A Journey Across the Bronx by Bike
By Mark Monchek − September 14, 2009
I wanted an opportunity to explore nature in the big city. Who knew you could bike from the Hudson River to Long Island Sound? From Riverdale to City Island, across the Bronx by bike. Thirty-five miles, roundtrip, along the Mosholu/ Pelham route of the Bronx Greenway. Nature, humanity, flora and fauna like few ever see. Through the deep woods of Van Cortlandt Park, where one of the city’s wealthiest Dutch citizens settled in 1694, across Norwood, past the New York Botanical Gardens, across Mosholu and Pelham Parkways, where the elderly pass time on sunny days and spend too much time in Jacobi Medical Center, across the New England Thruway, and finally across the City Island Bridge onto the island.
I left Riverdale with a map I never used. I am not good with maps but I am good with people. Tony, a Bronx veteran cyclist headed for Tarrytown, took me to the beginning of the trail. I met Marshall from Rockland County near the Botanical Gardens. He was good with maps and we rode together to the end of Pelham Parkway. Marshall is a partner in a real estate investment firm. I told him about the New Market Tax Credit program and some of our real estate clients. We exchanged business cards as sweat dripped from our brows and cars whizzed by behind us. You never know what comes of these seemingly random meetings. I have found exceptional experiences- clients, friends and my wife of 30 years- by being awake to opportunities in unexpected places.
I rolled into City Island just in time for lunch at the Lobster House. Dan the waiter and some diehard Giants fan to took my picture in front of the marina. Debra, the hostess, offered a bottle of water for the road and hoped I’d write something good about the restaurant so she could tell her boss who was on vacation. I do highly recommend the Lobster House www.cilobsterhouse.com with amazing views of the bay and homestyle food and service. Watching the boats come in, I met two cyclists- doctors from Montifiore. They might help me with a referral for a friend.
On the way back I passed a driving range, a fishing hole, a house with 10 foot high statues of Greek god and angels, making the last leg of the 96 mile NYC bike trip with a group from Transportation Alternatives. As I rode through Van Cortlandt Park I watched the end of a cricket match, the fitting end to journey of opportunity.
You can learn more about how to travel NYC by bike at www.bikemaps.com
