video: yakima fork chop review / hot pick: erie canal bike path

This is a 2-for-1 video for those who like to go bicycling, including a test of the Yakima Fork Chop accessory, and my hot pick of a bike path on the Erie Canal. The Fork Chop is a simple attachment for carrying a bicycle on your Yakima car rack. If you like multi-day bike rides, then the 350-mile long Erie Canal Bikeway is for you, and I give you a sampler of the Mohawk-Hudson section near Schenectady, New York.

Also, in this video, I take a closer look at the amazing Dam & Lock system on the Mohawk River, and I try a little quick fishing.

Check out my review of the Yakima Jetstream Bike Rack Review also.

Did you know you can enjoy biking in Yosemite? Check out my video on What To Do In Yosemite In Only A Day

I do drawings on the side, as seen in the opening of this video, the bicycle intro. If you are interested in seeing my art, please visit my store.

Art & graphics by Al Lau.

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The following gear appear or are used in the video:
Yakima ForkChop Fork Mount Bike Carrier for Roof Rack
Yakima JetStream Bar, Aerodynamic Bar for Roof Rack Systems, Black, 50″
Yakima BaseLine, Adjustable Towers for Vehicles without Rails, Gutters or Factory Roof Options, (Set of 4)
Giro Isode MIPS Adult Cycling Helmet
Sony RX100 20.2 MP Digital Camera w/ 1-inch sensor
Panasonic HC-V800
GoPro Hero 8

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biking: ashokan reservoir

Over Memorial Day weekend, I biked on a small path along the Ashokan Reservoir about 6 miles south of Woodstock, in New York State’s Hudson Valley.  The trail is only under 2 miles long (1 mile each way), but the views are astonishing, including mountains, a valley, a creek, a dam, a bridge and a lake.  It is a very easy paved path for the family, walkers and joggers.  A picnic table is in the east parking entrance and a bench is on the west parking entrance.  For fishing, there is an access to the river on the north side of the bridge that crosses the lake.  The reservoir is stocked with lake trout, brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseeds and black crappies.  Please note: A New York fishing license is required.

biking: paramus, nj

Dunkerhook Park contains the longest paved bike path, approx. 10 miles total, in Bergen County, NJ. It stretches from Saddle River to Ridgewood. As a bonus, there are some hidden dirt trails. Plus, you can go fishing along the stocked river and lakes. This is where I find myself, when I have a need to bike locally, or else I would have to go into New York City to ride on paved trails such as the Greenway. NYC can get busy on a nice day. It now cost $8 to cross the bridge or tunnel from NJ, plus parking in the city can be tricky.

biking: raymond esposito rail trail

I find this rail trail on May 20th, after browsing the annual antiques and crafts street fair in Nyack, New York State. I’ve heard about a bike trail in the area. While driving into Nyack on Route 9, I see a trail follow the roadside. It starts from a basketball court/playground. I am pleasantly suprised to see that this is actually several trails connected, extending through the hillside of Piermont for about 8 miles. The trail passes behind million-dollar homes. One problem is 1/3 of the path is rocky. But eventually it turns into fine dirt, and then paved road. The view overlooking the Hudson River makes this a pleasure to ride.