Video:Profile of New York's Central Park Scenic Bike Route

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Transcript:Profile of New York's Central Park Scenic Bike Route

Hi, my name is Kenny Winter. I'm a licensed tour guide with Bike Rental Central Park. And I'm here for About.com. I'm going to tell you about biking in Central Park.

Information About Central Park Scenic Bike Routes

I'm here at Gapstow Bridge, a short ride and step in Central Park. From here you can see the beautiful south eastern skyline. Now, Gapstow Bridge may not seem very recognizable to you because you're on it. But, if you happen to be where those people are standing - where that rock protrudes out into the water you will probably remember it from Home Alone 2. The south eastern skyline has become a major character in film as well. Riding on the East Drive is actually quite easy depending on what time of the day you're doing it. Now, if it's from 7AM to 10AM the West Drive will be open to commuter traffic. And, from 3 PM to 7PM the East Drive, which is the one we took to get here.

More Information About Central Park Scenic Bike Routes

Folks, welcome to the Mall. A short distance up the east Drive in Central Park. They call it the Mall, but it's also known as Literary Walk, because of the statues that lie at the sides. For example, Shakespeare. Sir Walter Scott, famous for the novel Ivanhoe, and of course Columbus. Further up the East drive and a short stroll down the Mall we have the crown jewel of the park. The beautiful Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, built in 1856 through 1858. And it was one of the most popular sections when it first opened because, well, this was the place to be seen.

The Great Lawn is located about a mile and a quarter from Central Park South, up along the East Drive or even coming down the West Drive. If you look over here, coming out of left field, we have, of course, Belvedere Castle, a castle in the middle of Central Park. The Jackie Onassis Reservoir. I would definitely describe it as coasting fun because you don't have to do a lot of work as you're biking through it and yet you're still seeing all of these beautiful things all around you. Strawberry Fields is 2.5 acres of lush greenery. Nestled at 72nd street and Central Park West, just outside the West Drive. It was landscaped into the shape of a tear drop, to sort of represent the sorrow of losing John Lennon.

Continuing our bike trip through central park, at 67th Street and West Drive, we find an odd pairing of whim and formality. Sheep Meadow, a sort of glorified tanning bed and Tavern on the Green, once once of the finest restaurants in America.In case you're wondering why I'm not wearing a helmet, the city of New York does not require you to wear one while biking. But, I highly recommend that you do. To experience the true contrast between town and country come and enjoy biking through Central Park.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at About.com.