me on my 2000 500R, first trip to the famed Astoria Park!
 

Here I am after my first nice ride out of Brooklyn, planned out with Google Maps, to the famed Astoria Park in NYC. I know, only 15 minutes away but when you're shifting a six speed in heavy traffic for the first time, hitting the Pulaski Bridge with the big rigs, it's an accomplishment. The old people with the lawn chairs got a big kick out of us. Next - New Jersey!

RE: me on my 2000 500R, first trip to the famed Astoria Park!
 

Congrats! Your more brave than I am, riding in NYC. Brooklyn too for that matter, the Belt Parkway is nerve racking even in my truck. Good luck with your drive to NJ. Are you going through Staten Island? I actuall like the trip across the Outer Bridge and the hills on Staten Island are a whole lot bigger than here on LI.

RE: me on my 2000 500R, first trip to the famed Astoria Park!
 

glad to hear that...i think everyone knows when riding a bike brand new in heavy traffic is nerve racking. glad to see that youre all geared up though. ride safe

RE: me on my 2000 500R, first trip to the famed Astoria Park!
 

Thanks! My armoured jacket is on the grass behind me. I never like to ride without it. The boots are great, too, but when I first started I had to use sneakers to get used to the shifter - very dangerous so now I always wear the boots.

To FN Paulie - Brooklyn was a great place to start! I can't be afraid of traffic riding 49 horsepower. When I started my friends said, "You're supposed to learn in traffic! You think there's an empty parking lot around here?!" Once I did a whole new world opened up for me. I've met people who passed the 2 day MSS course, got fully licensed with the waiver,and never rode again because they can't ride in traffic. Go figure!

Anyway, I'm planning on hitting Long Island this summer so please let me know about good places to ride to. I'd love to get to Robert Moses State Park to do some swimming - is the parking far away from the water? On a scooter I made it to Plum Beach off the Belt Parkway many times, which is perfect for motorcycles - easy parking near the water, lots of trees, and very beautiful.

RE: me on my 2000 500R, first trip to the famed Astoria Park!
 

very nice have fun chick and be safe

RE: me on my 2000 500R, first trip to the famed Astoria Park!
 

I've heard that the loop and thecloverleaf at Jones Beach are big sport bike hot spots. Long fast curves.
Good luck and safe riding!

RE: me on my 2000 500R, first trip to the famed Astoria Park!
 

Loop and cloverleaf - road trip!!