I grew up near Union Turnpike and Main Street in Queens. I recall one summer day, probably '69, when my best friend, his girlfriend and I rode from our neighborhood to Plandome and back. It's only a dim memory - mostly I remember the pain, but I still remember it as fun and a good ride. I don't even know the route we took - it was before the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway became a real MUP, but I bet we went through Alley Pond Park on our way up there.
I had to get back to work my little shift at Baskin-Robbins down on Queens Blvd near the Van Wyck, and I went straight there, bike and sweat and all. Having to stand for 5 hours after that 2-3 hours trip was tough. I was the only one of us three with a one-speed bike. I think that's when I first developed a fat butt.
I only resumed biking a few years ago after college, family, career, etc. but I've circled Queens and western L.I. often enough lately.