Cycling has taken New York by storm. In Manhattan, you can have the full experience – round Central Park, down the Westside Greenway path along the Hudson River or an indoor Soul Cycle course. In Brooklyn you can peddle in Prospect Park. Il will be closed to all cars early 2018. But you can also quite easily get right away from the Big Apple. Let’s go !
1 From Manhattan to Nyack by the W9
A ride of almost 80km on the far side of the Hudson River. Cross the river over Washington Bridge, level with the Bronx. Then head due north on the W9 along a hilly trail via Palissades Park and Tallman Mountain. At Nyack, you can stop and visit the birthplace of the painter Edward Hopper, one of the greatest American artists of the 20th century.
2 Via Coney Island and Rockaway Beach
From Brooklyn, an 80km oceanside round trip. You can take a guided ride, leaving from Prospect Park due south to Coney Island. Then head towards Queens along the spectacular Rockaway peninsular. Stop for lunch at Tacoway Beach, then return along Broad Channel. Don’t forget to check the weather for wind conditions before you set out.
3 White Plains, green option
The most iconic 100km ride from Manhattan. Leaving New York City northwards via the Yankee Stadium and the Bronx, you find yourself in the surprising wooded landscape of White Plains, Kensico Reservoir and Armonk. You go back via Rye and New Rochelle, between the interstate 95 and the ocean. Really good.
4 To Bear Mountain along the GFNY route
This time you go well beyond Nyack on the other side of the Hudson, taking THE great classic of New York cycling, the route of the renowned Campagnolo New York Grand Fondo. It’s a round-trip of some 150km to 180km to the top of Bear Mountain, 391m. The overall cumulative climb is a respectable 2,000m.
5 To Brewster by mountain bike
60km of off-road enjoyment north of New York. Can be a guided tour. Take your mountain bike on the train to Brewster. The Old Putman Trail comes down through the Bedford Hills and past the Kensiko Reservoir. Afterwards you can sample a beer at the Captain Lawrence brewery in Elmsford before getting the return train from nearby White Plains station.
Photos GFNY et Bike Your City.
