Touring - My 1st tour: NYC to Philadelphia?

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2l8
06-01-09, 07:29 AM
Hello all:

I am planning my first "tour" from NYC to PHILADELPHIA.
I have searched and have found little to nothing re: this ride. (nothing positive anyway.)

I have found some mention of the Philadelphia Bike Coalition's ride to NYC which sounds wonderful, "this was some pretty nice country side, lots of farms and a few hills (~500ft EL change)."
but was not successful in finding the actual route.

I am aware of adventure cycling association's site and maps but am not sure of which particular map I should get for this.

What about U.S. Bike Route 1?
I would like to do this in one day. (I have many friends in Philadelphia I can stay with.)

I have ridden centuries before out of NYC, but that was always going up to bear mountain.
I am touring (this time) on my GIANT TCR ZERO road bike (CF).

I am close to the GWB so crossing that has never been a problem for me.

If someone could give some advice as to what their experiences were on such a ride or if they could point me in the right direction for a route for this ride, it would be so extremely appreciated!

I do not have a GPS and would be going by maps, and compass (do I need one?)

Is there anything else I am overlooking for my first tour?
Thanks so much!

rhm
06-01-09, 08:28 AM
First step, were I doing this, would be to take the ferry from Manhattan to Atlantic Highlands. Two reasons for this: 1, great view of NY harbor, the Narrows, and Raritan Bay. 2, great way to miss the nastiest part of the NJ suburbs of NYC.

Second step, sticking to country roads, head south until you're past Trenton, then bear west. You need to get to the Ben Franklin Bridge. I don't know the exact roads, but it shouldn't be difficult. Use Bikely!
2l8
06-02-09, 06:51 AM
rhm:

I appreciate the response, but I kinda wanna do this ALL BIKE.
Are you familiar with Philadelphia Bike Coalition's ride to NYC?
Is anyone familiar with it or can point to a proper link?

What about U.S. Bike Route 1?
Is it that terrible?

I hope to leave this thursday so any help would be great karma!

Thanks!

Neil_B
06-02-09, 07:12 AM
rhm:

I appreciate the response, but I kinda wanna do this ALL BIKE.
Are you familiar with Philadelphia Bike Coalition's ride to NYC?
Is anyone familiar with it or can point to a proper link?

What about U.S. Bike Route 1?
Is it that terrible?

I hope to leave this thursday so any help would be great karma!

Thanks!

It's the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia's ride, and it's here: http://phillybikeclub.org/newbcp/rides/library/?m=search&id=116

I suggest using the East Coast Greenway's route if you have tires that can handle the Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath. Check the ECGW's website for details.
dubes
06-02-09, 08:41 AM
Historian, thanks for that link. Lots of great rides there :thumb:; too bad I don't live in Philly anymore.

Anyways, for the OP, I can't vouch for this (http://phillybikeclub.org/newbcp/doc/rides/Philly_to_Ft.pdf) one (though I may give it a try one of these days), but it purports to go from Philly to Fort Lee, NJ. From that vicinity, you can take the GW Bridge into NYC. Or, since you say you're starting in NY, reverse it. This avoids the ferry and you can go 'ALL BIKE.'

Mike