Dodging in and out of New York City traffic may keep you on your toes, but it’s the 9W ride that keeps city cyclists sane. This particular route begins in Riverdale, but the real start of this ride is the George Washington Bridge, making this route easily accessible from anywhere in Manhattan or the Bronx—assuming you have bike-messenger instincts.
Riding over the GWB is an experience in and of itself: take the opportunity to stop along the way and marvel at a view of the Manhattan skyline that you’d only have a chance to glance at in the car. Once you’ve crossed over, the rolling, wide-shouldered 9W waits to escort you north. This road is perfect for steady training, tempo pacelining, or interval efforts. Some 18 miles later you’ll roll under the Tappan Zee Bridge into Nyack and be greeted with phenomenal Hudson River views and the true destination of this ride: The Runcible Spoon Bakery
On weekends, the Spoon is packed with cyclists from the north and south stopping in for a mid-ride pick-me-up. With a wide assortment of ride treats on the menu (coffee, muffins, oatmeal, energy bars, sandwiches, and so on), there’s a decent chance you won’t get home with a calorie deficit.
