Coffee Ride to Common Grounds Cafe - Jefferson Valley, NY
The Ride
There is a chill in the air as I start this morning with 58F, the reported temperature. The 50-year-old BMW R75/5 is a bit slow to cold start, finally coaxing the twin carbs to spark to life.
Jefferson Valley, NY, where Common Grounds is located, isn’t that far, with only 11 miles showing on the Beeline Moto as I start. See our article on discovering new roads with Beeline. Fortunately, we are blessed with several reservoirs that feed NYC in Westchester County, and the roads that hug the edges of them are perfect for a bike.
I depart Cross River on Route 35, heading west. The road begins to hug Cross River Reservoir as we pass Route 121. This is a beautiful section of 35 with perfect views of the reservoir on your left and some nice sweepers.
One final dog leg along the reservoir, and we see Maple Ave on our left, which used to be open to vehicle traffic to drive across the dam holding the reservoir. Today, it is blocked off on both sides and limited to walking, though you can park on either side and take in the views. The reservoir is part of the NYC water supply’s Croton system. The NYC DEP website shows a good shot of the dam and the sluiceway that manages water moving to the next reservoir.
We arrive at a traffic light at the intersection of Route 22, followed by another few near Interstate 684. We cross over a tiny bit of the New Croton Reservoir, which the Cross River Reservoir has just emptied into. A quick left onto Woods Bridge Road would bring you into the charming town of Katonah, NY, which moved several buildings from its original location about 1/2 mile north when the reservoirs were created.
Route 35 continues west and becomes a causeway bisecting the New Croton Reservoir. Be careful; the causeway isn’t perfectly aligned with the roads on either side, so a severe dip can unsettle the suspension if traveling too quickly. The 50HP of the R75 doesn’t allow it to accelerate that fast, so it’s not an issue today.
On the right are a couple of entrances for an office park. The street’s name hints at the history of the place being called Pepsi Way, but the only sign provides a number with no indication of the former tenants. Since Pepsi shut the location down in 2016, it has been marketed toward multiple tenants and even offers a co-working space popular with local startups.
Crossing over Route 100, Muscoot Tavern is on the right. Painted in a red-barn color with white trim and several old cars providing additional decorations, Muscoot Tavern has served locals since at least the 1920s. Great food options are available, but duck when you enter, as the front door isn’t entirely up to modern height standards.
The road begins to narrow to a two-lane backroad as we leave Route 100 behind us. After a few more turns, an open field with a roadway in the middle is the entrance to Lasdon Park. The road makes a 90-degree right here to run parallel to the Muscoot River before approaching the south side of the Amawalk Reservoir. The dam is directly ahead, and Route 35 now turns 90 degrees left to run alongside the dam while I continue straight to take Lake Road, running alongside the reservoir.
Lake Road hugs the reservoir as it meanders toward the northeast before ending at Route 202. Here, I turn left and follow along the northern edge of the reservoir before it comes to a T-intersection where Route 202 continues to the south while Route 118 heads north. I follow Route 118 north as it more closely aligns with the compass on my Beeline.
This lets out at Route 6; here, it is busy with shopping centers on either side. I try to find a backroad, but they all dead-end in the direction of the compass, so I’m forced back onto Route 6.
I find my way to the coffee shop, Common Grounds Coffee Lounge. Thankfully, it’s not on the main drag of Route 6, providing a bit more secluded feel even though it is in a small strip mall. However, this does provide plenty of parking opportunities for your bike.
REVER is a mobile app designed to help you track, plan, or navigate your ride. With the app, you can easily plan your route, view maps and directions, and track your distance using GPS technology. The app is an excellent tool for anyone who loves to ride and wants to keep track of their progress and distance.
With all the roads along the reservoirs of the NYC water supply, our actual tracked mileage, according to Rever, was 19.9 miles, nearly double our original 11-mile compass distance. See the route below.
The Coffee Shop
Jefferson Valley is a census-designated area of Yorktown, and the eponymous mall is a significant draw for shoppers. Traveling across Route 6 and down Hill Boulevard, you’ll find a hidden gem with Common Grounds.
As you enter, there is a counter on your right where you can order & watch them make your drinks. Next to the bar is a room with large glass showing their roaster. There are many short tables with metal wire frame chairs and several high tables with metal stools on an elevated platform. Behind the elevated platform is a neon sign spelling out Common Grounds with sound-deadening material surrounding it. This elevated area converts into a music stage where local artists are featured.
My one regret was coming so early in the morning, as this could be a great venue to hear some local musicians while enjoying a spectacular coffee.
The menu has plenty for the coffee lover, including drip coffee, americano, espresso, cappuccino, cortado, macchiato, cold brews, and several latte variants. Add some flavors like hazelnut, caramel, vanilla, chocolate & honey to sweeten. Additional drinks are teas, juices, and soda.
Food options are also available, but the kitchen isn’t always open depending on the day & hour you arrive. But pastries are always an option to pair with your coffee. Check their website if you’re keen to have a meal to be sure the kitchen can accommodate you.
The Refreshments
My Americano was served in a large ceramic mug at the perfect temperature, resulting in a full body without strong acidity or bitterness. Regular readers know a ceramic cup gets bonus points in my book! Hints of caramel and chocolate make this a truly delicious coffee.
I’ll have to return to listen to the live music and try some food options. I hope you try it out as well. Feel free to follow the route I took below or craft your route to Common Grounds!
