Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals & Tours, New York, United StatesAfter my weekend in Long Island today was my second day of biking in New York. After my first day in Central Park and midtown today I would be doing lower Manhattan, Governors Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
First I took Red Line 1 Metro down to 14th St where I changed to Express Line 3 to get to Fulton
Blazing Saddles is a bike rental place I found online near Pier 17 and the Brooklyn Bridge. Online was $32 US to book or $40 US in person.
First I biked south to the ferry terminal to Governors Island. There was no ramp for bikes so had to carry it up the stairs. Ticket was $4 return and bikes are free
The ferry runs every 30 mins and has good views of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge as it pulls out.
The island is car free and seems to be where people go for picnics. There are more bike rentals available on the island.
First I visited Castle Williams at the northern tip but there is no access to the insides. This northern point has the best views of Manhattan
South of Castle Williams is what is called Colonels Row. There are four storey barracks for the soldiers and grander detached officers homes. Unfortunately all are vacant and abandoned when better used could be made as retail, bed and breakfast, or hotel.
I had planned on taking the ferry across to Brooklyn and then bike back across the Brooklyn Bridge but found out that the ferry from Governors Island to Brooklyn only runs on weekends. Instead I had to take the ferry I came on back to Manhattan to figure another route
In Manhattan there were then other ferries running up and down the East River so I had to figure out one to get me across to Brooklyn. Ticket was $4 one way and one of the attendants told me to take the ferry to Dumbo to get to the Brooklyn Bridge
I was not allowed to stand with my bike and they make you hang it while they lock the passengers inside for the fast ferry.
There are good views of the Brooklyn Bridge both as we ride towards and dock at Dumbo (strange name?)
There are now bike lanes and signs to direct you to the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges
The Brooklyn Bridge has a separated bike lane people were whizzing down. I did not want that as I wanted to stop and take pictures. Instead I took my bike to the pedestrian level where you could not ride your bike but I would be able to take my time taking pictures
The roadways going each way are suspended from the cables. Between the two roadways is a walking platform suspended over the river so you need a head for heights if you look down and be careful not to drop anything.
It was very crowded the whole way and lots of tourist vendors selling New York momentos
Back in Manhattan the bridge ends by City Hall and bike lanes going up Centre St towards Chinatown. I didnt see much in Chinatown. A stretch was even called Little Paris. Little Italy was supposed to be next but I didnt really see much there either so decided to turn back.
Going south now I made my way to Wall St. The small street that comes behind it leading to the pillars of the NYSE reminded me of the Treasury at Petra.
At the base of Broadway (didnt realize it came all the way to the end) was the Raging Bull. It was crowded again but I had a much better view from across the street
Then I made my way to the former World Trade Centre and the two fountain memorials.
Now it was time to return the bike and take the subway home. The heat and humidity made me feel much more tired.
See also Vlog of trip (8 mins) - https://youtu.be/0A2-HMRHozA
2025-05-22