5/14/23 Princeton to NYC, New York

We had a very comfortable start to the day on this beautiful Mother’s Day. It started with quiet roads and country views. 

Our first priority today was getting to the “Local Bike Shop” in Highland Park  so that possible repairs could be done to Tim’s malfunctioning steed. Sometimes along our journey it feels like  angels are watching over us. In this case, Andrew was like an earthly angel not only having the needed replacement items, but getting everything installed so quickly. We got there just after 10 and by 11 o’clock we were out the door and Tim’s bike was like new after replacing the rear cluster, front chain rings and chain. 

The short wait was enough time to grab a fresh fruit smoothie up the street at Blendz Cafe. There was a sweet pooch to greet us. 

11:11 shot of the day. 

With Tim’s bike riding like a charm we were able to navigate our way through the more populated city streets, then over the Goethals Bridge to New York State. The views from there were immense. 

We were definitely making progress, but seems our next bridge crossing put us back in New Jersey! The Bayonne Bridge was providing a skyline that was getting more exciting. 

We successfully navigated through Jersey City with a lot of help from Google Maps … our  interm destination was The Paulus Hook Ferry. 

While on the ferry, crossing the Hudson River, the skylines on both sides (New Jersey and New York) were so impressive. 

Waiting at the ferry terminal when we arrived in Lower Manhattan was Tim’s High School buddy Mark, his wife Caroline and their son Sam. They all road their bikes about 9 miles from there home to greet us and show us the way to their place/ our overnight stay. 

Wow! Tim and I were on stimulation overload.   There was so much going on; people everywhere enjoying the glorious Mother’s Day Sunday, the traffic was crazy, the building of course impressive and the activity along the path was varied and so exciting to see.  Opportunities to take photos in the really congested sections was not a good idea while riding. 

We took a break along the way at the busy Riverside Park for a beer and some snacks. 

We made it to their apartment, over a century old on Sugarhill in Harlem within Upper Manhattan. They live on the 11th floor and have a totally unobstructed view of the Yankee Stadium and the Harlem River and skyline. 

After cleaning up we all walked a few blocks to BoNo for pizza  followed by amazing ice cream at the Sugarhill Creamery. 

It was a long day that was thoroughly enjoyed. 

Stats: 70 miles, 1700’ climbing 3 state crossings (all between NJ and NY) and reuniting/meeting high school friend/family.