Cycling on Long Island

One day tour of Peconic Bay

This one-day bicycle tour of Peconic Bay on Long Island in New York State starts in Mattituck, one of the larger towns on the North Fork. In the summer, it’s advisable to beat the tourist traffic by riding counter-clockwise, passing through the Hamptons early in the morning. After riding near the beaches in Southampton and Easthampton, the route turns north , using two short ferry rides to cross Shelter Island, crossing Peconic Bay to the North Fork. From here you’ll cycle past farms and great vistas, not to mention stops for wine tasting.

Peconic Bay creates a fork at the tip of New York State’s Long Island, with the scenic landscape and wineries on the North Fork and popular Hamptons beach areas on the south fork. The Peconic Bay area is primarily flat with a few rolling hills, similar to Cape Cod. A popular bicycle tour of the North Fork is hosted annually by North Fork Century for all rider levels.

For more routes on Long Island, check the Long Islands Bikeways page.

Long Island Cycling Clubs

Bike Around Long Island Commack, NY: road rides from April through October, founded in 1981, a casual group, no dues.

Nassau-Suffolk Bicycle Coalition

Huntington Bicycle Club, Greenlawn, Rides for beginners to advanced; weekends and Mon. holidays April-November. Dues: $20 annually, $25 family.

Long Island Bicycle Club, Westbury, Standard rides 9:30 a.m. Sat., Sun. and Mon. March-November from Westbury High School, Post Road, and away trips. Dues: $20 annually, $5 each additional family member.

Massapequa Park Bicycle Club, Massapequa, Recreational rides for all levels . Racing and multisports in warm weather, mountain biking in winter. Tour of the Hamptons in August 2006 (call for date and fees or check Web site) offers circuits of 25-100 miles, free T-shirt with early sign-up. Dues: $20 annually, $25 family.

Suffolk Bicycle Riders Association, St. James, bicycle club with approximately 700 members. . Beginners to advanced, day trips, safety and maintenance classes. Dues: $20 yearly individual, $25 family.