Book excerpt: Cycling rides on quieter, less-traveled roads and byways easily accessible from New York City. Renowned for sprawling rural townships, quaint agricultural villages, and tucked-away mountain hamlets, the Hudson Valley and Catskills regions are idyllic destinations for cycling. From the dramatic Hudson Highlands, through the little towns along the river that Henry Hudson called a great "Arm of the Sea," this guide will introduce you to the both the Hudson's gentler, scenic river routes as well as the hilly back roads of the Catskill, Shawangunk, and Taconic mountain ranges. Intriguing facts about the historical, cultural, and natural gems you'll find along each ride, detailed mile-by-mile directions, and clear maps guide you along you dozens of never-before described bike routes, many of which pass through recently-designated National Heritage Areas.