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Northeast - What's the best way to ride out North of Queens, NYC?

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View Full Version : What's the best way to ride out North of Queens, NYC?

AdamDZ

01-14-10, 01:07 PM

What's the best way to ride out North of NYC, Queens exactly? Any other ways than GWB? I hear GWB has a difficult entrance on Manhattan's side and I'd rather not ride through Manhattan, I've got enough of that mess during my commute. Throgs Neck and Whitestone have no bike lines. Is Triborough a good way out? I'd like to ride up to Bear Mntn, Harriman, Catskills, etc.

Thanks!

Adam

sukram

01-14-10, 07:36 PM

The Triborough (well, RFK Bridge now) has a ped/bike lane. There are stairs though, and technically you're supposed to walk your bike. You ride the Queens span to Randall's Island, then you can head either to the Bronx or Manhattan. Check out nycbikemaps.com or TA or the DOT sites for more info RE the bridge and Randall's Island (TA's info: http://www.transalt.org/files/resources/bridges/triboro.html)

I like this fellow's take on the Triborough: http://www.astoriabike.com/search/label/triborough%20bridge

It's not the nicest of river crossings.

If you're headed up to Bear Mtn or that area you're better off taking the Queensboro and then up to the GWB. East of the Hudson you're stuck until the Bear Mtn bridge until you can cross over west again. However, the South/North County rail trail is completely worth it... http://www.nycbikemaps.com/maps/north-and-south-county-trailways-bike-map/

AdamDZ

01-14-10, 07:40 PM

Thanks a lot, so it looks like GWB is a better choice after all. Oh, and yeah: I rode that Westchester/Putnam trail several times.

I crossed GWB once with a club ride and the ride along Palisades was nice. But I'm also considering taking the Metro North from Manhattan up few stops. I'm thinking about a short tour once it gets warmer. I used to drive up there but then I have to return to the same place.

Cheers!

Adam

dendawg

01-14-10, 10:34 PM

The only time the GWB is a pain is if the north path is open and the south path closed. The helix on the Manhattan side of the south path can be a little tricky and you might even have to unclip and put your foot down at the switchback, but it is much better than dealing with the stairs on the north side. The GWB to 9W is probably the most direct route to Bear Mtn from NYC.