SourDieseL

I saw the part duex thread but didn't see anything for 2009. I hope I'm not too early, anyways, checking in to see if anyone is doing this ride? I registered earlier this summer and realize the central park duathlon is the previous week on labor day weekend! I did that last year and may need to opt for the October race instead. So for the NYC Century (it'll be my first one), who's riding it? I think I've read that it isn't a closed off race/tour meaning we'll be riding with vehicular traffic. Anyways, look forward to the ride and am excited! So who else is doing it?

pgoat

I'll be marshaling

It's more riding in smaller groups with traffic as opposed to the teeming masses of the Five Boro, which swarms through entire roads every spring. I much prefer the Century ride.

Scorer75

I'm marshaling as well.

I also much prefer the century, but I'd much, much prefer it if it were marked better through Queens and the Bronx.

cc_rider

I'll probably send in my registration this weekend. Will probably do the 75 mile route again.

spdrcr5

I am bringing a bunch of people from Long Island to ride the century. It'll be my second one.

cc_rider

Just sent my registration in. Regular prices and having the packet sent to you ahead of time ends on the 21st.

jyossarian

Just registered today at Summer Streets.

FrankieV

Marshalling too.

Seems like more marshals than riders

hkboy313

oh cool wow! it will be my first time on century...i will be riding the 75 miles. i did the 5 boro once, and thought it was lots of fun. they dont close off streets like 5 boro? before or never did?? i didnt want to have to worry about the cars...but?

cc_rider

Streets stay open to cars, but it's not bad. Fewer riders and staggered starts means you're riding with a relatively small number of bikes at any time.
Part of it is on trails or in parks, most of the rest is low traffic streets. The "busiest" roads are the first leg in Manhattan, and those will be mostly deserted if you start early.

Out of curiosity, are you an architect? How's business up there?

hkboy313

hi cc rider, im studying for my license. but very soon i can consider myself as one. the market is slow everywhere, but it seems its picking up just a tad. when there are projects that come in we are all so happy!

im so excited about this bike ride! i heard lots of ppl saying bring tools/spare tires co2?? i never used co2 before...im not sure how to be 'prepared' for such a long event. im going there myself actually...but with 5 boro i had like 5 friends ...any suggestions?

thanks!

FrankieV

You might want to carry 2 spare tubes and a hand pump.
There are marshals to help with flats, etc, but if you don't have a spare tube they can't really help.
It's a fun ride.
Enjoy!

hkboy313

thanks...i guess if i carry that stuff,i would have to bring a backpack...

pgoat

most marshals should have a pump etc. But yes, bring a tube for your bike.

I think one tube is sufficient; you're in NYC, after all..... If you flat and use your spare tube, stop at the next bike shop (ask people riding around you, someone will know where one is) and buy a new tube just in case you flat again. You should always have one spare tube in any case.

the only time I bring two tubes on a ride is if I am gonna be out in the sticks somewhere.

similarly you don't need to carry gallons of liquids - just peel off and buy some water or Gatorade from a street vendor, or have someone you know/trust watch your bike while you run into a store. Same with food (There are also rest stops with food.water of course).

pgoat

bump


any BF people wanna meet up in the AM, pls let me know.

SourDieseL

Has anyone got their packets yet? We are about 2 weeks out and haven't received anything. I am riding with my group and haven't figured out when/where we are meeting. Should be a nice ride can't wait to actually get out there and start going.

KitN

I'm not sure if I'll be marshalling or riding... And how many miles... Might do the 75 or the 100. Still deciding...

FrankieV

If you are marshaling, you should be doing the marshal ride this Sunday.
The 100 milers meet at Prospect Park at 8:15.
Rain, Rain, Go Away!

bigross1801

i signed up today which means i have to wait on a stupid line. o well if anyone is doing the 75 and want to meet up let me know

akcapbikeforums

What are the lines like, for picking up packets in the am?

SourDieseL

Are we supposed to pick up our packets somewhere? I got something in the mail today to what looks like a bib number, just no number on it. It does say NY Century on it and has a tear off at the bottom for a tshirt @ finish. Am I supposed to pick up a packet with an actual bib number on it?

v70cat

I plan to do the 75 mile ride.

FIVE ONE SIX

i highly doubt it, this isn't a race...

Stacy

If memory serves, there's a check in point near the start where they hand out freebees like patch kits and NYC cycling maps. Other than that, what you got in the mail is pretty much all you need.

At the end there's usually food, t-shirts and free water bottles.

cc_rider

Since you got your packet, the only thing you'll need to pick up is the cue sheets. Bring something big to carry it in.

Not much food at the end. Mostly just a cookie. But at least there are food vendors and restaurants not far away. I usually end up leaving most of the stuff they give you at the end, too hard to carry the last few miles back.
Best to take advantage of the food at the rest stops, carry some of your own or stop along the way. Last year the Astoria stop was out of the better stuff by the time I got there. I'm glad I got enough at Kissena.