This Department is conducted in the interest of Bicyclers, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject. Our maps and tours contain much valuable data kindly supplied from the official maps and road-books of the League of American Wheelmen. Recognizing the value of the work being done by the L. A. W., the Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with membership blanks and information so far as possible.
Copyright, 1895, by Harper & Brothers.
The only other really good ride on Long Island out of Brooklyn, besides the one given in last week's issue to Babylon, is over the same route as already described to Jamaica, and from thence as on the Babylon route, on through Hollis and Holliswood Park. Just beyond Holliswood Park the fork is reached whose right leads to Babylon, and whose left runs out over the plank-road to Jericho, and thence up along the north shore of Long Island. There are almost no hills along the entire route until the rider gets up to the north shore at and beyond Huntington. On taking the left fork, after passing Holliswood Park, the rider gets into Queens, continues on through Floral Park, Hyde Park, and Mineola straight out to Jericho, on a remarkably good road for Long Island, and a creditable road for any country. Jericho is practically the end of this plank-road. After leaving Jamaica and passing by the toll-gate, the rider may to advantage take to the side paths, for these will give him considerable help; but complaints against bicyclists have grown so numerous of late, and there is so much danger that severe legislation will be pushed against bicyclists, that every one is urged never to ride on side paths or sidewalks within the limits of a village or a thickly populated town.
There are several roads which may be taken out of Jericho. One of these is to turn right from Jericho and go on southward to Hicksville (and turn at the bottom of the hill), about a mile beyond, near the edge of the plain. Take the left fork and continue on this until the railroad is crossed. After crossing the railroad turn left and keep to this road until the railroad is again crossed, when a turn to the right should be made at the next fork, and the rider will soon run into Farmingdale. Running through Farmingdale, and turning sharp to the right at the next crossroads, the wheelman crosses the tracks and runs to the Holycross Mission-House, two miles away, turns sharp to the right a little beyond, and runs into Amityville, three miles further on. The road is good, and the side paths may be taken here to advantage also. After leaving Amityville, cross the railroad, and turn to the left to the shore road on the south shore of Long Island. A turn to the left carries the rider into Babylon, and he may here rest, and run back to Brooklyn by the route described last week.
Another run, and the one marked on the map accompanying the Department this week, is to continue on from Jericho until the turning to the right is reached, and then the wheelman can run up to the north shore, through Huntington to Northport. There should be a turn made to the left at Jericho, and, after a short distance, a turn to the right, thence crossing the railroad track after passing Locust Grove and running into Syosset. The road is somewhat hilly there, though not bad. On passing the station the wheelman should turn right and take the next turn to the left. It will bring him into Cold Spring. Turning right from here and taking the main road he runs on three miles into Huntington over a somewhat hilly road; thence the route is direct to Centreport and Northport, a little over five miles further on, and the rider may then keep on along the north shore as far as he likes. Huntington, however, makes thirty three or four miles, which is enough for an ordinary bicyclist, who would naturally return by train, or, if the return route be made in the same day, sixty-five to seventy miles would be covered.
If the return trip be made, it is possible to take a pleasant run out to Glen Cove by keeping to the road after passing (going west) Cold Spring. The run then will be through Laurelton, Oyster Bay, Bayville, Locust Valley, into Glen Cove, and the road can then be followed without difficulty. From Glen Cove it is somewhat hilly. There is a pretty run through Greenville, Roslyn, back to plank road at Mineola. This return detour adds three or four miles, but makes a variety in the road.
Note.—Map of New York city asphalted sheets in No. 809. Map of route from New York to Tarrytown in No. 810. New York to Stamford, Connecticut, in No. 811. New York to Staten Island in No. 812. New Jersey from Hoboken to Pine Brook in No. 813. Brooklyn in No. 814. Brooklyn to Babylon, 815.