Fundraiser held to improve Walkway’s accessibility for seniors and those with mobility issues and support local veterans’ groups.

On Saturday, August 24, Hudson Valley motorcyclists, passengers, and spectators are invited to participate in SkyRide, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride over Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park in celebration of the bridge’s 10-year anniversary. Sponsor and vendor applications are currently being accepted. For complete information and to register, visit walkway.org/skyride.

“In recognition of our ten-year anniversary in October 2019, the Friends of the Walkway are hosting unique events and celebrations that call back to memorable moments from the bridge’s first decade,” said Elizabeth Waldstein, Executive Director, Walkway Over the Hudson. “This one-time-only motorcycle SkyRide celebrates the Walkway’s role in the safety and security of the Hudson Valley.”

“This historic event is the result of years of hard work and perseverance by area motorcyclists who came together with community leaders to launch something truly special,” said New York State Senator Sue Serino. “I am proud to see that it will finally be taking off and thank everyone who played a role in ensuring that this long-held dream of so many here in our community will become a reality.”

“After many years of planning, the Red Knights of Dutchess and Ulster Counties are so happy to be leaders in the once-in-a-lifetime SkyRide on August 24,” said Rich Valentine, President of Red Knights Chapter 37. “We’re especially pleased to be able to support the Walkway Over the Hudson in raising vital funds to enhance their veterans programming to reach more of our heroes than ever before, as well as make the Walkway more accessible to all.”

“As a Walkway Ambassador, I talk to people all the time who are concerned about being physically able to enjoy the bridge’s views. As a veteran, I know how much the Walkway does to honor those that have served,” said Don Cady, Walkway Ambassador and Korean War veteran. “SkyRide will allow the Walkway to make the bridge easier to access for everybody and enhance veterans’ programs. I can’t wait to see it!”  

SkyRide proceeds will be used to improve accessibility to the Walkway Over the Hudson for people including seniors and those with mobility challenges. Event revenue will also support local veterans’ programs.

Much of the state and federal funding that allowed the dream of the Walkway to become a reality was received because the span can be crossed by vehicles in the event of an emergency. The SkyRide is run in partnership with Red Knights #33 and #37, and local chapters of the Blue Knights, groups of motorcyclists representing the law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders that have kept the Walkway and our community safe throughout the past ten years.

The SkyRide is supported by Moroney’s Harley-Davidson, Orange County Powder Coating, O’Connor and Partners, Lisa O. Photography, Hudson Valley Rail Trail, Motorcyclepedia Museum, New York State Bridge Authority, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Red Knights of Ulster and Dutchess Counties, Blue Knights of Ulster and Dutchess Counties, and iHeart Media of the Hudson Valley.

Complete information about SkyRide can be found online at walkway.org/skyride or by calling 845-454-9649 ext. 106.

About SkyRide

Registered bikers and their passengers will check-in and proceed along the Hudson Valley Rail Trail at 101 New Paltz Road in Highland between 8-10:30 a.m. The ride begins at 9:30 a.m. After crossing the Walkway Over the Hudson, all riders are invited to continue to Motorcyclepedia Museum in Newburgh where they can enjoy a post-ride celebration from 12-5 p.m.

SkyRide is strictly limited to 1,500 motorcycles. Registration is open for $40 per rider, $10 per passenger. Spectators are invited to see SkyRide from designated viewing areas at Walkway’s Ulster Welcome Center for $20.  To secure your place, visit walkway.org/skyride.

For safety and security, the Hudson Valley Rail Trail will open to the public at 12 p.m. and the Walkway Over the Hudson will open to the public at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 24.

Post-Ride Celebration at Motorcyclepedia

All SkyRide participants (riders, passengers, and spectators) are invited to continue the celebration at Motorcyclepedia in Newburgh from 12-5 p.m., where they will enjoy food, live music from Americana Oak and iHeart Media of the Hudson Valley, and access to tour Motorcyclepedia’s vintage bike collection and museum. Over 20 local vendors will be on site.

Win a 2019 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 at SkyRide

Jim Moroney’s Harley-Davidson, O’Connor & Partners, and Orange County Powder Coating are raffling off a fully-customized Harley-Davidson Iron 883 (pre-customized bike shown at top) and choosing the winner at SkyRide’s official post-ride celebration at Motorcyclepedia. Orange County Powder Coating is adding custom brass finishes, and Moroney’s is including pieces from Harley-Davidson’s brass collection. This one-of-a-kind motorcycle is valued at over $17,000.  Raffle tickets cost $25 and are available at Moroney’s Harley-Davidson (833 Union Avenue, New Windsor), by calling 845-564-5400, or emailing liz@fasthog.com. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Walkway Over the Hudson nonprofit organization. The winner does not have to be present at the event.