I ride to train. For me it's about fitness (and being outdoors)

Is the Nyack ride more scenic than 15 laps around PP? YES
Does the NYACK ride offer more in the way of stops (coffee, muffins, socializing)? YES

But

why would I ride from Brooklyn to the GWB (now, that's incredible fun) and back
when I can ride less than 4 miles each way and be in PP? During the week there's minimal activity in the park---it's essentially empty.

Once again, my perspective is about FITNESS; not aethetics; not vogue; not whatever.

There's a steady head wind in the park, probably between 10-15 mph. There are few areas of relief. Riding a relatively high gear is torture.
These conditions serve to illuminate the great disparity in terms of effort between a fixed and a geared bike.

blah blah blah