The Perfect-View Ride

Mileage: 25 miles
Time: 4-5 hours
Don't miss: The Brooklyn Bridge, the Roosevelt Tram, the Manhattan skyline

Click on map points to view route highlights.

A Your first good photo op is the most obvious: Start with the Brooklyn Bridge (it’s not hard to find). An iconic shot can be taken from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade (Columbia Heights at Middagh St, Brooklyn Heights), a swath that offers a clear view of the structure and Manhattan behind it (just park your bike elsewhere; they’re not allowed here). Snap a few and then head over the bridge, remembering to get some detailed shots of the steel wire while high above the water.

B Ride over the bridge into Manhattan and curve back toward the East Side waterfront. You can take a few bridge pics from there, too. Then head north until 59th Street (and go over to Second Avenue) for the Roosevelt Island Tram ($2 a ride). Bikes are allowed on the carts, which dangle up to 250 feet above the East River. Get your digital ready.

CHop off and head a few steps toward the waterfront to look back at Manhattan. Say cheese—and have a picnic, if you brought food. When done, ride along Main Street, the only road nearby, until you get to the fork, and then choose West Road (it’s the one next to the water). Ride along the two-mile island (veering left when necessary) until you can’t ride anymore (you should be able to get to the tip).

D Head back down the other side of Roosevelt Island, on East Road (which turns into Main Street) and have a snack or drink at Trellis (549 Main St, 212-752-1517). The institution—shut down by the Health Department a few times—is worth the risk, for its old-school diner charm.

EHead over the Roosevelt Island Bridge, which funnels into Queens at 36th Avenue. Take a right on Vernon and head for 50th Avenue. Two blocks west and you’ll find Queens West, a newish development, and a park that has—guess? A stunning view of midtown Manhattan.

F Head home on the 7 train, at Vernon Boulevard, scrolling through your amazing photos. Send the most creative ones to inyc@timeoutny.com and we may print them in the magazine.

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