Distance: 81.9 km
Ride time: 4:19:41
Average: 18.9 km/h
Max speed: 38.2 km/h
Total: 40677 km
I have been reaching a lot of milestones lately, and today another one would be in the making. After saying goodbye and thanks to Dave and Anne it started quiet enough in the small town of Princeton. The plan was then to cycle right into Manhattan!
But first, a morning visit to the beautiful campus of Princeton University.
I remember that somewhere down in South America high up in the Andes Mountains I was envisioning the day I would be cycling into New York City. It was almost surreal to think that now I was finally here.
As in any fairy tale, there was a couple of obstacles to overcome before reaching the Big Apple. One of them was the traffic that got increasingly worse as the day progressed. I got to the suburb of Elizabeth and found a way around the Newark airport before the real troubles began; I don’t think there is any optimal way to cross the bridges coming over to Jersey City. The bridge I chose was packed with traffic and without any space for cyclists.
I could now see the Freedom Tower at the World Trade Center, a new addition to the skyline of New York since my last visit here in 2008.
I don’t know how to describe it, but I would say that all the hype about NYC is pretty much deserved. This is indeed the city of cities, and I was damn proud to arrive here by bike this time.
I found my way down towards the Hudson River and spent a little while trying to figure out the best way to cross it. Then I realized there was a small ferry that would take me right over to the financial district of Manhattan. I quickly bought a ticket and jumped on the ferry.
And voila, there I was. Downtown Manhattan with a vista to the Statue of Liberty and everything. Wow!
I was going to meet Steve N2AJ who had generously invited to to stay in his house on Long Island and even offered to pick me up rigth here at Battery Park. Thanks Steve!
Tomorrow another rest day will be in order to take in a little of this fascinating place.
This was no ordinary day, and New York is no ordinary place.
Fantastic! I can’t wait to arrive in NYC by bicycle! It must have been a wonderful experience!
Reading your blog and hearing the excitement and joy in your voice brought tears to my eyes!!! I’ve never been to NYC, only upper state NY but you made me feel like I was there with you. Thank you Thomas. All through your travels in the US, all the beautiful folks you met and stayed with and came in contact with, you made me Proud To Be An American!!! I wish you the best in your future travels!!