5 Boro this Sunday?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
5 Boro this Sunday?
I'm going with my wife and daughter, unless it rains then I'm going solo. I haven't done it in a number of years, once my kids went to college as they were never home to do it. I know all about all of the bottlenecks and the inexperienced cyclists, but it was still always fun.
Anybody else going?
Anybody else going?
#4
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,465 Times
in
1,433 Posts
I volunteered as a mechanical marshal. I rode it 35 years ago or so and swore never again, because of the crowds. I figure it will be better as a marshal than as a participant. It's going to rain a lot, so I've lain out a bunch of clothes for dealing with it.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Northampton, MA
Posts: 1,909
Bikes: 36" Unicycle, winter knock-around hybrid bike
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 930 Post(s)
Liked 393 Times
in
282 Posts
When I first started riding again 4 years ago I really wanted to do it, but the more I heard about the crowds and walking the more sure I become that I don't.
Going kind of stir crazy not having had a solid ride in a while after being sick last weekend, when I should have been doing my spring 40 or 45 miler increment.
If it isn't actively raining I might do Westchester Bike Sundays but that's not far. Might just have to ditch work Tuesday afternoon and see how far I can get up the Westchester trailways and back.
Going kind of stir crazy not having had a solid ride in a while after being sick last weekend, when I should have been doing my spring 40 or 45 miler increment.
If it isn't actively raining I might do Westchester Bike Sundays but that's not far. Might just have to ditch work Tuesday afternoon and see how far I can get up the Westchester trailways and back.
#6
On Your Left
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
Posts: 8,373
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3004 Post(s)
Liked 2,433 Times
in
1,187 Posts
#7
I ride to clear my mind
I backed out and used the insurance they offered and got my refund. I am not riding 40 miles in the rain and dealing with bottlenecks. Imagine the bottlenecks and crashes when it was sunny. I can see a lot of people staying under the FDR hoping it will clear up.
#8
Senior Member
walked straight on the ferry at the end no wait.
My rain gear and boots held but not my gloves! Wet freezing cold hands most of the day.
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
The time I rode it in the rain between the no shows and drop outs the route moved. The rest areas were the bottleneck lots of people trying to get warm, wearing the aluminum foil looking thermo blankets. I remember hearing them tell people they ran out of blankets. There were so many unprepared people, I would say only half finished. I
walked straight on the ferry at the end no wait.
My rain gear and boots held but not my gloves! Wet freezing cold hands most of the day.
walked straight on the ferry at the end no wait.
My rain gear and boots held but not my gloves! Wet freezing cold hands most of the day.
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I was pouring when I woke up and that was the end of any thought of riding, even in the rain.
#11
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,465 Times
in
1,433 Posts
I had committed to doing it as a marshal, so I couldn't back out. It was cold and wet. It was amazing how many people were willing to do it. I brought extra layers and ended up using all but one. I got cold and wet but not horribly cold or wet. The crowds and bottlenecks were really not bad, probably because fewer people than planned showed up.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Northampton, MA
Posts: 1,909
Bikes: 36" Unicycle, winter knock-around hybrid bike
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 930 Post(s)
Liked 393 Times
in
282 Posts
I had committed to doing it as a marshal, so I couldn't back out. It was cold and wet. It was amazing how many people were willing to do it. I brought extra layers and ended up using all but one. I got cold and wet but not horribly cold or wet. The crowds and bottlenecks were really not bad, probably because fewer people than planned showed up.
I peaked outside earlier and decided I had no interest in the other rides I'd been contemplating for today. At least I got some housecleaning done...
#13
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,465 Times
in
1,433 Posts
Speaking of hats, at the start of the ride, the volunteer organizers were giving away sombreros, so I put one on top of my helmet. It amused lots of folks, and some called out Cinco de Mayo!
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#14
Senior Member
The rain was solidly forecast for days before, so it was easy to prepare. Because so many people dropped out there were no bottle necks, and I saw only one crash. Getting on the ferry before the ride started, go figure. It was cold, and wet, and very muddy at the end, but most folks were in high spirits, misery loves company!
Thank You Tom for volunteering, I saw many people that needed your help.
The best part is going up and over the VZ bridge, it's an awesome climb.
