Forget the heat:

October bicycling event spotlights Hudson Valley’s Fall foliage West Point - While this week’s heat wave may make it hard to imagine a fall bike ride, preparations already are underway for the 17th annual Fall Foliage Bike Tour on Sunday, Oct. 8. The leisurely morning rides feature a choice of five scenic routes. The 15-, 25-, 40- or 50-mile tours begin at historic Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville. A 10-mile tour on the Heritage Bike Trail in Chester is an option for families with young children. This fun, relaxing day drew 500 bicyclists in 2005, with skill levels ranging from casual to experienced. It is a charity event, raising thousands of dollars for McQuade Children’s Services, a local children’s treatment organization, and Orange Pathways, the founders of bike trails in Orange County. Rides begin between 8 and 10:30 a.m. and offer views of the countryside in full fall foliage. Highlights include the Otterkill Rail Trestle, Historic Route 218 to West Point, the Hudson River and the Schennemunk Mountains. Cyclists are provided with food and water stops en-route and converge at Brotherhood by noon for a post-ride picnic lunch catered by Loughran’s Restaurant. There is live music at the winery, as well as grape stomping. The event is held regardless of weather. Pre-registrants receive a discounted rate of $25 adults, $10 child, plus free souvenir T shirts. Day-of-registration is $30 adults, $15 child under 12. All cyclists are eligible to win prizes donated by Bryan’s Bikes of Cornwall. Registration forms are available by calling McQuade Children’s Services at 845-561-0436, Katherine Keating, extension 157, or can be requested by e-mailing kkeating@mcquade.org.