As we prepare for this year’s Bike to the Beach event, we’re thrilled to share some exciting updates that reflect our ongoing commitment to rider safety, enhancing the route experience, and creating a more seamless journey for everyone involved. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or joining us for the first time, we’re confident these changes will make your ride unforgettable.

New Route: Prioritizing Safety and Adventure

This year, our Bike to the Beach route has been thoughtfully reimagined to prioritize both safety and adventure. After carefully considering various logistical factors, we’ve updated the course to include over 35 miles of off-the-street riding along the new Jones Beach bike path. This addition provides a smooth, scenic, and incredibly safe trail that every rider will have the opportunity to experience.

While the rest of the route remains open, we’ve meticulously selected bike-safe roads to ensure your safety throughout the journey. Our commitment extends to providing staff and volunteer support in key areas to help you navigate any challenging sections. With bike mechanics and chase cars accompanying you every mile, you can ride confidently, knowing that support is always nearby.

Along the way, you’ll find rest stops approximately every 15 miles, stocked with refreshing beverages, hydration stations, and essential medical supplies. This ride is more than just a journey—it’s a celebration of camaraderie, exploration, and the joy of pedaling towards the beach on a route designed for both safety and excitement.

See the updated route here (not for navigation purposes)

New Starting Lines: A Fresh Beginning

We’re also excited to announce some changes to our starting lines. The B2B New York Century Ride will now begin in lower Manhattan, just one block away from our usual starting point, thanks to a new partnership with Battery Park Gourmet, a local restaurant and ride sponsor. From there, you’ll cross the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and head into the Rockaways before making your way to the new Jones Beach loop.

For our Half-Century and 25-mile riders, both routes will now start from the Long Island Racquet and Fitness (formerly “World Gym”) Rest Stop in Wantagh, NY. This change allows participants in both the 50- and 25-mile rides to ride together for the first part of the journey, fostering a sense of community right from the start.

The Jones Beach Loop: A Scenic Highlight

One of the most exciting additions this year is the inclusion of the Jones Beach loop. The Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway, also known as the Jones Beach Bike Path, is a continuous 20-mile trail that stretches from Cedar Creek County Park in Wantagh to Captree State Park in Babylon. This stunning route offers breathtaking waterfront views, convenient restrooms, parking areas, beach access, nearby restaurants, and even opportunities to spot local wildlife.

All riders will get a taste of this incredible bike path. Our 100-mile and 50-mile riders will bike the entire path to Captree State Park and then return to Wantagh. Meanwhile, our 25-mile riders will enjoy a 12-mile stretch to Tobay Beach, where a water stop awaits, before returning to Wantagh. After completing their loops, all riders will continue from Wantagh to Island Park/Long Beach, ensuring that everyone experiences the beauty and excitement of this new route.

New Partnership with the 5 Borough Bike Club

To further enhance safety and support during the ride, we’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with the 5 Borough Bike Club (5BBC). As co-hosts of this year’s event, the 5BBC will provide bike support throughout the day, ensuring that riders of all skill levels have the assistance they need.

In addition to ride-day support, all Bike to the Beach participants will receive a FREE trial membership to the 5BBC. This membership grants you access to a variety of club benefits, including organized rides that cater to cyclists of all levels. From beginner “happy face rides” to advanced quick spins, the 5BBC offers something for everyone. Their rides are safe, fun, and led by experienced leaders who prioritize safety and exploration. Whether you’re seeking a culinary adventure, a historic tour, or a quick escape from the city, the 5BBC has a ride for you.

Getting Home from the Finish Line: LIRR Transportation

As you plan your post-ride transportation, please note that we will not be offering bus transportation from the finish line. However, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station at Island Park is conveniently located just 0.3 miles away, making it an easy and accessible option for your journey home.

According to the September LIRR schedule, trains will depart from Island Park every hour, starting at 12:48 PM. On weekends, up to eight bikes are allowed per train, with some weekend “bicycle trains” accommodating even more bikes. These trains are marked with a bicycle symbol and a plus sign in the published timetables. There’s no need to purchase an extra ticket for your bike, as the LIRR provides designated areas for bike storage.

We strongly recommend checking the LIRR schedule closer to the event date to ensure your return transportation is arranged in advance. Planning ahead will help you wrap up your Bike to the Beach experience on a positive note, ensuring a smooth journey home. For more details, click here to learn more about bikes on the LIRR.

We Want Your Feedback

We understand that change can be challenging, and we’re here to help you adjust to the updates we’ve made this year. Whether you find the new starting and finishing locations more convenient or miss the old route, we want to hear from you. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to evaluate and plan the future of our event.

If you need assistance adjusting your plans or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Email us at Info@biketothebeach.org, and our team will do everything we can to support you. And if you’re unable to participate this year due to the changes, please let us know—we’re here to help in any way we can.

We strongly recommend checking the LIRR schedule closer to the event date to ensure your return transportation is arranged in advance. Planning ahead will help you wrap up your Bike to the Beach experience on a positive note, ensuring a smooth journey home. For more details, click here to learn more about bikes on the LIRR.