Thank You Tom for volunteering, I saw many people that needed your help.
The best part is going up and over the VZ bridge, it's an awesome climb.
#15
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,465 Times
in
1,433 Posts
Too bad I couldn't see much from the Verrazano, as the harbor is quite amazing. I came to appreciate all my conditioning. Last year, I rode almost 3,000 miles, and I rode through this winter, so I found the Verrazano to be an easy climb. I went a lot faster than everyone else I saw. I didn't consider any of the grades on the route to be hills. But I realized they were, because my volunteer partner slowed way down on hills. I made sure to stay with her until we lost each other right before the Verrazano.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
THIS is a hill:
This is not a hill:
This is not a hill:
#17
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 8
Bikes: Motobecane Elite Adventure hybrid, Rans Rocket Recumbent
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My best purchase in the months running up to the ride was a long-sleeved fleece cycle jersey. Under a raincoat I was warm (enough) and dry (enough). 6th Ave through Central Park was pretty bottlenecked but it opened up enough after that that I didn't feel blocked in by other cyclists.
I might do it again...
I might do it again...
#18
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,465 Times
in
1,433 Posts
I'm pretty sure I won't do it again. It wasn't downright unpleasant, but the fun was limited.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I won't sign up for it again either. It is way too expensive. I've got better things to spend my money on.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Northampton, MA
Posts: 1,909
Bikes: 36" Unicycle, winter knock-around hybrid bike
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 930 Post(s)
Liked 393 Times
in
282 Posts
I wish we had something like this that wasn't as overcrowded, and such an expensive gamble on the weather. More everyday, less special event.
Did the Jersey City Ward Tour a couple of years back, toying with the idea of going again on 6/2 now that they've expanded the route. It's nothing like touring NYC, and it had a few slowdowns and at least for some a little walking, but was a nice community bike parade feeling and same day registration wasn't bad.
And of course there are the various single-boro tours.
Did the Jersey City Ward Tour a couple of years back, toying with the idea of going again on 6/2 now that they've expanded the route. It's nothing like touring NYC, and it had a few slowdowns and at least for some a little walking, but was a nice community bike parade feeling and same day registration wasn't bad.
And of course there are the various single-boro tours.
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I wish we had something like this that wasn't as overcrowded, and such an expensive gamble on the weather. More everyday, less special event.
Did the Jersey City Ward Tour a couple of years back, toying with the idea of going again on 6/2 now that they've expanded the route. It's nothing like touring NYC, and it had a few slowdowns and at least for some a little walking, but was a nice community bike parade feeling and same day registration wasn't bad.
And of course there are the various single-boro tours.
Did the Jersey City Ward Tour a couple of years back, toying with the idea of going again on 6/2 now that they've expanded the route. It's nothing like touring NYC, and it had a few slowdowns and at least for some a little walking, but was a nice community bike parade feeling and same day registration wasn't bad.
And of course there are the various single-boro tours.
#22
Senior Member
Then again, back then you didn't have to pay! lol You just rode and as long as I didn't cause any trouble, nobody bothered you. These days, I'm pretty sure they boot you off if you don't have the stickers and apron.
Last edited by ChiroVette; 05-18-19 at 05:59 AM.
#23
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,635
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4733 Post(s)
Liked 1,532 Times
in
1,003 Posts
FYI, supposedly this year's will be the last for the NYC Century... at least has hinted at by their logo:
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Northampton, MA
Posts: 1,909
Bikes: 36" Unicycle, winter knock-around hybrid bike
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 930 Post(s)
Liked 393 Times
in
282 Posts
It seems targeted at a very different kind of rider, not just ones frustrated by the crowds and slowdowns, but those willing to go head to head with city conditions for that long.
At that kind of distance I personally want a peaceful rural MUP with some scenery, shade, few obstructions, the situational safety of rider going the other way every five minutes or so... and bottle filling stations would be great.
But I get how for those comfortable with both city conditions, and more used to that kind of distance, combining them could be a great achievement.
(FWIW, while what I ride is definitely a factor, I know at least one person who did the NY Century on a similar 36er unicycle - the choice of route is ultimately about the rider)
#25
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Oh, that's too bad. I've been doing this for years and have a whole collection of bottles from it.