Cycling: Ride to City Island. New England in the Bronx! (Approx 25 miles 1-Way)

The Quick 'n Dirty Plan:

Ride from Washington Square Park to City Island & Back. Roughly 50 miles RT. We'll stop to chill & grab food on City Island @ Johnny's Reef.

Requirements: Helmet, Spare Tubes, Tire Changing Tools, Hydration, ID, Cash,

Course: Mostly flat. Some Easy Inclines.

Conditions: Greenway & Bike Lanes where possible, Low/No traffic, Except while crossing the Bronx, where you should anticipate Heavy Traffic.

Ride Type: Exercise / Recreational

Fitness: Beginner / Intermediate.

Pace: 8-12mph avg. in traffic, 10-15 avg on isolated greenways.

Route: Here is a loose map of the route - http://g.co/maps/6y5vd - subject to change on the fly, as we find necessary, based on road/traffic conditions.

As always.. ride is weather dependent and safety 1st. In the event of a weather cancellation, you'll be notified via email & on the calendar by 8am, the morning of the ride.

The Long-Winded Details:

We'll meet 11am at Washington Square Park at the arch. We'll ride over to the west side greenway & ride that to Inwood, then we'll be moving into active traffic thru the Bronx, until we get to Pelham.

When we get to Pelham Bay Park area, we'll have bike lanes to use, again, and traffic will be none, or minimal.

On City Island, we'll stop & relax for food & drink at Johnny's Reef (http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Overview/1872/johnnys-reef), at the very tip-end of the island. A very low key cafeteria style seafood joint, with lots of outdoor seating, and plenty of room for the bikes along the back fenceline, so we don't need to leave them unattended.

Good seafood (typically fried) and plenty of other options, as well. $10-$15 average.

After that, we may wing-it a bit, depending on what people want & time available. We can do some cruising thru Pelham Bay Park, before we get back on a return route.

Since we'll be riding the west-side Manhattan greenway most of the way up, we'll get on the east-side @ Dyckman/10th Ave in Harlem & ride that south. That route will take us past Swindler Cove Park - http://j.mp/KaUSE3 - and directly under the Harlem High Bridge - http://j.mp/KaVnhx . Both of which are worth a stop for photo ops, if we have the time and desire.

Plenty of places for people to bail-out along the greenways, if you need to.

Shoot me a note or leave a comment if you have any questions.