When people think about New York City, very often the image that's conjured up is of a vast metropolitan and polluted environment, with traffic for miles, and suburban bedroom communities that sprawl in all directions. However, author Gerry Brooks has taken a closer look and discovered the many delightful quiet country roads and lanes that can be reached in 90 minutes to, at most, less than two hours from NYC. From the Connecticut shoreline to the riverbanks of Bucks County along the Delaware River, these 25 cycling tours in the tristate area can easily provide exercise and relaxation for the hurried urbanites/suburbanites of Philadelphia and the 12 million others in the NYC region.

Although not all of the tours chosen for this guide are flat, the name "Cycling for Softies" could be also be given to this compilation of 1-day trips in the New York tristate area. Whether you choose to enjoy riding solo, with friends, or as a family activity, this complete guide will give you all the information you need to make your each day tour unique.

Features include:

• historical background to accompany each tour
• tour ratings from "easy" to "more difficult" terrain
• gear preparation
• road safety (in this land of many roads)
• directions so that a route can be extended