These days, flying seems like a cross between a Greyhound Bus and a minimum security prison. BUT, it was not always like that. In the 1930s, the Pan Am Clipper Class was born. A round trip from New York to England was $675 (equivalent to $15,000). Clipper service catered to elite businessmen and the wealthy traveler. The Boeing 314s had a lounge and dining area, and the galleys were crewed by chefs from four-star hotels. Men and women were provided with separate dressing rooms, and white-coated stewards served five and six-course meals with gleaming silver service. The seats could be converted into 36 bunks. All this luxury needed a first class place to take off and land - the Marine Air Terminal. That terminal is the Art Deco masterpiece where we are going. The highlight is the FLIGHT mural by James Brooks. Flight was the last and largest mural produced under the auspices of the WPA and is 237 feet long by 12 feet high and, appropriately enough, tells the story of the history of flight.

After our visit to the Marine Air Terminal, we head back via Astoria and the Greenpoint Bridge. Lunch is at the delicious and authentic Pye Boat Noodle - which features amazing Thai street food. Their chive pancakes are like heaven in your mouth.

Bring your normal bike stuff - as well as a strong lock, as parking is on street.  So return your seats to their usual upright position - and join us on this interesting ride.