One man's trash is another man's treasure.  Once upon a time, Barren Island was a vibrant community with schools, churches and even an airstrip.  The area was used as the final resting place for dead horses, glue factories, fish oil factories and of course a dump.  Then along came Robert Moses who removed the town, and joined the island to the mainland with fill.  Alas, the landfill cap busted, and to this day, ancient bottles continue to litter the beach. This is a remote area in Brooklyn and you feel that you are somewhere removed from NYC.  There is a destitute beauty.  Lunch will be at the always wonderful Mill Basin Kosher Deli.  Sometimes a hot bowl of chicken soup with matzoh balls is just what you need on a Winter's day.  This is not the ride for your fancy road bike, as the trail leading from Flatbush Avenue to the bay is grass, sand and mud.  Also, this is "Bottle Beach" - so sturdy footwear is essential.  

Bring - The standard tube, lock, $ for lunch.  A thermos with a hot beverage helps.  Lunch is relatively late in the ride, so you may also want to bring a snack.