zowie

https://www.sbraweb.org/2007_Special_Events.htm
https://www.sbraweb.org/Event_Stuff/BBB_reg_07.pdf

I'm planning to give this a shot next Sunday. Has anyone done it? I don't know which route I want to do and am looking for a little info about them, like scenery-wise, elevation, time issues with the boats?

zowie

No one's doing or ever done this ride? Making me a little nervous.

alanfleisig

I haven't done this ride, but I ride on the North Fork and Shelter Island all the time.

If the routes are chosen well, all three legs -- i.e., North Fork, South Fork and Shelter Island -- are beautiful. You ride through farms and vinyards, until you come to a beach. Then more farms, and some expensive homes, and another beach.

If the routes stick to the main roads, there can be traffic. Routes 58 and 25 on the North Fork, and (I think) 105 on the South, are high speed, but have 6-8 foot shoulders that make riding pretty comfortable.

There are virtually no hills, and certainly nothing you would call a "climb". You have to go out of your way to find even moderate hills. They describe Shelter Island section as "rolling," but in reality, there are only 2 hills on Shelter Island. 1 right in the middle, that takes you up and over Shelter Island Heights, is probably 5% or 6% for about 500 meters, and any ride route will go over this. The other is the "crown" of Ram Island, which is probably betwen 7% and 9% but also only about 250 meters. The perimeter of the Island has a series of "rollers," yes, but none longer than a couple of dozen yards.

The ferries each take about 8 minutes - so it's not a big deal boat ride. But the scenery from both ferries is quite inspiring.

In short, in many ways, the East End is a bicyclist's paradise if you ride on the right roads, and you're looking to enjoy yourself and not expecting any hill training. It is remarkably flat overall, and you will easily be able to do your longer, even longest distances. So if you regularly ride 30-40 miles, for instance, you shouldn't have any worries about being able to ride 50-60 miles on this trip.

If you've never ridden on the East End of Long Island, it's really worth your time, because it's truly beautiful riding.

zowie

Thanks, that's a tremendous help. I've ridden the Montauk and North Fork centuries and have also been out on the forks by car a few times, but have never been to Shelter Island by bike or otherwise and had no idea what to expect re terrain and whether the ferry is a hassel a la Bike New York. Since I registered too late for a free t-shirt, maybe I can pick up a touch of lyme disease to remember the ride by.

Junker

I'm doing this ride as well. Never done it before, but have also done the North Fork and Montauk Centuries

JoAnnL

weather permitting I am also doing this ride with my brother. We never did road it before either but heard it was a real nice ride. I have done the Montauk Century and The Tour of the Hamptons which is in August and love both those rides.

I am wondering how scattered the thunderstorms will be that are predicted.

~ JoAnn

zowie

Now we're lookin' good!

LIRider

I've done this ride about 6 years in a row, but can't this year as I had a bad crash last week. its a good ride, especially if the weather's good. Ride goes through the north fork vineyards to greenport. Ferries run repeatedly, and the ferry ride is only about 10 minutes - you'll have no problems with the ferry. Shelter Island is a little hilly and the scenery is gorgeous. Make sure you follow the rules of the road and ride in single file on Shelter Island, the locals are not big cyclist fans. All in all, a very good ride; I'm bummed I can't do it this year.