May 21st, 2004 - 12:56 AM
5 boro ride (bike new york): Impressions
or NY's 5 boros, 75 inches at a time
$50 dollars... was it worth it? I am stil debating that. The ride was a lot of fun. seeing all the bikes, all the people all the boros. all the 'log jams' with 5000 riders walking their bikes at a snail's pace. Would I do it again... I'd love to.
must have asked 30 people if they wanted to go on this ride. I showed up that morning by myself. Bright and early, having just ridden in from Brooklyn. I had decided to ride the single speed that I ride to work everyday, my only other bike is a full suspension MTB with 24” wheels. I was very nervous, not sure why. I kept telling myself 'this isn't a race, why be nervous' but I guess I was nervous about whether my knees were going to hold up to the distance and the longer gear I was running just for the occasion.
I finished, or should I say...WE finished around 1:30. I say WE because shortly after starting the ride I began chatting with a fellow next to me who also appeared to be riding alone. Ken was a guy who matched me in age, riding ability, stamina, and best of all frank discussion of a political or any other nature.
We chatted our way thru NYC's 5 boros on topics ranging from his recent arrest for protesting the war, to the death grip with which Florida is holding my driver's license(suspended), from his inexpensive 1000 sq foot apt in Hartford to my crappy overpriced 400 sq foot apt in Brooklyn. From 9-11 to how to get ‘around’ in a 3rd world country. Jobs, family, bikes… mostly bikes and occasionally snacks
All the while dashing in and out of slower riders (or standing in throngs of 1000s waiting for a clearing).
It was a great day, a little chilly but the attitude of most of the riders was warm and friendly. I haven't seen the final count but being in a swarm of that many people who were willing, capable and (even remotely) interested in riding 43 miles was a special thing, and gave me a sense that maybe people don't all suck. There is something redeemable about almost anyone. Even if it is only their choice of bike.
THE BREAKDOWN:the bananas were ripe to perfection
the oranges were Florida oranges (better for juicing than for eating)
they staggered our start but not enough. There was TOO MUCH WALKING
the free water at the festival (if there was any) wasn't marked clearly enough.
the BQE is better at 60mph with 35psi tires than at 15mph with 110psi tires
$50 dollars is too much, and then to have to walk/stand nearly 2 hours. c`mon either lower the price or deliver what was paid for.
Since the tour is not a clear cut "charity" ride I don't feel bad complaining about the walking/standing. From the people I spoke to the major reason for doing this ride is the closed off roadways that we would otherwise never have access to. I would just have appreciated being able to go at my own pace.
SUGGESTIONS...
stagger the start times... from 6am thru 11am 1000 riders every 10 minutes. Close the roads off till 4 or 5pm and then come thru and scopp up those that haven't finished. This would allow faster riders (even when starting later) to move thru the pack as opposed to the 'log jams' that we experienced this year.
COOLEST BITS
ken - for being a most excellent ride partner and making the ride seem almost too easy.
the family on the 4 person (tandem?)
the woman who crashed 100mm from the ferry (not COOL but ironic)
the organizers (for trying their best)
the other 30000 bike geeks that made me feel like I wasn't alone
Oh, and Michael at the NYCBIKES shop for helping me determine the MOST HEAVENLY gear ratio for the ride… 50 miles total for the day all 75” inches at a time...
I finished, or should I say...WE finished around 1:30. I say WE because shortly after starting the ride I began chatting with a fellow next to me who also appeared to be riding alone. Ken was a guy who matched me in age, riding ability, stamina, and best of all frank discussion of a political or any other nature.
We chatted our way thru NYC's 5 boros on topics ranging from his recent arrest for protesting the war, to the death grip with which Florida is holding my driver's license(suspended), from his inexpensive 1000 sq foot apt in Hartford to my crappy overpriced 400 sq foot apt in Brooklyn. From 9-11 to how to get ‘around’ in a 3rd world country. Jobs, family, bikes… mostly bikes and occasionally snacks
All the while dashing in and out of slower riders (or standing in throngs of 1000s waiting for a clearing).
It was a great day, a little chilly but the attitude of most of the riders was warm and friendly. I haven't seen the final count but being in a swarm of that many people who were willing, capable and (even remotely) interested in riding 43 miles was a special thing, and gave me a sense that maybe people don't all suck. There is something redeemable about almost anyone. Even if it is only their choice of bike.
THE BREAKDOWN:
Since the tour is not a clear cut "charity" ride I don't feel bad complaining about the walking/standing. From the people I spoke to the major reason for doing this ride is the closed off roadways that we would otherwise never have access to. I would just have appreciated being able to go at my own pace.
SUGGESTIONS...
stagger the start times... from 6am thru 11am 1000 riders every 10 minutes. Close the roads off till 4 or 5pm and then come thru and scopp up those that haven't finished. This would allow faster riders (even when starting later) to move thru the pack as opposed to the 'log jams' that we experienced this year.
COOLEST BITS
Oh, and Michael at the NYCBIKES shop for helping me determine the MOST HEAVENLY gear ratio for the ride… 50 miles total for the day all 75” inches at a time...