Description
You should know Wave Hill (bike ride)
While probably everyone in New York City has gone by Wave Hill, few know of it. ‘Tis a pity as doing a Bronx Wave Hill bike ride is hilly and largely peaceful. Wave Hill is surrounded by well-used trains, highways, and rivers, and yet few ever stop by. It’s in the Riverdale section of The Bronx, which many consider an elite suburb of New York City.
Scenes From The Ride
Wave Hill is a quiet spot on the eastern bank of the Hudson River. An oasis of calm in a bustling city. The Riverdale neighborhood that surrounds it has a similar laid back charm. Many of the roads here are narrow, winding, and remarkably traffic-free. If it weren’t for the hills, this would be a great ride for beginners.
The Wave Hill Loop is a decidedly suburban ride that starts within sight of Manhattan and under an apartment building. Going north, the ride quickly turns to feeling like a distant locale, more northern Westchester than New York City. Adding to the remote feel are the hills. The first of which is Wave Hill, a stiff climb up from the train tracks . The rest of the ride north to the Yonkers border takes you on narrow suburban streets and past a well-appointed private school, a lush nursing home, and a pretty college.
When you turn right onto Riverdale Avenue, you’re confronted with the first and only commercial strip of the ride. Riverdale is also pretty well trafficked, though with the decent width, there is plenty of room for riding. Luckily, you’re only on it for a short stretch in the busy section, and then return to it twice more in less-trafficked areas.
On the way south back to the start, the ride turns repeatedly. This was an effort to stay as removed from traffic as possible. You’re ducking onto Riverdale Avenue several times just to make connections to quieter, prettier roads. It also lengthens the ride; if you find yourself running short on time or getting tired, you can just stay on Riverdale longer. Riverdale merges into Henry Hudson Parkway West, which can take you almost the entire way back to the start.
As you’re winding south, you pass by several parks, the first of which is when you pass Wave Hill, briefly covering the same road you did on the ride north. A few turns past Wave, and you’re at Seton Park. Once through Seton, you’re just a minute or so from Henry Hudson Park and then at the finish of the ride. For us, the distance is such that we like doing at least two laps of this loop.
Vittles En Route
This ride is mostly residential, though there are some delis and restaurants at the far end of the ride, just as you turn onto Riverdale Avenue.
Side Trip, if you have the desire and/or time
The Wave Hill estate is a great place to visit. Once home to Theodore Roosevelt as well as Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), the estate is now a public garden and cultural center. The views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades are incredible. www.wavehill.org
Specs (Bronx Wave Hill Bike Ride)
Borough(s): The Bronx
Distance: 6.5 miles
Elevation: 535 feet
Terrain: Meandering suburban streets, with one real climb.
Ride Rating: @@
Notes: Suburbia, views of the Hudson, inside NYC. Bx02 and Bx08 are nearby.
Includes: A PDF to print out or put on your phone. A GPX file for your phone or GPS-enabled bike computer.
If you need a tutorial, here’s where you find that info. https://jralong.com/wheretobikenyc/2020/06/18/download-a-ride/
