One of the really great benefits of living in Northern New Jersey is the easy access that we have to cycling in one of the great cities of the world. A 30 minute drive to free parking on the western side of the George Washington Bridge. and then off on the bikes to explore.
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| Getting ready for the day ahead. |
No matter how many times I have done it, the ride across the bridge is always exciting - if it isn't the hustle and bustle of the cars streaming across the span just feet away on your left, it is the amazing view of the city and the Hudson river sprawling out to the south. The loop to get off the bridge on the Manhattan side is always exciting - narrow for one bike, but when you get an oncoming cyclist leaving the city, you really have to focus on keeping right so your handlebars don't lock up.
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| The "Little Red Lighthouse" from the GWB |
Once in the city, it is a quick descent down to the Hudson River Greenway, which you can ride all the way downtown. It is remarkable how calm it is on the bike path, but how stressful it is on the parkway when traveling by car.
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| Tranquility on wheels |
Over the past several years, thanks to the cycling advocacy of groups like Transportation Alternatives, and a very progressive
Janette Sadik-Khan, the Commissioner for the Department of Transportation for the past 4 years, NYC has undergone an amazing transformation - it seems that everywhere you look there are new dedicated bike paths and/or lanes. You can get a feel for their popularity any weekend.
One really neat aspect of cycling in the city is the continuity you get in going from site to site - no getting in and out of cars or taxis, finding parking spots, or pulling out your wallet to pay for the ride - you just hop on your bike, and go!
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| 'Tis the season (better at night) |
This time we managed to do the customary loop around Central Park, check out the tree at the Rockefeller Center, check out the High Line, cross through the Village and over the Williamsburg bridge, before descending into Dumbo for the great croissants, and views of downtown framed by the Brooklyn Bridge.
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| Manhattan in the background - another great cycling day! |
I continue to be amazed at how a bridge, built before the automobile (1883) has kept up with the times - multiple lanes of traffic, and a great pedestrian/cyclist boardwalk in the middle. I do wonder if the cables holding the decks up have ever been replaced (apparently not!).
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| Fritz Koenig's "The Sphere". salvaged from Ground Zero |
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| Rebuilding - A new addition to the Manhattan skyline. |
Returning to Manhattan we toured the World Trade Center site, Zucotti Park (now empty), and points south before heading back up the west side for pizza and a beer at Machiavelli's on the Upper West Side.
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| "Bike Parking" on the upper West Side. |
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| Pizzas & Beer!!! |
The day ended as it usually does with the ride back up and over the GWB to get home before 3PM.
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| One last view of the bridge before the climb ahead. |
All in all just shy of 50 miles on the bike and a great day in Manhattan. Thanks to Ed for coordinating a great day of riding, and being our guide.
I was wondering where you park for free. The last time I rode here, I noticed the street parking was permit only. I ended up parking at the Fort Lee Historic Park. There was a fee schedule but nobody in the booth to collect it. Durring my ride, I started worrying about them closing the gate before dark, so I kept my ride short.
ReplyDeletePeter,
ReplyDeleteWe park street-side just north of the GWB on Hudson Terrace on Sundays and have never been ticketed. From there it is a straight shot to the bike path over the bridge and into Manhattan.
I like the route that you have described. Sounds like such an adventure.
ReplyDelete