.1 miles Zim Smith Mid-County Trail to Ballston Spa
  • 0.8 miles left E. High St. right Low St. to Ballston Spa Front Street Park
  • 3.6 miles Rt. 67/Rt. 50 South from Ballston Spa to left Outlet Rd.
  • 4.0 miles outlet Rd., right on Ballston Bicycle Path to Ballston Lake, right on 146A
  • Few yards north on 146A, left on Lake Hill Rd.
  • 15.2 miles Lake Hill Rd. becoming Stage Rd. in Charlton, jog left to Maple Ave. Left on Packer Rd. to EaSt.ern Ave. becoming WeSt.ern Ave. in West Charlton. Right Westline Rd. Left Waite Rd. to Rt. 67 north of Amsterdam
  • 4.8 miles Left Rt. 67 to Amsterdam to roof of Riverfront Center parking lot (this included about 2 extra miles looping around downtown Amsterdam looking for the route to cross to the Riverfront Park/Gateway Overlook Bridge.
  • 0.5 mile bridge/elevator from roof of Riverfront to “Riverlink Park.” Over the new (August 2016) Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Bridge to Erie Canalway Trail just past Erie St. amsterdam_finding_way_to_new_bridge-comp

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  • 29.0 miles Canalway Trail/5S thru Pattersonville, Rotterdam Junction, Schenectady over to Scotia – on a (nasty, nameless) trail at end of Collins Park to Freemans Bridge
  • Back to Schenectady/Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail to Lions Park, Niskayuna
  • 3.2 miles Left Old River Rd., Right Rosendale Rd., Left Rt. 7, right British American Blvd (bike lanes) to Cornell Rd., to Shaker Trail (paved), and to left on Airline Dr
  • 2.3 miles Airline Dr that becomes S. Family Drive to left on Sand Creek. Sand Creek to right Morello Drive – left on Central 1 block, to Lincoln Ave.
  • 3.2 miles Lincoln to the City Dump and Six Mile Waterworks Trail, Rt. on Multi-Use Trail along Fuller to Circle by UAlbany, Tricentennial Dr.
  • 4.6 miles UALBANY Bike Path to WeSt.ern Ave., left on WeSt.ern to HomeSt.ead, left on Hazlehurst which becomes Berkshire to Right on Ormond becomes Friebel Rd. / left on Krumkill to New Scotland, Right on New Scotland, and back home.

This is a good ride to gain an appreciation of the touring opportunities in the area.  The ride could be broken up into two or three segments for those wanting to commit to a “century” ride. [Ed.]

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Well?

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by | October 30, 2016 · 6:25 pm
by | October 21, 2016 · 6:30 pm

Who Needs Traffic Calming on Madison Ave.? – Madison Ave. at Lake – 12:00 PM, Friday, Oct 21, 2016

Here’s clear evidence of why we now have Madison Avenue Traffic Calming – too bad this section won’t be done until next year.

Madison Ave. at Lake – 12:00 PM, Friday, Oct 21, 2016

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by | October 6, 2016 · 3:08 pm

Crisan Pastry Shop – Alive and Well in Albany

Your life is not complete until you experience Crisan pâtisserie for some “edible art” (their tag line). This bright and cheery Albany venue recently re-opened (see earlier post) in the Albany Institute of History & Art, second floor.

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Crisan at AIHA

Crisan had been a busy mainstay on Lark St. for six years. It offered the best pastry in the area, delicious coffee, and gelato in a courteous, welcoming atmosphere. It was common to find all three tables fully occupied and a long line at the counter. In all but the coldest months, the three outside tables were a great spot to “see and be seen” and enjoy the goodness of Crisan. Crisan Bakery & Edible Art Gallery is still at 197 Lark St. Albany 12210, (518) 445-2727, e-mail cafecrisan@gmail.com. Hours: Monday: Closed, Tuesday – Friday: 9-3, and weekends: by appointment. There is no table service at this location.

If you have not been to Crisan, you have not lived a full life. Now located on the Institute’s second floor adjacent to the Museum Shop, come for a selection of European pastries, flaky croissants, creamy gelato and refreshing sorbets (in season) as well as soups, salads, and sandwiches made by Crisan Bakery. Enjoy special drinks including Harney and Sons’ fine teas, espressos and Italian affogato. Eat in or take away.

Café Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 10:00 to 5:00, Thursday: 10:00 to 8:00, and Sunday: 12:00 to 5:00. Closed Monday and some major holidays.

After (or before) your visit to Crisan, be sure to visit the exhibits at the Albany Institute of History & Art.  The Museum – a local treasure – is celebrating its 225th Anniversary in 2016. It is New York’s oldest museum and will be celebrate with special exhibitions, events, and admission rates all year! Admission: adults: $10, seniors: $8, and students: $8 (with ID). There is no charge for visiting Crisan or the museum shop in the Institute.

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