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| Back to the ride route archive Ride description: New York City/Central Park NYC/Central Park - VARIABLE MILEAGE. Every weekend the roads through Central Park are closed to vehicular traffic, and come alive with thousands of cyclists, joggers, bladers and walkers. A number of MARSians live in the city, and this ride is a popular diversion. The standard meeting place behind Tavern On The Green, at 67th St. on the west side of the park. (Meet BEHIND the restaurant, on the park loop road... NOT on Central Park West!)  This ride is similar to the Bronx River Parkway ride in two important respects: - There's really no route per se. Basically, you do laps around the park; the main loop is six miles long. You do as many as you want to while you're there. - There are no cars. (Unlike the BRP ride, though, there is mixed traffic including walkers, joggers, bladers and the like.) These two features make this a good ride for those who for whatever reason aren't comfortable with the idea of riding in a traditional group ride setting. There's only one hill of note, at the northwest corner of the park, and that can be bypassed if you like. There are a lot of great things about this ride: - Totally car-free route (though as noted there is a LOT of traffic, including little kids and pedestrians... CAUTION!) - No navigation! There's NO NEED to keep the group together, since it's impossible to get truly lost. Just show up and ride at your own pace. Given the complexity of the park, however, it is possible to get terminally separated from the group unless you arrange for a gathering place and time. - The fast riders can go as fast as they want (subject to safety... kids!), and the slow riders need not worry about getting lost. There are only three caveats: - Unlike the Bronx River Parkway ride location, Central Park is complex, with lots of turnoffs and side roads. It is entirely possible for a group that gets separated to lose touch with one another. If this is of concern, the group should agree on a collection place and time before departing. - Traffic, especially in nice weather, is VERY heavy. While you do have the entire width of a two-lane road to ride on and no vehicular traffic to worry about, the average 12-year-old is capable of some amazing weaves given the chance. So CAUTION IS ESSENTIAL. - Common sense should prevail. DON'T leave your bike unattended at any time, even if it's locked. DON'T leave valuables in your car, even if you put it in a lot. Current ride weather: A detailed forecast for the area can be had by clicking HERE. Runner's map of the park: Click HERE. Information about the park: Click HERE. Parking tips: Click HERE. Route description: Click HERE. |