Northeast - Commute from Van Cortlandt Park to Northern Westchester?

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Jrather
08-26-08, 08:10 PM
I'll be moving from Ossining down to the Bronx around the 242nd St/Van Cortlandt Park area next month. My job is in Ossining and I've been commuting by bike 3 days a week and want to continue commuting at least a few times per week after moving. It's about 21 miles door to door. I know the Old Putnam Trail in Van Cortlandt Park can get you to the South County Trailway, but I've heard that the trail in Van Cortlandt Park is too rough for a road bike. I'd consider taking Route 9 the whole way but it's pretty damn hilly and densely populated in Yonkers so I'd rather avoid it if possible. Is there a way to get from Broadway in the Bronx over to the South County Trailway by heading north to Yonkers and then east? From looking at Google Maps, the Saw Mill Parkway is pretty much in the way all the way up past Yonkers, so I don't know how I'd cut over. Any ideas? Thanks!

trentschler
08-27-08, 03:41 AM
There's a cue sheet here with directions from the 242 St. subway stop to the start of the paved trail:

http://www.zisfein.com/5bbc/wct/index.html

The unpaved trail through Van Cortland park can be ridden on a road bike easily enough. I do it on 25 mm tires and would do it on 23 mm, too. It's mostly hard-packed dirt. Yes, it's rough and there are some rocks but it's not that bad. However, after a rain, when the dirt turns to mud, then road tires can be problematic!
Jrather
08-28-08, 06:58 PM
That cue sheet was exactly what I needed. You rock.

Jrather
08-30-08, 05:15 PM
Just did the ride according to the cue sheet, but in reverse from Ossining. It's great all the way until Broadway in Yonkers, at which time it becomes a cross between pinball and the asteroid chase scene from the Empire Strikes Back. Some really scary riding, with pedestrians darting into the road, murderous cabs, and general chaos. Unlike drivers down in the city, it's like these drivers literally do not see you or consider you a part of traffic. Once you hit the city line all is well. I took Riverdale Ave to Warburton Ave back and it was non-stop traffic lights the entire way until you hit Route 9 in Hastings.... won't make that mistake again.