View Full Version : Bank Five Boro Bike Tour NYC
Jay68442
01-29-09, 02:29 PM
This is one of the rides I would like to do this year. Anyone interested? Last year I waited to long and it sold out.
Register Now for the TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour - There are 42 miles of adventure ahead on Sunday, May 3, when you can ride car-free through New York City.
http://www.bikenewyork.org/
LiveStrong
Jason
I've heard of this, and it sounds like something I'd be interested in doing. Methinks this could be a great opportunity for a gathering!
Go TD!!! (can you tell I work for them?)
That sounds really cool, though I've always enjoyed the bumper-to-bumper tour myself...NOT!!! I would love to do it to, it would be a great training run for the 200km one in July, though I am not sure how that works out with my travel schedule just yet.
Jay68442
01-29-09, 04:13 PM
I've heard of this, and it sounds like something I'd be interested in doing. Methinks this could be a great opportunity for a gathering! You're right Fed, this would make for a great gathering.
fuse929
01-29-09, 04:21 PM
There is a good chance I will still be in NY in early May, so I'm definitely interested. I'll know for sure in a few weeks, but as of now it's looking good!
Bobby
It's a great ride. Nancy and I are probably in.
Jay68442
01-30-09, 10:09 AM
I just registered for the event. I have to be in NY on sat anyway so it works out. Long Island rail road is allowing bikes on the train for this event so I will be hoping the train into NYC.
Count me in. Brooke and I will make the trip with the girls. Bill, can we crash with you guys? Just keep in mind that a 6-week-old kid will be in tow in addition to Emi, so think about it before you reply :).
Sounds like a plan to me.
Nancy will have a great time playing Granny while we ride.
Jay68442
01-30-09, 10:38 AM
Bill do you think you will be driving in or taking the train? I will be taking the train to penn station and riding from there to the start line. Could easily ride to meet you if you drive in.
We'll most likely take the ferry to Javitts and bike to the start.
Jay68442
01-30-09, 11:03 AM
From the ferry I'm guessing you will be taking the hudson river greenway to battery park?
From Jersey and west, the ferry is brilliant. Might be a good option from north as well given traffic and parking. Without looking at a map, I'd say Javitts to BP is maybe a mile. I don't remember if the greenway goes that far, but even if you ride the streets there will be beaucoup company.
Yeah we'll take the green way. I think Paul is right it's only about a mile.
NYC Russ
01-30-09, 12:17 PM
From Jersey and west, the ferry is brilliant. Might be a good option from north as well given traffic and parking. Without looking at a map, I'd say Javitts to BP is maybe a mile. I don't remember if the greenway goes that far, but even if you ride the streets there will be beaucoup company.
The Greenway is open (and quite nice) from Battery Park all the way to the Upper West Side so no problems biking down if that's your plan.
Jason - LIRR always lets you take bikes on board. But I'm pretty sure they require you to have a bike permit. Just checked, yep:
http://www.mta.info/lirr/pubs/bicyclep.htm
The bicycle permit you receive in return is valid for use on both MTA Long Island Rail Road and on MTA Metro-North Railroad. Please retain a copy of the rules and regulations for future reference. For further information call the LIRR 1-718-558-8228 or Metro-North 1-212499-4386. Permits may also be obtained in person. At Penn Station, present the completed application and $5.00 registration fee at any ticket window. At Grand Central Terminal, permits are processed at Window 27.
(Big) if I am in NYC that weekend, I may try to volunteer, as there's slightly less than zero chance I can bike 42 miles on my mountain bike ;) If not, I would certainly be amenable to volunteering to meet up for some beer afterward :D
Jay68442
01-30-09, 12:50 PM
Jason - LIRR always lets you take bikes on board. But I'm pretty sure they require you to have a bike permit. Just checked, yep:
http://www.mta.info/lirr/pubs/bicyclep.htm
I'm pretty sure I read on bikenewyork.org that permit restrictions are suspended on the event day.
NYC Russ
01-30-09, 03:42 PM
I'm pretty sure I read on bikenewyork.org that permit restrictions are suspended on the event day.
It's quite possible, but then you run the risk of finding the one conductor who didn't get the memo. A $5 gamble :)
Which begs the next question - do they let you bring bikes on the ferries?
The bike on a ferry isn't a problem. They charge a few extra bucks.
Jay68442
02-02-09, 09:34 AM
I was looking at some of the pictures from this ride and thinking I may switch pedals. Due to the size of the group and crowding it may be better to leave the clipless at home. What do you think?
That's not a bad idea. I might bring my hybred instead of the road bike. With that many people speed isn't an issue.
NYC Russ
02-02-09, 01:27 PM
That's not a bad idea. I might bring my hybred instead of the road bike. With that many people speed isn't an issue.
Are you sure? They have 15mph listed as the minimum for the pre-race ride pace, and 17mph is the speed set on race day.
Granted, I'm about as in shape as Oprah, but that seems pretty quick to me :) (Then again, I only ride a mountain bike, so anything over 4-5mph is fast)
I did the ride a few years ago and you couldn't hit 15 if you tried. When I did it they sent the riders out in waves of 5-600 we waited almost an hour after the start before we ever moved.
