Hi,
I've checked the handy-dandy Ride Library here but can't seem to locate routes that go into western NJ--only up to Rockland. Anyone know how the riding is out west? Perhaps it's not so great and this explains the lack of mapped-out treks?
I'd be looking to take Palisade Ave. past 505 and into regions west to break up the routine routes.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Big thanks,
Andy
Rides into Western New Jersey?
Tue, 10/04/2005 - 8:42am
Tue, 10/04/2005 - 9:51am
#1
You are correct
To go west in NJ, you options are:
- go due west and hit a very dense population of roads/traffic nestled in before the Passaic river. Afterwards, there's another river or two to cross and marshlands - the Meadowlands. Even by car, there's few options (as in highways only) traveling west.
- or head north first towards the Ramapo mountains, which is some serious mileage (round trip from NYC), depending how far you go. The futher north and west, the less congested. This is the best of the worst options.
- or go a little bit south, first and hit urban a big area, Newark - with a Passaic river crossing and high speed traffic on just a few roads. Then there's other adjacent towns like Irvington, S. Orange - which traveling through by car is a bit scary, crime-wise.
Tue, 10/04/2005 - 10:12am
#2
This does explain quite a bit, Peter.
"Thanks for the details and the consideration. I'd figured that it wasn't so pretty out there based on the lack of routes in the library, but figured I'd toss it out there just in case. Looks like I'll be doing another ride that stops in Piermont/Nyack this weekend. :) :( :
Tue, 10/04/2005 - 3:42pm
#3
riding in NJ
But if you can drive or take NJ transit there is gorgeous and refreshingly different riding in NJ. Not just the Brunswick/New Hope ride that some of have picked up this summer (one being lead this weekend) but also north of 80. Lots of rural, rolling, scenic riding on backroads around Hope, Andover, Sparta, etc. I hope to get some routes in the ride library at some point--just need some time for a bit more scouting.
Tue, 10/04/2005 - 6:15pm
#4
New Jersey and You
Interestingly, other than the same-old, same-old to Nyack, this route in New Jersey appears to be one of the most regularly used by NYCC riders. We are also riding it on October 30, and both times so far this year I have ridden it there were other riders on the route that day who had downloaded the cue sheet from the ride library.
Wed, 10/05/2005 - 4:45am
#5
NJ options
John and Carol are correct, too. You don't have to go *too* far west to find some nice riding in NJ, Bergen County to be more specific. There's quite a few rides in the ride library.
The route John speaks of requires a train ride out of the city (passing through Newark & S. Orange) and covers a south and west sections of NJ. It's indeed a very nice route. This ride is on Saturday, the 29th of October.
Wed, 10/05/2005 - 5:51am
#6
Oops
Peter;
Thanks for the correction, as one of the ride leaders, i should know what day the ride is...
Tue, 10/04/2005 - 5:37pm
#7
Other Options
There are lots of other options besides Piermont and Nyack. You can go somewhat west to Ridgewood or north to Park Ridge or farther north & west to Saddle River or south to River Edge. Some of these routes are in the ride library. If you want other cue sheets not in the library, email me.
Fri, 10/07/2005 - 10:00am
#8
Thanks to all. :)
Top marks to all who replied. Looks like I'll have some newer routes to tackle this winter!
Cheers and ride safe,
Andy
Fri, 10/07/2005 - 5:30pm
#9
Gladstone.......
"If you take the Gladstone line to the last stop, you will think you have landed in a bit of bicycling heaven. The roads in that region are wonderful - scenic, hilly, lightly traveled and often well shaded. There are a couple of obstacles to enjoying this near nirvana, however. First, the train ride, including a train switch in Summit, is a long 1.5 to 2 hour endeavor each way. Second, unless NJT has changed their behavior, the amount of bikes which they will take on a train will likely be limited to a small (as in 3-5) number.
If you can get past those limitations, either seek out Peter O'Reilly's ""Hill of Hunterdon County"" ride, or email me and I will get you started with a route I created to travel from that station stop to a friend's house in Henningsville PA (about 10-15 miles SW of Allentown on top of Centennial Hill - approximately 90 miles from Gladstone). If you only did the initial portion in NJ, crossed the Delaware and had lunch in PA, then headed back, you'd end up with about a 70 or so mile day with some great riding."
