ESCAPE KEYS: New York City

GETTING THERE: I took the 8 a.m. Vamoose bus from Bethesda (7490 Waverly St., down the street from the Roundhouse Theater, 877-393-2828, http://vamoosebus.com). It went to 255 W. 31 St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues. One-way fare $25. Reservations recommended. (Both outgoing and return buses were full.) Prepayment or payment on board by cash or check. Buses have restrooms; a 20-minute rest stop in Delaware is at the driver's discretion. Luggage, including bikes, is stored below. Small and medium-size items can be placed in overhead racks. There appeared to be no restrictions on consuming food and beverages brought on board.

FOOD, WATER, TOILETS: In Upper Manhattan there are restroom facilities along the trail. Food and drink are available at an outdoor cafe at 70th Street and the Greenway. I also spotted hot dog carts now and then. In Midtown and Lower Manhattan, there are eating places just off the trail at irregular intervals. I took my own water.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Your best bet is to put "Hudson River Greenway" or "Manhattan Greenway" into a search engine and then go to the various sites that come up. I did not find the "official" site very useful. It seemed out-of-date, with little or no information on the detours I encountered. For an excellent free map (2008 New York cycling map), call 212-639-9675. The person I spoke with was courteous and efficient. I received my map within 10 days.