BASKETBALL Basketball ASPHALT GREEN ...

ASPHALT GREEN 555 E. 90th St. (betw. York & East End Aves.), 212-369-8890, x114. Indoor & outdoor courts in fitness complex on over five acres.

BASKETBALL CITY Pier 63, W. 23rd St. (Hudson River), 212-924-4040 x115, www.basketballcity.com Six indoor courts w/electronic scoreboards, healthy league system & fierce competition among players, make Basketball City a favorite for dedicated ball players. Adult & kid's leagues, open court time, court rentals & tournaments throughout the summer. This week, check out The Heineken Triple Team Challenge feat. three-on-three basketball tournament?plus music & skills events incl. slam-dunk & three-point shooting contests [5/24, 9-5].

NORTH MEADOW RECREATION CENTER Central Park, 97th St. (midpark), 212-348-4867. Six courts open to the public seven days a week. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. In addition, the Central Park Conservancy sponsors basketball clinics & invitational three-on-three basketball tournaments.

GANSEVOORT ST. COURTS Gansevoort St. (Hudson St.). Street players bump & grind in two-on-two & three-man matches.

94TH ST. COURTS 94th St. (Madison Ave.). Three full courts for players of mixed ability.

RIVERBANK STATE PARK 145th St. (Hudson River), 212-694-3600. Only state park on the island of Manhattan offers several outdoor & indoor courts. In warm weather the outdoor courts attract high-caliber players, so if you don't make the grade, be prepared to turn into a spectator. Park is open daily from 6 a.m. till 11 p.m.

RIVERSIDE PARK 68th St. (Southern tip), 76th St. (Riverside Dr.), 115th St. (Riverside Dr.), 800-201-PARK. There're six courts near 68th St., three at the 76th St. location & eight at the most northern tip, 115th St. High-level, full-court play & half-court games for novices & skilled players alike.

TOMPKINS SQUARE PARK E. 10th St. (betw. Aves. A & B). Foamy court surfaces attract calisthenics aficionados for outdoor pull-ups, pushups & sit-ups near mostly half-court action at this LES favorite.

W. 4TH ST. COURTS 6th Ave. (betw. W. 3rd & W. 4th Sts.), 718-875-2947. This fenced-in short court draws some of the cockiest, showiest & most athletic players in town. Always an audience, usually five-deep pressed against the fence on hot weekends. Many corporations sponsor shoots here & there's a summer pro-am league that you can get into only if you've got serious skills?and we mean serious.

W. 76TH ST. COURTS W. 76th St. (Columbus Ave.). Courts close on Sundays for flea market, an indicator that game play isn't as religious an experience here as at other game-only courts around town. Six halfcourts draw mediocre street players who know they've got game over the weekend warrior yuppies who trot onto the asphalt, trying to impress girlfriends w/lame hookshots.

Baseball & Softball

Baseball seems to have lost its appeal to New Yorkers?maybe it has something to do w/our teams. Or the ticket prices. Don't let this national pastime fade into oblivion. Pick up a mitt & do your part by at least playing catch.

CENTRAL PARK www.centralparknyc.org In warm weather, pick-up games at Central Park's diamonds flourish. Try the Great Lawn, 83rd St. (midpark), eight fields; Hecksher Fields, 62nd St. (midpark), six fields; North Meadow (permit only; call 212-408-0226), 97th St. (midpark), 12 fields, incl. one lit for night play.

RIVERSIDE PARK Try to crack a homer into the Hudson when you play at fields at each of the following locations crossed by Riverside Dr.: 72nd St., 104th-108th Sts., 148th St.

Bike Tours

Despite Mayor Mike's antismoking law that's made cigarette butts a common ground cover, New York has gone green, devoting miles of shoreline & improving dilapidated parks for runners, walkers & bicyclists alike. Reap the benefits of these efforts by checking out the beautified bike paths & greenways. Download maps & info about scheduled events at www.nyc.gov, or check out the activities below. If you run into the pro-bike/antifreedom leader of our fair city, you can ring your bell & give him a piece of your mind.

BIKESUMMER 2003 www.bikesummer.org Since we have the country's largest biking population, it's only appropriate that BikeSummer (which has spread from its San Francisco origins) should come to the Big Apple. For a month this summer, bike-centric programs will explode across the city, from races to bike-publication readings to after-dark tours [6/27-7/26].

NEW YORK TO THE HAMPTONS CHALLENGE 877-612-BIKE, www.bikechallenge.com This 100-mile ride from South Street Seaport to Southampton College benefits AIDS & anti-bias charities in Manhattan & Long Island. Challenge will be modified, via rider input, this year to keep the ride fresh & new. Visit the website to voice your opinion on what the changes should entail [9/20].

