Astoria to the Palisades (31.9 miles)

June was a record high mileage month for me, and I paid the price. After returning from the Clarence Fahnestock Park I was forced to take a few weeks off from riding to heal a saddle sore, and as luck would have it I came down with a terrible Summer cold that insured that I would be laying low and avoiding strenuous activity in this heat wave that NYC is experiencing.

Listening carefully to my body and the weather forecast, I saw that yesterday (July 21st) would be just over 80 degrees, which was the lowest temperature in over 2 weeks. My sore had almost fully healed, and I was antsy to get back in the saddle. I decided to ride to the Palisades over the George Washington Bridge as it had been some months since I had done this scenic ride. Considering that it had been a few weeks since I rode I felt I should not try to push myself too far and decided to ride about 30 miles to begin ramping up my endurance once more.

I set out around 11am and made way through the mild morning sun towards the Triboro Bridge and Randalls Island where I now have my choice of bridges to cross the East River (103rd st bridge is open once more). I decided that I would like to shoot a longer clip from the Triboro, and let my camera roll until I reached 122nd Street in Harlem.



Riding from the Triboro Bridge to 125th Street Harlem.

I rode through Harlem using my usual route connecting St. Nicholas Avenue with Fort Washington Avenue to reach the bridge entrance near 177th Street. Many cyclist flowed in either direction as the ride to Peirmont is chock full of hills, and is a very popular training destination for cyclists.



A block in Harlem that was closed off to traffic and each building adorned with balloons.



Riding from 177th Street over the George Washington Bridge to the entrance of Palisades Park.

The Henry Hudson Drive is a long North/South road also often incorrectly referred to as River Road that includes many steep hills for grinding begrudgingly up and sailing happily down.



From the entrance to Palisades Park to under the George Washington Bridge. A training ride to the Palisades.

After a couple of miles the road leads to a riverside park and public boat launch that has an outdoor cafe. After shooting some panoramic pictures at the far end of the marina I stopped at the cafe for a BLT, a gatorade, and to fill up my water bottle before pointing myself back north.

The view from the end of the marina on Henry Hudson Drive.

As I neared the 15 mile mark I realized that if I was to go much further today I would likely be pushing myself too hard, and promised myself that I would turn around after I crested the next tall hill. Upon reaching the top of the hill I found large chunks of fallen rocks blocking the road in an almost ominous reminder of the steep terrain who's gravity threatens anyone passing through.

Fallen Rock Zone

Turning around I rode back to the entrance of the park, and made my way toward the George Washington Bridge. Here I stopped to shoot some panoramic pictures and soak in the stunning views of the city.

Views from the George Washington Bridge

Passing through Harlem once again I kept my eyes peeled for a shaved ice cart and upon locating one purchased a fruit punch flavored treat which I ate as I carefully approached the 125th Street bridge.

In short order I was climbing slowly up the Triboro Bridge on the Randalls Island side and rolling down into Astoria once more to complete the trip home. When I arrived home I found I was unusually exhausted from the ride. I attributed this to 3 weeks off the bike, my recent illness, and the fact that the temperatures were still on the warm side.

All in all it was really great to get back on the bike, and I'm very much looking forward to my next cycling event and century ride which is The Farm Ride, July 27-29.

Astoria to Cliffside Park (32 miles)

Having returned from the beautiful city of New Orleans yesterday, I felt great urgency to start racking up miles to try to reach or surpass my personal monthly quota of 200 miles. Riding 400 miles in the month of March had taken a toll, and the 2 weeks of light to no riding was necessary to heal so I may train hard in the next 2+ weeks leading up to the 5 boro bike tour.

Ever since I rode to Tallman Mountain, I've wanted to ride in the opposite direction South, on River Road into New Jersey. When I awoke this morning I saw sunny skies, and mild temperatures, which was all the more reason to take the fairly long trip. I set out at approximately 12:30, and immediately noticed that cloud cover was setting in, there was no rain in the forecast so I was not overly worried, only mildly disappointed that I would likely not be shooting video of a sunny day.

I had no need to plan an exact route as I knew that it consisted of roads I was familiar with, River Road (South) itself would be the only stretch that was new to me.

Entering Harlem via the Triboro, and 125th Street Bridges, traffic seemed light, and fairly subdued on this Wednesday afternoon. I cut across town to St. Nicholas Avenue, turning on 141st Street to utilize the entrance to the Hudson River Greenway at 139th Street. Following the stretch of Greenway through River Bank Park, and Fort Washington Park is always a feast for the eyes. There is probably an "easier" way to get to the George Washington Bridge, but I believe the scenic views make the detour well worth an extra mile and a couple steep climbs.


Arriving on the Hudson River Greenway.


Riding through River Bank Park, and Fort Washington Park.

Now in New Jersey I came upon Henry Hudson Drive, and decided I could not resist riding North under the bridge before turning back South. After passing under the bridge, I came upon a small park down by the shore which had intrigued me the first time I passed through, and rolled down to explore it. I found I was able to follow the shoreline quite closely along some brick paths, turning into blacktop, which gave way to a small grassy dirt trail littered with chunks of rock. Soon I found myself trucking along this trail quite satisfied with my discovery so far. After only a few minutes, the dirt trail led to a set of granite benches with river related poetry etched into them. Being no outlet from this point, I found myself carrying my bike up stone steps slowly behind an apprehensive Robin who then flies away.


Riding Henry Hudson Drive under the George Washington Bridge.


A park on the shore, leads to blacktop heading South.


Blacktop along the riverside gives way to a dirt trail.


A dirt trail heading South along the Hudson River leads to a set of granite benches.


River poetry on granite benches on the banks of the Hudson in New Jersey.


Slowly following a Robin up the stone steps.


The benches and steps below me, traversing the skinny stone path back to civilization.

I found my way back to River Road, and pointed myself South. I found that the though the road was marked as a "shared road" on the map, there wasn't even the arrows and bike symbol, let alone enough shoulder in some places to make the route truly safe. The only sigage featured was to tell cyclist to ride single file, with nothing other than those same signs to keep motorists aware. I only rode as far South as Cliffside Park before I decided to turn back North. Riding back to the George Washington Bridge steep climbs make for slow going. Onc back on the bridge towards Manhattan it was smooth sailing as I back tracked my route to Astoria via the 125th Street, and Triboro Bridges. After such a long hiatus from cycling it felt great to lay down some solid mileage, and get my blood pumping again. Tomorrow should be equally as nice for riding, and I plan to make the best of it.


Crossing the George Washington Bridge back into Manhattan.


Rapid descent down the 125th Street bridge, stopping just short of an uncomfortable encounter with the cement wall.


A small stretch of the new paths under the Hellgate Bridge.