Kahrpistols

Hi guys!

I'm planning a large ride to happen sometime in March or April - planning to go from North Bergen NJ to Bear Mountain, NY. Bit over a century round trip.

I've been on 9W up to the NY border but never beyond. Is 9W safe for cyclists deeper into NY? If not, where are the dangerous spots and what's the best alternative so I can get to Bear Mountain?

Another option I can do is go across the GWB and take the South County Trailway up to the Bear Mountain Bridge but I'd rather stay on the west side of the river.

Thoughts?

richard4993

Once you cross the NY border it is safe for a few miles at which point you would turn right at Tallman Mountain State Park then go through Piermont, Grand View and Nyack and then climb back up to 9W on Old Mountain Rd. The rest of the way isn't as cyclist friendly as the NJ part buts it's pretty much the only way to get to Bear Mountain. There are a few detours off 9W that you can take through some of the towns as well but I'm not too familiar with them.

The railway through Weschester might be an easier option although I've never taken the route from the trail to the Bear Mountain Bridge.

NYMXer

It's a busy 2 lane road so wear bright colors and use lights front and rear.

dendawg

Follow the Bike Route 9 Route and you'll be fine. It's a good shoulder from Englewood Cliffs all the Way to Sparkill. You don't want to be riding 9w between Sparkill and Nyack. There is no shoulder and heavy traffic. It turns off at Tallman State Park. Be careful on the descent down Rockland Road. From that point there is not much of a shoulder, but traffic is very light. After Nyack it rejoins 9W and a nice wide shoulder until you get to Haverstraw, where it turns right and down to the river. It rejoins 9W in Stoney Point where it can be safely ridden to Bear Mtn. I haven't done that section in 5 years, but the shoulder was very rough back then on the steep descents.

Kahrpistols

Thank you for the responses. I'll check out bike route 9.

Sy Reene

Here's the official GFNY route that they use. Mind you, they close the route to traffic, so I'd double check whether any roads are used that you otherwise wouldn't want to ride on.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/10596674

1nterceptor

Have been to Bear Mountain a few times, with different clubs.
Not really familiar with the route; just followed the ride leader the whole time.
I think some routes are listed in New York Cycle Club's website.
You can also get updates on routes(construction, road closures) on their message
board and/or Facebook page.