TIME'S UP CENTRAL PARK MOONLIGHT RIDES 212-802-8222, www.times-up.org First Fri. of every month, volunteer environmental group known as TIME'S UP hosts nighttime treks through Central Park. Ride departs from Columbus Circle (meet at entrance to Central Park) [beginning 6/6, 10 p.m.].

TIME'S UP CRITICAL MASS RIDE 212-802-8222, www.times-up.org Last Friday of every month, TIME'S UP leads ride around the city to raise the profile of pedestrians & cyclists. Meet at Union Square N. at 17th St. [year-round, 7 p.m.]

TOUR DE CURE 2003 888-DIABETES, www.diabetes.org The American Diabetes Assoc. hosts its annual cycling fundraiser. Meet at Riverside Park, 83rd St. Promenade & ride all the way to Piedmont, NY. Check-in for 50-miler begins at 6:30 a.m.; 15- & 25-mile routes also avail. Sign up on website or via phone, $25 registration fee [6/22].

Fishing

CENTRAL PARK Harlem Meer, 110th St. (5th Ave.), 212-860-1370. Catch & release only (why would you keep it?). The Meer is stocked w/bass, catfish & shiners. A picture ID gets you a pole & free fishing Tues.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last pole goes out at 3 p.m.

DEP RESERVOIRS Ashokan (845-657-2663), Schoharie (607-588-6631), Rondout & Neversink (845-985-2524), Cannonsville & Pepacton (607-363-7009), East of Hudson (914-232-1309), general permit info. 800-575-LAND, www.nyc.gov/watershedrecreation In the wake of 9/11, Kensico & New Croton reservoirs were closed, but they're back, along w/six others, giving you 33,000 acres in which to fish, provided you get the permit. Call or visit website for info on how to obtain one.

Golf Courses

While the jury's still out on women golfers playing at Augusta, use this time wisely & practice. Who knows? You could be the next girl trying to break into the boys' club. Honestly, how hard could it be?

BETHPAGE STATE PARK GOLF COURSE 99 Quaker Meeting House Rd., Farmingdale, NY, 516-249-0700, www.usopen.com Golf course has the honor of hosting the U.S. Open, check the web for more info [6/12-6/15].

CLEARVIEW GOLF COURSE 202-12 Willets Point Blvd., Bayside, 718-229-2570. Good course for beg. & intermed. players, but make tee times in advance. Open from dawn to dusk; $15/9 holes, $22-$24/18 holes.

DYKER BEACH GOLF COURSE 86th St. (7th Ave.), Bklyn, 718-836-9722. See Brooklyn at its most manicured & green?oh, wait, that's the Botanical Gardens. Still, this golf course is mighty pretty & quite well-liked by city players. Open from sun-up to sun-down w/easy access by subway.

MARINE PARK GOLF CLUB 2880 Flatbush Ave. (Shore Pkwy.), Bklyn, 718-338-7113. NYC's longest public course is windy & flat w/three practice putting greens. Open from 6 a.m. to dusk.

MOSHOLU GOLF COURSE & DRIVING RANGE 3700 Jerome Ave. (Bainbridge Ave. & E. 213th St.), Bronx, 718-655-9164. Only 35 min. from Grand Central Station. It's a challenging nine holes, but most players are game for going twice to make a complete 18 rounds.

PELHAM/SPLIT ROCK GOLF COURSE 870 Shore Rd. (Pelham Bay Park), Bronx, 718-855-1258. Popular public course w/36 holes.

VAN CORTLANDT PARK GOLF COURSE Van Cortlandt Park S. (Bailey Ave.), Bronx, 718-543-4595. Open dawn to dusk. The oldest public 18-holer in the U.S. now has more water hazards, bunkers & rebuilt traps & tees. Res. accepted, instruction available. Participate in the John Muir Golf Tournament, which supports Bronx teens working on the John Muir Trail [6/20, lunch at 11:30, tourney starts at 1].

Golf Ranges

CHELSEA PIERS GOLF CLUB Pier 59, 23rd St. (12th Ave.), 212-336-6400, www.chelseapiers.com Best driving facility in area, feat. 52 weather-protected stalls & 2000 sq. ft. technology-filled Golf Academy. Waterfront ranges are well lit & immaculately maintained. Plus, every stroke satisfyingly drives a golf ball at that mass some call New Jersey.

