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Bx10 Soundview Loop

$3.50

Borough(s): The Bronx, Distance: 5.78 miles, Elevation: 103, Terrain: flat, Ride Rating: @@

Description

The Tease. (Bronx Bike Ride Soundview)

Reputations can be deceiving. Little good has been said about Soundview. That’s thanks to a reputation for drugs and crime back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and because few people who live in The Bronx actually see the place, as the only street most know in the area is the Bruckner Expressway. It’s a pity, as the streets are quiet, there is lots of waterfront, and the parks are totally underutilized. Both Pugsley Creek and Sound View have been largely left to nature, which makes their paths quiet and peaceful.

Bronx Bike Rides Soundview
Pugsley Creek Park wetlands.

The Deeper Dive.

The ride starts at the intersection of Lafayette and Morrison avenues, with two large apartment towers behind you and a stub of Soundview Park on your left. You’re going to ride through the park and take Lafayette just about to the end. This is the same Lafayette that is on the Maritime College Loop, only you can’t go directly there from here, as Westchester Creek is in your way.

In the first half-mile, you’ll come across one of two commercial areas on the ride. One is on Lafayette straddling Soundview Avenue. This is as busy as Lafayette gets.

About a mile and a half in, you’ll come to Havemeyer. You’ll turn right here and follow it until you’re at the very southern end of the road. The road will have become Zerega Avenue on the way. Parkland will be straight ahead. Turn right and keep the water on your left.

On Howe Street, the bike path in Pugsley Creek Park begins. Follow the path. You’ll be in trees, riding on the edge of coastal freshwater wetlands. If you need a spot for quiet reflection, there are several in the park.

When you exit the Pugsley Creek Park Bike Path, you should be riding west straight onto O’Brien Avenue. This will quickly pass the second commercial area on the loop, Soundview Avenue.

O’Brien also takes you into Soundview Park. Once in the park, follow the path. On your left, between the path and the water, are a number of spots where benches are facing south and looking out over the East River where the Bronx River joins the East.

The path turns from going west to going northwest where the Bronx River pours into the East River. The water is still on your left as you head north. You’ll finish by riding through a stand of trees with open fields on both sides.

Finish Where You Start.

You finish up where you start, at Lafayette and Morrison. At only five miles, go for a second lap before stopping off for a bite.

Specs (Bronx Bike Rides Soundview)

Borough(s): The Bronx

Distance: 5.8 miles

Elevation: 103′

Terrain: Flat

Ride Rating: @@

Notes: Ride to and stop at freshwater wetlands on the edge of New York City. Bx05 and Bx09 are also 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/

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JP Partland

Writer and rider.
Or rider and writer.
Author of Where To Bike NYC.
As well as: Tour Fever, The World of BMX, and Mountain Bike Madness.
Also the leader of Just Riding Along, http://www.jralong.com

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Bx10 Soundview Loop
$3.50