Friday, June 24, 2011

Recommended Outdoor Cycling Routes Around New York City

Looking for something to do this weekend to burn a few calories and get some fresh air - then get outside for a ride. If you happen to live in the NY/NJ area you can try one of these outdoor cycling routes compiled by Holly Rilinger of Flywheel Sports. 
1. Central Park
The city’s famous park offers both hilly and flat terrain making it an interesting ride for both beginners or seasoned riders. The main roads offers a 6 mile loop which is closed during various weekday hours and all weekends and holidays. From horse drawn carriages to sleek sexy bodies working out, there is plenty to see. It’s just so easy to get there and back home if you live in the city.  You can start anywhere in the park which makes this loop convenient no matter where you are coming from.  A few great places to stop along the way are The Boathouse for quick bite or The Great Lawn for a stellar view of the city.  One loop will take about 30 minutes to complete.

2. Westside Greenway Path
Start at the Staten Island Ferry and finish at The GW Bridge.  This route is about 13 miles long, relatively flat and the path is paved.  The route offers beautiful Hudson Views, new walkways and riverside parks.  Stop by The Frying Pan at Pier 66 for lunch, this old ship was converted into a restaurant and is always hoppin’ in the spring and summer.  The Boat Basin Cafe is just a short detour off 79th Street for a quiet riverside lunch.  The route is traffic free but you will encounter pedestrians and roller bladers at busier times of the day.  Depending on foot traffic, the route will can be finished in an hour (this is a nice one that I did last summer with the family).

3. Prospect Park
Brooklyn’s public park is a smaller version of it’s Manhattan sister and is likewise closed to motor vehicles on weekends, holidays, and selected weekday hours. You can enter the park at Grand Army Plaza and start your 3.35-mile loop. IF coming From Manhattan you can take the 2,3,4,or 5 lines then ride straight up Flatbush Ave to the Park.  Park drive offers rolling hills, climbs, flats AND a serene setting.   Just decide how many loops you feel like doing and let the miles add up.  Stop for a quiet moment on a stone bench in The Veil of Cashmere or some ice cream at The Songbird Cafe.   This loop is the shortest on the list.  At the most it will take 20 minutes to complete.

4. Manhattan to Nyack (9W)
Start at the GW Bridge) north through Bergen County, New Jersey, and up the West side of the Hudson river into Rockland County, NY.   This route is approximately 44 miles round trip and offers several climbs, and rolling hills especially near the river in The Palisades.  There are gorgeous hills with natural stone walls, river views and a spectacular view of the city from the Bridge.  Look online for a cue sheet as the path is not always apparent.  This is one of the NYC’s most popular rides and one of my personal favorites.    Make sure your tires are full and you are carrying extra tubes as this is a long route.  I would give yourself 3-4 hours.

5. Flywheel
Okay, maybe it’s raining or you just don’t feel like riding outdoors. Here’s your solution: Flywheel, NYC’s newest and most exciting indoor cycling studio. Sit back in the dark stadium-seating and ride to heart pounding music while charting your progress with their patented torque technology. Feeling competitive? Opt in on the torque board and compete with the class on the big screen. It will take you 45 minutes and you’ll walk away ready to conquer the world!!

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