RANDALLS ISLAND DRIVING RANGE 1 Randalls Rd., Randalls Island, 212-427-5689, www.risf.citysearch.com Open Mon. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Tues.-Sun. 6 a.m.-11 p.m. all summer. Mini golf too! 70 driving tees, instruction by PGA pros & delicious snack bar.

TURTLE COVE GOLF COMPLEX 1 City Island Rd., Bronx, 718-885-2646. Open daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m., $4.50 for game of miniature golf; $4-$9 for driving range, lessons for $60/hr. 125 teeing areas; snack bar avail. along w/other recreational opportunities if other members of the family aren't into the golf scene.

Handball

CARMINE RECREATIONAL CENTER 1 Clarkson St. (7th Ave. S.), 212-242-5228. One outdoor court stays lit at night for nonstop, furiously competitive handball.

GANSEVOORT ST. COURTS Gansevoort St. (Hudson St.) Two West Village courts covered in graffiti are filled all summer long w/talented, attitude-for-miles players.

HOUSTON & 6TH COURTS Houston St. (6th Ave.) Concrete oasis often monopolized by roller hockey players has a couple handball courts. Softball diamond does double-duty for hockey players & the rims on lots of baskets are bent. But that just adds to the charm!

NORTH MEADOW RECREATIONAL CENTER Central Park, 97th St. (midpark), 212-348-4867, www.centralparknyc.org Twelve courts open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. draw play mostly on weekends. Inner City Handball Players Assoc. organizes events incl. NYC Parks Big Blue Championships [6/14-6/15].

Tennis

CENTRAL PARK TENNIS CENTER 96th St. (Central Park W.), 212-360-8133, www.centralparknyc.org. Open seven days a week from 7 a.m.-dusk, $5/hour, $100 season pass ($20 s.c.). Permits, required for play on 26 clay & four asphalt courts, can be purchased at Arsenal (in park) or at courts. Expect a wait from the early-rising polo shirt crowd.

EAST RIVER PARK TENNIS COURTS FDR Dr. (north of Delancey St.), 212-387-7678. A dozen waterside courts w/incredible views & (sometimes) strong winds?plus bbq pits farther north.

FREDERICK JOHNSON PLAYGROUND TENNIS COURTS 151st St. (7th Ave.), 212-234-9609. Eight well-maintained courts slightly off beaten path. Seven days a week.

MIDTOWN TENNIS CLUB 341 8th Ave. (betw. 26th & 27th Sts.), 212-989-8572, www.midtowntennis.com. Pricey?not in Chelsea??indoor & outdoor courts.

RIVERSIDE PARK 119TH ST. TENNIS COURTS Riverside Dr. (119th St.), 212-978-0277. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Eight courts, rarely a wait. Call for court availability.

RIVERSIDE PARK 96TH ST. TENNIS COURTS Riverside Dr. (96th St.), 212-978-0277. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Ten clay courts slow down game play; Hudson River breezes offer relief.

ROOSEVELT ISLAND RACQUET CLUB 281 Main St., Roosevelt Island, 212-935-0250, www.rirctennis.com. Open daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Tennis parties held Fri. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. & Sat. 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Their 12 indoor green-clay courts just a short?Spider-Man protected?tram ride away. Some of the best & best-maintained courts in city. Rates from $56-$95, depending on time of day.

Other Sporting Events

NEW YORK ROADRUNNERS 9 E. 89th St. (betw. 5th & Madison Aves.), 212-860-4455, www.nyrrc.org Call to confirm race dates. Events incl. Women's Mini Marathon [6/7] & the Central Park sesquicentennial four-mile run [7/19]. See website for more info.

THE WILD ONION URBAN ADVENTURE RACE www.urbanadventureracing.com/nyc The fittest & fastest should challenge themselves w/24-hour team competition that tackles NY's mean streets on a 100-120 mile course that consists of paddling, scootering, kayaking, in-line skating, running, orienteering, stair climbing, ropes, biking & cycling activities. Prize is a purse of at least $25,000. We assume that's why the entry fee is $490 per person [6/13-6/14].

Cruises & Boats

You'd think that New Yorkers would be more aqua-savvy considering we live on an island. Don't let this summer pass without taking the time to remember that we're not landlocked. From the booze cruise (Staten Island Ferry) to the kayak programs on the?ewww!?Hudson River, getting your feet wet has never been easier.

