Ft. Tilden and its beach are a fave destination of mine, and what better way to cheer the summertime And we'll route to minimize running into the madding hordes. Before hitting the beach and waving to resident plovers or checking out abandoned army aresenals we're biking a loop thru Breezy Pt on the westernmost piece of that same island, then back thru the fort's abandoned roads/paths before we lock up bikes and plop down at Ft Tilden beach for a swim, some sun, and a lunch repast while on the beach (where its wayyyyy less populated than nearby Jacob Riis). Then we wend our way to the JR broadwalk and their wonderful scene (plus water fountains, restrooms, and showers for quick rinse!!!).

This ride is a nice way salute summer's passing, so let's hit the beach AND get in some fun cycling along the way. Pace will be moderate with steady cycling and very few stops. Ride is only 35ish miles but it will be a full course of pedaling so come rested. We're starting early to get out and back before too many crowds (we anticipate leaving the beach 1:30-2PMish).

At Ft Tilden the byways are a bit worn and in some disrepair (heck, it's a decommissiod army base, after all). So this is not the time to break out your bestest carbon fiber steed with skinny minny tires. But numerous club rides have done the paths over the years . . .so have fun and explore a little. FYI,  Leader will using a mtn bike with non-fat, slightly treaded, high pressure slicks; but a hybrid or a road bike also OK. Realize we will be locking bikes to metal Jersey fencing, or looping to each other at the beach, so do bring a good lock set (and don't leave the right key behind like this leader painfully experienced once).

Optional return from Rockaway by NYC ferry or subway . . .but we do expect those to be holiday-crowded so you're on your own diverging there (unless the ferry and its AC look too compelling and the line is not awful). Otherwise, the ride bikes back to Prospect Park over a diff causeway than what we used on outbound leg.

START:  Parade Grounds south of Prospect Park, at the central restroom. Be pre-registered, and on time and ready to "wheels up" right after 2 min bike check. Route map/cue and locations will be emailed to confirmed registrants. Ride as a group; no point-drop-sweep except in a few possible instances. NOTE:  Given that weather forecast keeps shifting around, we might shift back somewhat later the start time, and possibly cut out part of the route, still keeping most of the mileage and the serious beach/swim visit. Any such change would be emailed the night before. 

BRING:  Something to sit/lay on at the beach, plus something to get wet in. Leader is bringing a thin pareo as beach blanket/changing room/drying towel, wearing a bathing suit top under bike jersey; with the bottom donned either in a rest room not far from Tilden Beach or at some suitable private point in the dunes via the instant changing station of a wrapped pareo). BYO lunch or lots of nibbles (zero food acquisition stops) and there is NO food at Ft Tilden (it's pack in, pack out). Bring plenty of sun protection, hydration and carrying capacity for hydration. Water fountains are working at Riis beach. Lock needed for when we're beaching it at Tilden.

Any major weather change causing change or ride cancellation will be called the evening before. Iffy weather the morning of, but still a reasonably acceptable chance of a little amount of showers or such will be OK for the ride (refreshingly cools us down and thins out other folks on the route and beaches).

FOR SURE:  Ride limited to 8 riders. Please review all club, legal and health guidelines on COVID-safe participation. Bring/use a (COVID safety) mask, hand sanitizer. If you won't be able to make the ride, please unregister so that others may use the limited slots.