Temps were almost perfect for a mid to late December day in New York. With temps starting around 25°F, we started at the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade West parking lot a little after 8am. There was a snow strom earlier in the week so the Ashokan rail trail section had many spots where it was covered in snow and ice which made it slow going for parts. We left Chris' car around 17.5 miles along the Ashokan rail trail, where we resupplied with water and fuel. There so happens to be porta potties there which made it an ideal location all around.
You get beautiful views of the Catskills as you are going around the reservoir and the recent snowfall added to its beauty.
I highly recommend this loop for anyone who likes to mix road with cinder trail. The roads are quiet in the morning, towards the end the traffic picked up but almost all the cars moved over and were very kind.