Joyride #13: To Hal and Back

By Leah Dilworth

From City Hall in Manhattan to Jacob Riis Beach, Rockaway. This easy-going ride, designed by the legendary Hal, is perfect for a summer day. The 40-mile round-trip avoids heavy trafficked streets and is appropriate for beginners or anyone interested in a experiencing a more mellow New York.

CROSS the Brooklyn Bridge and continue straight (along Tillary) on Adams St.
PAST Atlantic Av, turns into Boerum Place.
LEFT on Dean St.
RIGHT on Third Ave.
LEFT on Third Street to Prospect Park.
ENTER park.
RIGHT on the park roadway.
CONTINUE to Coney Island Ave. exit.
RIGHT, traffic circle, to Coney Island Ave.
RIGHT on Coney Island Ave.
RIGHT on Beverly Rd.
LEFT onto Ocean Parkway bike path.
CONTINUE for about three miles.
LEFT on Avenue T to Marine Park.
CROSS Stuart Ave. and hop curb into park.
CONTINUE for about a one quarter circuit around softball diamond to corner of E. 33rd St. and Ave. U.
CROSS Avenue U.
LEFT on bike path paralleling Avenue U (five short blocks).
RIGHT on E. 38th St. (go wrong way one block)
LEFT on Ave. V (four short blocks).
RIGHT on Hendrickson St. (one block).
LEFT on Hendrickson Pl. (one block).
RIGHT on Flatbush Ave. bike path.
CONTINUE to Marine Parkway Bridge.
CROSS bridge. (On weekends bridge pathway is crowded with people fishing. Consider walking bike on ascent and descent but riding over middle, which is clear.) At base of bridge pathway, turn
LEFT on 169th St.
CONTINUE to Jacob Riis Park and Atlantic Ocean!

On return, reverse directions until Prospect Park.
ENTER park from Coney Island Ave.
RIGHT on park roadway.
CONTINUE to Grand Army Plaza exit.
LEFT to Union St.
RIGHT on 3rd Ave.
LEFT on Pacific St.
RIGHT on Boerum Place (cut through gas station).
CONTINUE to Adams to Brooklyn Bridge.