BE AT ONE WITH THE UNIVERSE. IF YOU CAN’T DO THAT, AT LEAST BE AT ONE WITH YOUR BIKE. — LENNARD ZINN
EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF SHORE LIVING BY TAKING A BIKE TOUR AROUND THE ISLAND
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egardless of what you ride — rugged dirt-bikes, Tour de France 10-speed, or an anywhere hybrid — you want to find a nice trail with interesting scenery (and maybe a bite to eat or drink). If you are fortunate enough to live on or near Absecon Island, then your backyard is a perfect 8-mile bike path that includes the famous AC Boardwalk continuing into the end of Ventnor, wide streets with bike-only lanes in Margate and Longport, and, most importantly, views of the ocean from every angle. Biking, unlike most other sports, can be done alone or with a group. If you prefer the on-my-own route, biking allows you to become one with your bicycle — a Zen blend of exercise and introspection. As your legs move the bike along, you almost become part of the mechanics and energy of the bike. The wheels rotate and your mind relaxes as you take in the sights. Or, you can make it a social or family event to share the experience. Scott Fleischer, a Philadelphia psychiatrist who bikes avidly when he comes to the shore, sees biking as his “selftherapy.” He feels strongly that there is “something magical about the sounds that bicycle wheels make gliding over the boardwalk.” Fleischer sings the praises of biking on the island from a physical and emotional perspective. He prescribes biking the island as if it were a healing salve. “For those of us with sand in our cycling shoes, the sea air, sounds, and smells make everything, including cycling, better.” Whether going solo or with friends or family, what’s a typical bike tour of the island? Like the scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz said while pointing in both directions, “Some people go that way.” When you bike the 8-mile island, heading north towards Gardener’s Basin or south towards the point in Longport, you are provided with opportunities for an easy and pleasant beach ride. If you head towards the Inlet, you can bike the entire boardwalk, from Atlantic City to the end of Ventnor. Since
Atlantic City strictly enforces its boardwalk biking hours, riding into the city means you are up early. Most stores and restaurants are closed, so it really gives you the chance to breathe in the morning air and view the unpopulated beach. As you bike through upper Chelsea, you see stately homes and condo buildings for about a mile until passing the Atlantic Casino. From there on, it’s AC at its best — souvenir shops, hot dogs and pizza joints, salt water taffy shops, and casinos to your left. But to your right, the ocean and her breezes cool you off as you peddle away. Although there are plenty of stops along the way, you probably just want to go full steam ahead until you hit the end of the island. Unfortunately, years of disrepair and Hurricane Sandy, cut the boardwalk short past Connecticut Avenue. No worries here for a biker. Just head towards Atlantic Avenue, sail past the Absecon Light House, and down New Hampshire Avenue towards the inlet. New Hampshire Avenue is unpopulated early mornings and you can really pump those legs and fly the last few minutes of your ride. Just as your heart rate is up and you feel exhilarated, a giant statue of Neptune welcomes you to Gardener’s Basin where you can rest on jetty rocks with stunning views of the ocean and Brigantine. If you need a bite to eat or drink at Gardener’s Basin, Gilchrist’s serves an early breakfast on their dock. Grace Perez-Navarro, Margate resident and summer biker, enjoys her rides to the Inlet. “After biking from Margate, I like watching the fishing boats and the Para-sailing crews prepare for their day. And, since I burn off plenty of carbs getting there, I don’t feel guilty about indulging in Gilchrist’s blueberry pancakes — best on the planet.” After breakfast, try biking around the Aquarium, the once-upon-a-time Steel Pier diving bell, and some novelty shops before returning. Because you cannot bike the boards in AC after 10 AM (noon in the off-season), make sure you njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE | Fall 2013
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