If you’ve ever wanted to travel back in time via leisurely bike ride to explore Long Island’s historic Gold Coast, this weekend is your chance. On July 17, more than 800 bicycle enthusiasts of all ages will participate in the 29th annual Huntington Bicycle Club’s Gold Coast Tour.
The non-competitive event has five different courses, ranging in length from 12.9 to 100 miles, all offering stunning views of Long Island's North Shore. Riders will be able to channel their inner Gatsby as they take in the sights and sounds of the charming towns, villages and historic harbors of Huntington, Cold Spring Harbor, Oyster Bay, Old Westbury and more.
Cyclists say the best time to ride is Sunday morning, when traffic tends to be extremely light. The tour kicks off early Sunday in the BAE Systems parking lot located at 450 Pulaski Rd. in Greenlawn, with staggered start times beginning at 7 a.m.
The event, which started in 1982 by founders Jerry Wallens and Mark Sussman, will raise funds for the Long Island Head Injury Association as well as the League of American Bicyclists. This year, Purolator International will be sponsoring the tour. President John Costanzo, who recently brought his company back to its Long Island roots, said he is “very pleased to support the Huntington Bicycle Club's Gold Coast Tour."
The Huntington Bicycle Club, a non-profit organization, is a member of the League of American Bicyclists and part of an organization in New York that promotes and protects the rights and welfare of all bicycling enthusiasts.
Longtime club member Jay Bender encourages anyone who has an interest in cycling to come on a ride and consider joining the club. Members ride nearly every day of the year.
“I rode for about eight years by myself. Then when I joined the club, I realized what I had been missing,” said Bender. “It’s not just the camaraderie and lifetime friendships I’ve made; it’s the safety of riding in a group, learning rules and technique from others — and then, of course, there are the routes.”
Admisson is $25 per person for all routes, except the 12.9 mile route which is $20. Register online at www.hbcli.org.
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Start times: 100 miles at 7 a.m.; 70 miles at 7:30 a.m.; 55 miles at 8 a.m.; 25 miles at 8:30 a.m. and 12 miles at 9 a.m.
