RICHFIELD SPRINGS-The Route 20 Association is looking to increase tourism along the local corridor. An unusual possibility was presented at their latest meeting, here, last Thursday.

Denis Petrie, an avid motorcycle enthusiast and promoter of events oriented for riders, spoke to the organization about hosting a Gypsy Tour, which would be sanctioned and chartered by the American Motorcyclist's Association (AMA).

A Gypsy Tour is a one-night stopover at a destination. Should the organization choose to pursue the event, it could mean that up to 350 bikers would be camping out and visiting the local haunts. Many would camp out at a designated site, insured through the AMA.

"Once the gray hair sets in," Petrie said, laughing as he ran his hand over his head, "some of us get tired of sleeping on air mattresses."

Petrie said that many bikers are on the lookout for any excuse to take a trip to a new place. With an itinerary of attractions and events lined up, Richfield Springs could be in line for quite a boost. He suggested having a few vendors and a pamphlet detailing the resources in town and in surrounding areas.

U.S. Route 20 in New York State is a 400-mile segment of a transcontinental route between Massachusetts and Oregon. In 1999, the Preservation League of New York State named Route 20 to its "Seven to Save" list.

Tania Werbizky, Director of Technical and Grant Programs at the Preservation League of New York State, had this to say on the organization's website about the segment of road: "Most of U.S. Route 20 is a scenic two-lane road passing through some of New York's most productive agricultural lands. It is also 'Main Street, New York,' traveling through some of the state's most attractive and historic communities. Unfortunately, due to unplanned development and highway projects as well as changes in the tourist community and in farming practices, its beauty is always in jeopardy."

Bill Kwasniewski, president of the Route 20 Association, said that a cultural resource survey is currently underway — the first step in securing Scenic Byway Designation. An $8000 grant from the Preservation League, in conjunction with the New York State Council on the Arts, has enabled the process.

"The entire corridor would get publicity from the state," said Kwasniewski, referring to Route 20 and the areas north and south of it.

Once the survey had been conducted and compiled, the information must be send to the Department of Transportation. Kwasniewski said that the organization feels optimistic about a designation, since the majority of the roads designated, like the Seaway Trail and Taconic Parkway, line the state's perimeter.

"Route 20 runs east to west, which makes it very attractive to the DOT," said Kwasniewski.

The bikers may have come and gone before the application for designation is submitted. Kwasniewski predicts it will take at least a year and a half.

"Right now it's a matter of getting everyone working in the same direction," he said.