Gotham Bicycle Tours

There’s no better way to spend a day on a bike than riding a car-free bike path that ends at a great local brewery. Lunch, beer and beautiful scenery are all included on this great day out!

The Putnam Division of the New York Central Railroad – the “Old Put” – used to chug commuters into New York City from communities in Westchester and Putnam Counties. First run with steam trains, then with diesels, the route was ultimately abandoned in the 1950’s as the region’s highways were constructed. Fortunately, much of the railroad right-of-way was left in tact, and now it is a bike path stretching 48 miles between Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx and Brewster which is now part of the Empire State Trail.

This bike tour will take you on the northernmost 35 miles of this trail – a ride that is mostly free of cars, with plenty of scenic views along the way. You won’t believe how close you are to NYC and its suburbs while you are on this trail! Historic markers and remnants of the old railroad line the route, giving you an opportunity to learn about the history of the railroad and the communities it served.

When you reach the end of the ride, you’ll get to experience Captain Lawrence Brewery and taste a selection of their beers! A made-to-order picnic lunch is also included!

Ride on New York’s newest car-free bike path! Easy to get to by train from NYC with vehicle support, guides and break stops. It’s the longest state-wide bike path in the nation! Get out and enjoy this beautiful trail on your bike with our Empire Trail Service!

The Empire State Trail is an off-road bike path for its first 100 miles north of New York City, making it an ideal day trip for anyone from the New York Metro Area. The trail was entirely constructed along former railroad lines that once carried passengers and freight throughout the Hudson Valley. Now it’s an amazingly scenic bike path that is relatively flat and takes you past beautiful lakes and farms, over breathtaking bridges and through quaint towns bursting with history.

Experience the trail at your own pace with the convenience and peace of mind of an organized tour Our Empire Trail Service is designed for riders of all abilities to enjoy a day out on a 40-mile section of this scenic, remote, car-free bike path at your own pace while still having the convenience, support, safety and peace of mind that comes with an organized tour. Ride by yourself or with one of our guides and have access to break stops with refreshments. A support vehicle is available throughout the day where you can store your belongings while you ride. You can pack your own lunch or order a lunch ($17) and everything is available to you at the break stops. In addition, our staff is always available in the general area to help you with any mechanical breakdowns or to pick you up in the support vehicle if you cannot finish the ride.

One of the best ways to see New York City is by bike. New York City has over 1,000 miles of bicycle lanes and paths, reaching every corner of the five boroughs. With so much to explore, choosing the right NYC bike tour can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer customized tours that are tailored to what you are interested in seeing.

All of our NYC bike tours are guided by Lukas Herbert, the owner of Gotham Bicycle Tours. Lukas is a professional urban planner who knows a lot about the city, its infrastructure, buildings and history as well as the best routes to ride. Lukas is also licensed by the City of New York as a sightseeing guide and is credentialed by the City as a “star guide” due to his extensive knowledge. (NYC DCA License # 2062201)

Our rides are also ideal for more advanced riders who are looking to ride a longer distance (and see more) than what might be offered on a standardized tour open to riders of varying abilities.

Suggested itineraries include (a 2-hour tour could more than one of these):

• Central Park and the surrounding “museum and mansions” neighborhoods
• Historic and cultural sites of Harlem
• Manhattan and Brooklyn waterfronts, including the Brooklyn Bridge
• Greenwich Village and the historic sights of lower Manhattan
• Coney Island and the beaches of New York City (including the infamous “Dead Horse Bay”)
• Brownstone Brooklyn and Prospect Park
• Brewery rides in Brooklyn and Queens
• Historic sites of the Bronx ending at the Bronx Brewery or Yankee Stadium
• Ride along the city’s famous aqueduct system, past the historic estates along it

Customized bike tours start at $250 for up to 6 people.

The Empire State Trail in the Hudson Valley should be on every touring cyclist’s list. Gotham Bicycle Tours is the local company that has been offering tours in the Hudson Valley for more than 10 years. Having spent our entire lives here, our knowledge of this region is unmatched, as is our service to our customers. If you want to really see New York, take a ride with us!

Each tour is unique because of seasonal changes, and prices vary for packages with different combinations of days.

Enjoy autumn foliage and dining at the Culinary Institute of America!