DOWNTOWN BOATHOUSE KAYAKING Departs from Pier 26, Hudson River (betw. Chambers & Canal Sts.), weekends & holidays 9 a.m.-6.m.; Pier 64, Hudson River (24th St.), weekends & holidays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 646-613-0375, www.downtownboathouse.org Get over the gross-out factor to join other eager beavers (12,000 came out last year) on single & double kayaks for trips up & down the Hudson River. Activities incl. three-hour paddles, youth sailing club, kayak polo?what, no Marco Polo??& Wednesday night sessions. Check out Hudson River Park Day [6/8] feat. the Harrison Street Regatta w/free kayaking, bbq & race from Pier 26 to Gansevoort St. & back; you can also come greet & bbq w/those who make it to the finish line of the Great Hudson River Paddle [7/12].

NY WATERWAY CRUISE TOURS Pier 78, W. 38th St. (12th Ave.), 800-53-FERRY, www.nywaterway.com Daily two-hour narrated sightseeing cruises of NY Harbor departing from Pier 78, $24, $19 s.c., $12 child; other cruises incl. Harbor, Twilight, Weekend Getaway & Latin, $19, $16 s.c., $9 child.

RIDE THE BEAST Cruises depart from Pier 16 at South St. Seaport, Fulton St. (South St.) & Pier 83 at W. 42nd St., 12th Ave. (Hudson River), 212-563-3200, www.circleline.com See Statue of Liberty & NY's skyline aboard the acclaimed "fastest speedboat in New York" with your captains "Mad Dog" & "Wild Thing"?all tours 30 minutes, $16, $10 child. 5-12. Children must be 40" tall to ride the beast?that doesn't sound kosher!

SEAPORT LIBERTY CRUISES Pier 16, South St. Seaport, Fulton St. (South St.), 212-563-3200. Narrated hour-long cruises past Statue of Liberty. Mon.-Fri. 12-4:30, Sat. & Sun. 12-7:30, $12, $10 s.c., $7 child.

STATEN ISLAND FERRY Whitehall St. (South St.), 718-815-BOAT for updates. Best deal in NY?a free ride! This 25-minute cruise to Staten Island passes Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island & Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Operates 24 hours a day, leaves Whitehall St. station (at South St.) every 15 minutes during rush hour, every half-hour during non-peak times & at night. Plus vendors sell extra-large cans of beer as soon as the ferry departs, making the magical lights of Manhattan look all the better!

VENTURA YACHT North Cove Marina (South End Ave., World Financial Center), 212-786-1204, www.sailnewyork.com Recently honored for its help to citizens of downtown Manhattan on 9/11, the Ventura was commissioned in 1919 & is a "federally documented national landmark sailing vessel." It sails Friday evenings [6/6-10/3, $39, res. req.].

Maritime Attractions

INTREPID SEA-AIR-SPACE MUSEUM Pier 86, 46th St. (12th Ave.), 212-245-0072, www.intrepidmuseum.com Aircraft carrier U.S.S. Intrepid is now home to maritime/wartime museum that also hosts family events throughout year. Special events incl. the 16th-annual Fleet Week [5/21-5/27], complete w/arm wrestling competition & the visitation of 10,000 uniformed military personnel looking to pick up the ladies?so watch out, Village Idiot patrons. Bring your dad here (free Intrepid Gliders to the 5000 visitors) for Father's Day Flight Deck Olympics [6/15], or hold out till July & let some of our nation's heroes (firemen, of course!) hose you down during Firefighter Appreciation Weekend [7/19 & 7/20]. Coast Guard Appreciation Weekend takes place the following month [8/2 & 8/3] w/demos involving the HH-65 Dolphin Helicopter & drug-sniffing dogs (leave your stash at home!). The boys in blue show off the jaws of life, robot searchers & their Aviation Unit during Police Appreciation Weekend [8/16 & 8/17]. And find out which tugboat pulls its weight during the 10th-annual Tugboat Festival [8/31].

SOUTH ST. SEAPORT Fulton St. (South St.), 212-SEA-PORT, www.southstseaport.com This 19th-century commercial point of entry underwent a decline in the 20th century, but today it's come back with a vengeance. Still, the 11-block area of shops, restaurants & the occasional landmark is rather touristy & a bit too crowded. Go for free events held throughout the summer, or visit the Seaport Museum Visitor's Center, 12 Fulton St. (betw. Front & South Sts.), 888-SOUTHST for all of your tourist needs. Launched in Hamburg, Germany in 1911, the Peking "represents the final chapter in the evolution of merchant vessels powered only by wind" & is docked at Pier 16; available for private tours, 212-748-8738 for info. While you're there, check out or volunteer to man the schooner Pioneer, which is one of two cargo sloops built with a wrought iron hull; or help in the restoration of the sailing ship Wavertree. See "Cultural Events" listings for more event info.