James at Hudson Valley Dirtsurfer sends us his favorite ride.
Perkins Memorial Drive (Satellite image map)
My top speed is 35mph and the speed limit is 15 mph. Its located in New York just a few miles from West Point Military Acadamy. The run from top to bottom is 2 miles down Perkins drive with a lot a sweeping turns and connects to Seven Lakes Drive. The entire run is not for those with a fear of heights because of its drop offs over the edge and lack of guard rails. There are only large rocks to stop cars from going over the edge. Check out James’ video of his run down Perkins Memorial Drive.
Here is a description about the area that James found on the web:
The Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower were built with funds provided by his descendants, to honor George Walbridge Perkins, first PIPC president and widely regarded as its founder. The sinuous and steep Drive, which leads to the Tower 1,305 feet above the Hudson River, was blasted off the mountain by 1,500 workers using 50,000 tons of dynamite.
The tower, built to serve as a weather station and fire lookout, served those purposes until the 1950s. Work began in 1932, thanks to labor provided by the NYS Temporary Relief Administration. The drive and tower were inaugurated in 1934. With its 360-degree panorama, the Perkins Memorial Tower offers spectacular views of the Hudson River, the Bear Mountain Bridge, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Storm King, and Fort Montgomery. Four states are visible (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania), as well as the New York City skyline. The observation floor has interpretive displays that describe the distant views, which include several mountain ranges: the Taconics, Ramapos, Shawangunks, and even the Catskills. Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower truly are a highlight of any visit to Bear Mountain.
Thanks for the great review, James. I look forward to trying it out sometime.
Cheers,
Brian
Inline Boarder 