Write-up: Paul Sirtoli

Leader: Paul Sirtoli

Co-Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

Perfect temperature with a slight, cool breeze – our biker gang of eleven could not ask for a more perfect Father’s Day ride on this historic paved railway bed between Gloversville and Johnstown.  Sporting road and e-bikes, we passed shuttered leather tanneries and glove factories.  It was a ride through yesteryear where freight trains hauled cow hyde’s, chemicals, and hemlock to supply the once vibrant leather and glove industries.Spanning the twin cities, the bike path crossed many residential streets and several main highways, necessitating mounting and dismounting the bikes on numerous occasions.  No small feat for the e-bike owners. Despite the urban character of the bike path, the rural outlying portion of the path was dotted with small ponds, wetlands, stately, shady tree stands, and creeks coursing thru deep ravines.

This Tramp n’ Trail excursion marked the official 7,500-trip.  Former chair-woman Bobbi Scarpino, partier extraordinaire, surprised the group with bandannas for each participant, and delicious chocolate and vanilla half-moon cookies during our lunch break.

When it was all said and done, the 17+ mile leisurely excursion took 2.5 hours.

Several members desired more riding time to justify the driving time to Gloversville, so opted to drive to Fultonville to ride the Erie Canal trail east toward Amsterdam. This group of six terminated their ride at the historic Schoharie picnic area, where there was a double lock, with numerous descriptive displays on the grounds. This group rode an additional 17+ miles.On behalf of the gang, Thank YOU Bobbie for making this Tramp event most memorable.