Imagine the thrill and exhilaration of embarking on a daring motorcycle journey across the vast sands of North Africa, dodging rugged terrains and breathing in the warm winds of adventure. Now, imagine bringing that wild spirit of the Dakar Rally into the heart of New York city. Yes, it’s possible! In this listicle, we’ll explore “10 Dakar and Back: 21 Days of Extreme Motorcycle Adventure in North Africa in New York Neighborhoods,” an enticing amalgamation of adventure and urban exploration.
Can you channel your inner adventurer enough to tackle this exhilarating challenge? Read on to find the ideal destinations that weave a tapestry of the Dakar experience within New York City.
1. The Bronx’s Bronx River Parkway
Address: Bronx River Parkway, Bronx, NY
Contact: (718) 430-4636
Website: [Bronx River Parkway](https://www.nyc.gov/bronx)
Start your adventure in the Bronx. The Bronx River Parkway winds through a scenic greenway, offering a taste of nature amid the urban sprawl. Picture yourself riding alongside the tranquil waters of the Bronx River, the sound of the engine harmonizing with the rustle of the trees. Here, you can embrace the spirit of exploration while marveling at New York’s architectural heritage that lines the route.
2. Queens’ Flushing Meadows–Corona Park
Address: 111th St & Park Ln S, Queens, NY
Contact: (718) 760-6565
Website: [Flushing Meadows-Corona Park](https://www.nyc.gov/flushingmeadows)
Next, head to Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, a vast expanse embodying the cultural diversity of Queens. Picture a pit stop here as you zoom past the iconic Unisphere, a nod to the World’s Fair. Riding through this park offers a moment of reflection—much like a rest point on a long rally—where you can grasp the fusion of nature and humanity amidst your exhilarating ride.
3. Brooklyn’s Prospect Park
Address: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY
Contact: (718) 965-8951
Website: [Prospect Park](https://www.prospectpark.org)
The lush landscapes of Prospect Park provide a playground for the adventurous spirit. It’s a place rich with winding roads that evoke that sense of challenge that come with off-road racing. Imagine carving your way through the park’s 585 acres, stopping to refuel not only your motorcycle but your soul, surrounded by verdant trees and refreshing lake views.
4. Manhattan’s West Side Highway
Address: West Side Highway, New York, NY
Contact: (212) 830-7700
Website: [West Side Highway](https://www.nyc.gov/transportation)
Onward to Manhattan, where the historic West Side Highway cuts alongside the Hudson River. This vibrant stretch mirrors the thrill of the open road during the Dakar Rally. Embrace the sensation of speed as you cruise past picturesque views of the river on one side and the skyline on the other. It’s a cinematic adventure that every rider should experience, promising cinematic vistas and a vibrant pulse of energy.
5. Staten Island’s Staten Island Greenbelt
Address: Richmond Ave & Vishnu Mandir, Staten Island, NY
Contact: (718) 351-3455
Website: [Staten Island Greenbelt](https://www.sigreenbelt.org)
Venture into the serene suburbs of Staten Island to experience the Greenbelt. Here, you will encounter trails that meander through dense woodlands. Unleash your wild side as you navigate through this natural escape, reminiscent of the rugged trails of Africa. A perfect spot for a pit stop, this oasis invites reflection and relaxation amidst your adrenaline-fueled journey.
6. The Upper East Side’s Carl Schurz Park
Address: E 86th St & East End Ave, New York, NY
Contact: (212) 360-1399
Website: [Carl Schurz Park](https://www.nyc.gov/carl-scurz)
Carl Schurz Park offers riders an intimate venue, blending urban allure with the tranquility of the water. As you tuck in for a moment of respite on the banks of the East River, consider the juxtaposition of adventure and rest—much like what you’d experience in the brutal yet soul-rewarding Dakar. The park embodies a calm spirit, encouraging a deep breath before you rejoin the bustling city around you.
7. Greenwich Village’s Washington Square Park
Address: Washington Square Park, New York, NY
Contact: (212) 206-9880
Website: [Washington Square Park](https://www.nyc.gov/washington-square)
Greenwich Village’s Washington Square Park invites you to partake in its captivating atmosphere. Centered around the renowned arch, this park buzzes with energy and creativity. It’s a meeting ground for artists and performers, much like the multi-national rally participants. Allow the vibrancy to reinvigorate your adventurous spirit before tackling your next destination.
8. Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park
Address: 18 Mt Morris Park W, New York, NY
Contact: (212) 491-6200
Website: [Marcus Garvey Park](https://www.nyc.gov/marcus-garvey)
Journey into Harlem and discover Marcus Garvey Park, where culture reigns supreme. The backdrop of the historic architecture and vibrant community transforms your adventure into a cultural expedition. Engage with locals, sample food, and absorb the spirit of resilience that embodies both the community and the thrill of rallying against odds.
9. Coney Island’s Ocean Parkway
Address: Ocean Parkway to Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
Contact: (718) 372-5159
Website: [Coney Island](https://www.nyc.gov/coneyisland)
Finally, finish your thrilling expedition at Coney Island. The exhilarating ride along Ocean Parkway, with the tantalizing scent of salty air, offers a fitting culmination to your adventure. Picture a beachside celebration, embracing the camaraderie among riders, reminiscent of the Dakar’s closing festivities as you relish the experience of a journey completed.
10. Community Connections
Contact various motorcycle clubs throughout NYC to connect with fellow riding enthusiasts as they can amplify your Dakar-like experience. Their camaraderie and shared adventures can transform the way you perceive New York’s vibrant motorcycle culture. Websites and social media pages are excellent resources to discover weekend rides, motorsport events, and community gatherings.
Now, do you have what it takes to channel the grit and gusto of the Dakar Rally in the vivid tapestry of New York City? Each of these neighborhoods represents a piece of the adventure, waiting for you to glide through with the wind in your hair and a gleam of excitement in your heart. Every turn offers a new challenge; will you take it? Gather your gear and let the journey begin!
