hmmmmm... new york... i have no idea about anything out that way. do you road bike or mountain bike? here in south west montana, there is phenomenal mountain biking. great variety of terrain and difficulty. beautiful scenery. but i assume youre looking for something out east, which, unfortunately i cant help you with. if you ever come to montana, though, bring your bike!
Posts: 19 | Location: the mountains of montucky | Registered: 21 December 2006
Where I live, in Upstate NY, there are lots of places if you like mountain biking, especially in the hills. I don't belong to any groups, but I do know of a few that meet and hit different trails during nice weather.
My advice would be the check out local bike shops and ask there too. A lot of times the people working there will know about good ideas for what type of biking you like to do. Or at the very least there are usually flyers and pamphlets around the store with information.
Acadia National Park in Maine is a great place to bike- be prepared for some hills, though. You can rent a bike in Bar Harbor, and go on the carriage roads, where vehicles aren't allowed. If you're looking to do a biking vacation, this company specializes in that. (They have some east coast tours.)
Posts: 35 | Location: middle of somewhere | Registered: 17 June 2006
Originally posted by travelbum: Acadia National Park in Maine is a great place to bike- be prepared for some hills, though. You can rent a bike in Bar Harbor, and go on the carriage roads, where vehicles aren't allowed. If you're looking to do a biking vacation, this company specializes in that. (They have some east coast tours.)
I have heard that Acadia National Park is really nice. I have to check it out sometime soon. The biking vacation company looks interesting, but really expensive. I guess it would be good for a family or something but with some planning I bet someone would be fine on their own for a bit cheaper.
A guide isn't necessary in Acadia- I spent three seasons working there, so let me know if you have any questions about it. (The park wasn't designed for vehicles, so hiking and biking provide the best views.) I'd like to do an extended solo bike trip down the east coast, but I think I might try a tour (if I could afford it) first.
Posts: 35 | Location: middle of somewhere | Registered: 17 June 2006
If you like road biking, you should do RAGBRAI. It's a bike ride across the state of Iowa, and it's a blast. The people are wonderful, (usually over 10,000) and it's awesome to see small-town America. There's nothing like pulling to the side of the road at 10am for a pork chop. Takes place the last week of July, and people from all over the world come to ride.
"Do or do not. There is no try." -Yoda
Posts: 78 | Location: Iowa, USA | Registered: 06 September 2006
If you are in Queens, you might want to try some scenic tours around NEW JERSEY across the river ( I do the opposite, I go into NYC to ride/run ) You will find a lot of groups (road or mountain biking) if you go to any bike shop.
One thing you should do (1. Because it is awesome 2. you will meet thousands of bicycle lovers! ) is the 5 Boro Bike Tour in NYC. It is going to be held May 6th this year, about 42 miles (you don't have to do all 42) fully supported and your only chance to ride the streets of NYC and the bridges TRAFFIC FREE. I'm sure you will find numerous contacts (at all skill levels) for what you are trying to do ... good luck
Posts: 25 | Location: NYC/NJ, USA | Registered: 21 March 2007
There are lots of great trails a short train ride away on the island. Stillwell Woods and the Greenbelt Trail are a blast. CLIMB sponsors lots of rides and advocacy. On the other side of the river there are a few state parks in North Jersey that have great riding (can't remember the names. Its been a while.)
And if its road riding you prefer, the north shore of Long Island has some great roads around Oyster Bay and Brookville past all the mansions and horse ranches.
Become a volunteer every once in a while. We need your help. There are lots of huge things going on for cyclists in the city.
************************* "dry and brittle does no good for dreams of fields in passioned hues. and to bring you to this place I'm at brings me no closer to you..." -The temptation to pick wildflowers-
Posts: 203 | Location: New York City | Registered: 04 October 2004
Wanted to add that TA sponsors a 5-borough ride as well, the NYC Century. It'll be Sept 8 this year. http://www.nyccentury.org/ I've done it several times and it's a fantastic way to see the city, and it never rains!
Acadia National Park: I've ridden mountain bike on the carriage (gravel) paths and road bike around the Nat. Park loop road and both are very rewarding. In fact, they're so rewarding that you'll want to stop constantly to take in the scenery - mountains and crystal clear lakes on the carriage paths and lobster boats and seals sunning off the rocky coastline off the loop road. Don't forget to bike up Cadillac Mountain!
You should definitely check out Adventure Cycling Association for route maps, ideas, inspiration, and a great list of local organizations, clubs, and anything else you might be looking for!
Posts: 237 | Location: On the road... | Registered: 09 November 2005
For $5, you can get a lifetime bike pass for the LIRR and MetroNorth, greatly expanding where you can ride without too much difficulty or expense from the city.
You can also take your bike on NJ Transit trains for no charge.
Mandym -- where in Queens do you live? There is an ever-growing network of bike paths in the city, and many of them are in Queens.
__________________________ "Suppose you're thinkin' about a plate o' shrimp. Suddenly someone'll say, like, plate, or shrimp, or plate o' shrimp out of the blue, no explanation. No point in lookin' for one, either."
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