Jay68442
02-02-09, 02:51 PM
Well I'm thinking it's still a 42 mile ride and early in the season so I will be taking my road bike. I will swap out my pedals to cages so I don't have to lug extra shoes into the city.
NYC Russ
02-02-09, 03:06 PM
Interesting. If it is that 'slow', maybe I will attempt it after all. I did see they have a shortcut for the slowpokes that knocks 4 miles off the total (skips portions of Queens, which, considering that's where I live, isn't much of a loss frankly).
Is it a mob of people who mostly crash into each other, or do riders tend to know how to avoid each other?
The riders were all very considerate. I don't think you'll have any problem.
Jay68442
03-04-09, 09:43 AM
Anyone else coming?
Anyone else coming?
I know Bill and I are. Russ?
NYC Russ
03-05-09, 08:58 AM
Still a maybe. My 5 year anniversary is 5/7 and we were thinking of taking that week to go on vacation. How long would one guess it is before registration closes? We should have our plans firmed up by the end of this month.
Jay68442
03-25-09, 02:12 PM
Looks like the Five boro bike tour is sold out.
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/205811/7d8f7cebe7/1677500129/4343180921/
Ampaman
04-06-09, 12:48 PM
Sold out ! :( bike and beer ! :) Did the 5 boro's last 2007 after that I was diagnosed.
This beer hole is taken around the staten island navy yard area.
Jay68442
04-23-09, 08:37 AM
Bill and Fed,
Lets set up a meeting place and time. Bill you did this ride in the past. What do you think a good time would be to get into the city?
Fed and I will be taking the PATH from Newark to the WTC. I'd like to be in line by 7.
Jay68442
04-24-09, 01:01 PM
Looking at the train schedule I arrive at Penn at 6am. The next train would put me at Penn at 7 so that would be a little on the late side. I plan to bike from Penn to the start where I will meet up with you and fed. I have Fed's cell number so I will call him when I exit the train and are in route to start.
If we get the 6am from Newark we'll be at the WTC by 6:22. That should be perfect.
Jay68442
04-28-09, 11:15 AM
Bill,
Do you think I will need a chain and lock? Just getting my stuff together.
I'm bringing one. We may see a pub that needs visiting.:) I'm going to be riding my hybred with the saddlebags so don't worry about where to put extra stuff. Just leave you spare anvil at home.:eek:
Jason:
Dress warm and remember I have room to store extra clothes as the day warms up.
Jay68442
04-29-09, 09:53 AM
The weather in NY for sunday is 56 and mostly cloudy. I will bring some extra clothes but not too much. I have a camelbak backpack that I can store a few items in but if I need more room I will take you up on your offer. Thank you.
I was thinking when I leave penn I will head straight to the WTC platform. I will be arriving at penn at 6am and it should not take me long to get to the wtc. You plan to reach the wtc by 6:22, correct?
Yeah. The train leaves Newark at 6 and gets to the WTC at 6:22.
Jay68442
04-29-09, 09:24 PM
Bill do you know if we need a ticket for the ferry?
When we took the SI ferry we needed tickets. Are you taking the SI?
Jay68442
04-30-09, 08:37 AM
I was taking about the SI ferry at the end of the ride. I checked the site and I believe it's free.
Jay68442
04-30-09, 08:15 PM
The weather is not looking to good for sunday. I hope it changes
Aegletes
05-01-09, 04:51 AM
Guys, if you don't mind, I thought it might be a way of showing all the non-Challenge things everyone does by including any photos you might take on Sunday on the LOVEstrong web site I maintain along side the photos from the Challenges themselves. So if you get a chance to take any pictures on Sunday, do you mind sending them to lovestrong@me.com so can post them to http://www.aegletes.com/lovestrong/Photos/Photos.html to share with everyone? My friend Nathan will be at the Bike Tour on Sunday (he's in LOVEstrong as well) and I've asked him to take pics as well. Thanks.
Alex
The weather is looking worse as the ride gets closer.:(
Jay68442
05-01-09, 09:55 AM
I'm not sure if I will ride if it is cold and raining. Not that the rain is a problem at all, the problem is that I will have to lug extra cloths into the city and keep them dry. I then have to take the train back to LI and then drive over 2 hrs back to PA. Just not sure if all the effort is worth it if the weather is that bad. As of now I plan to ride but as we get closer I will make a final decision.
Jay, I was thinking the same thing... I will still bring my bike over to get a ride in with Mark and Bill tomorrow, but the weather is looking uglier with every new update I see.
Already Bald
05-01-09, 10:09 AM
Whatever you guys decide, be careful.
Jay68442
05-01-09, 07:57 PM
Well all my gear is packed and I'm leaving for NY in the morning. If light rain I'm in, if heavy rain I may need a little kick in the rear to get going. All kidding aside if we have heavy rain and you guys still want to do it, I'm in.
