Difficulty Rating:
2 out of 5
The route starts and ends at Queensbridge Park and includes the Queens Boulevard bike lane, Forest Park, the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway in Cunningham Park, Alley Pond Park, Joe Michael’s Mile, Fort Totten, the Kissena Corridor (including the velodrome), the World's Fair site, Flushing Marina and finally the East River waterfront back to Queensbridge to complete the loop.
The road through Forest Park is closed to cars so it can be a fun place for everyone to race to the end (or not) and then reassemble at the end of the park. Of course, care should be taken since there may be other folks just strolling, walking dogs, etc. The group may wish to similarly break with group formalities along Joe Michael's Mile (all 2.4 miles of it) and along the Vanderbilt Parkway.
There is a path through a part of Alley Pond Park, beginning at mile 20.1, that begins with a steep, curving descent but keep your nerve, this part of the route is worth the effort. As you descend try to look to your left and you may see the Giant Tulip Tree, the oldest and tallest living organism in NY City!
The velodrome may or may not be open to the public. If it is closed then you may be able to watch some track races. If it is open for riding, don't be concerned by the banking, the surface is tarmac and you are unlikely to slide off even if you come to complete standstill.
Speaking of races, Rainey Park at mile 41.5 is home to official USA cyclocross racing every November. It's amazing.
RMS 8/24/2020