Jay68442
05-03-09, 03:09 AM
It's 4am and I'm getting ready to load up the bike and head for the train. I must be out of my mind. :)
...the footsteps behind you are the wife about to hit you over the head....with the cast iron frying pan being discussed on another thread....:cool::eek::cool:
I can't wait to see the pictures! Have a great ride today.
The weather sucked, especially during the last 10 miles. It was raining, cold, and windy. Bill, Jason and I are kicking ourselves in the ass for not heeding the dreary weather forecast. To add insult to injury, the rear brakes on my bike failed at around mile 28, making me wipe out on the pavement. I now have a nice collection of scratches, scrapes and cuts on both my legs. At least I was able to unclip the pedals while I was falling down, otherwise the damage would have been far worse...
Aegletes
05-03-09, 02:55 PM
This weather has been awful and I'm so sorry you guys had a miserable time and that you, Fed, wound up injured as a result. The weather forecast for the NJ/NY area is for more of the same the whole week.
I now have a nice collection of scratches, scrapes and cuts on both my legs.I hope these injuries fade quickly and you've moved on to making good memories that will last much longer.
I had a great day. What really did it for me was Fed hitting the pavement, from that point on I knew at least one person in the 30000 was more miserable then me.:p
Jay68442
05-03-09, 07:30 PM
I guess I’m to blame for the great day we shared. Fed and Bill said they were going to bail on the ride and I said the weather doesn’t look that bad, I’m going. Sorry guys. The weather sucked and we froze. If the weather was nice it would really have been a great ride. Nice easy pace and plenty to see.
I give Fed a 10 for his tuck and roll. Not sure what he did to go head of heals but it was in front of hundreds of people.:D
Jay68442
05-03-09, 07:46 PM
I only took 2 pictures, too wet to pull out phone and take any more.
900901
I will say that despite the physical injuries, at least I spent my time in great company. The best part was that through thick or thin, we stuck together. Who would have thought I would have met such great people several years ago? :cool:
In true meathead fashion Jason and I applauded at Feds amazing tuck and roll.
Fed has now joined the ranks of our other master biker Scott who dumped his bike in Philly a few years ago.
They have become one with the road.:D
I hope that crowd broke up a bit once you guys got rolling. I could see Fed taking out ~ 100 riders domino fashion from his fall if you were in that crowd. BTW, were those the brakes I fixed for you in Philly Fed?:o
ML,
Mark
Fed actually did a great job. He was able to unclip and roll free from the bike. The people immediatly behind him started yelling "biker down" and everyone was able to get by without a problem. Fed did get a bunch of road rash.
Aegletes
05-04-09, 07:25 AM
My coworker and friend Nathan came into work today saying just how great yesterday's ride was, rain and all, (he always sees the bright side of everything) but did mention seeing a lot of people get injured. I hope you're not aching too much, Fed.
I've had two spills on LIVESTRONG Challenge rides, Philly (oil in the road) in 2006 and Austin (slick cattle crossing) in 2007.
Bill, somehow your post made me think of Click and Clack from Car Talk: "Don't drive like my brother."
slick cattle crossing"
That's nasty. I guess there where no hugs for you at the end of that ride.
Click and Clack
I thought I was the only listener. Maybe I am among republican NPR fans.
That's nasty.Ha! Not what you're thinking! Water and moss.
Sorry you guys had a rough day. Perhaps now that you've made a sacrifice to the god of bike smash-ups, the rest of the year will be better.
Water and moss.
Oh, is that what they call IT in Texas?
Note to self: Add antiseptic ointment, gauze pads and tape to handlebar bag.
Oh, is that what they call IT in Texas?
Water and moss in the streets of Texas , depending on where they are located (strictly in Texas or on a border) or how and in what condition they were placed there (like if they were first ingested by cattle) fall under two major categories
Potential Inter-State Slicks or
Standard Hazards In Texas
:D
ML,
Mark
Yup pardner yesterdays weather was water and moss.;)
Jay68442
05-04-09, 08:46 AM
I think I would like to do that ride again next year. If you got good weather it would be a great ride. The slow pace allowed us plenty of time to chat as we rode and took in the sights. This would be a great ride to those new to cycling as well. There was very little in the way of climbing, only 1200 feet in 42 miles. Pretty much the only climbs were the bridges. And steepest grade was about 3%.
richy77
05-05-09, 07:39 AM
I saw some of the racers while I was walking across the Brooklyn Bridge on Sunday. I was looking out for familiar faces but didnt notice any of you. I was soaked through and I certainly didnt envy the racers. Looked good fun though and glad to hear that you all enjoyed yourselves.
Jay68442
05-07-09, 06:56 PM
Bill and Fed the pictures taken at the 5boro are starting to show up.
http://www.brightroom.com/view_user_event.asp?EVENTID=47189&PWD=&BIB=35529
Cool. Where's the picture of Fed's special maneuver?
It's burned in our memory. Just like road rash.:D
Hope he tells Brooke that it was a daring fall, tuck and roll, just in time to save a poor kitten about to cross in the path of 100's of bikers... :D:D
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