![[5BBC - New York's Five Borough Bicycle Club]](/images/5bbc.gif)
These were rides in March-April 2006. Click here for current rides.
November 5, 2005: Beneath the parabolic arches of the Bayonne Bridge. Bridges of New York. Photo by Jim Zisfein. Please note that helmets are required on all 5BBC rides.
![[Happy-face ride]](/images/smiley.gif)
Indicates relaxed pace, easy ride
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Friday, March 3rd
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE RIDE
9:45AM, City Hall, 15 miles
Yes, Juan Valdez, that heavenly morning aroma over Brooklyn really does come from a coffee roasting plant. We’ll hop on our Iron Donkeys for a Friday factory tour of the Longo Coffee and Tea Company. Even if you don’t know a hill of beans about coffee (or tea) this ride will be a real eye opener. Bring a lock and $10-15 for a lunch at a local ethnic restaurant. Leisurely paced. If weather is bad we take the train! Leaders: Richard Sanford and Lee Ann Van Wyck.
Saturday, March 4th
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # 1: ASSAULT ON SANDS POINT
9:30AM, Cunningham Park, 35 miles.
It’s time to get your bike out of storage and get on the road. But it’s cold outside. Well, how else are you going to get in shape for the season? The club’s Montauk Century is closer than it would appear. Begin the season with our progressive training rides. The Queens set of rides starts with Sands Point, leaving Cunningham Park. It’s a relatively easy trip but will head out at a steady pace. Expect some rolling hills. Remember to bring water, a lock, a camera, and money for lunch. Dress appropriate to the weather. More details here. Leaders: John Chiarella, Bob Castro, Ed Pino and Liz Baum.
BIKE SHOP RIDE
9:30AM, GW Bridge Bus Terminal (West 178th St & Ft Washington Ave), 30-50 miles
Want that new bicycle or gear? Be prepared to pedal 12-15 mph pace over the GWB and find them. Visit shops from Fort Lee, NJ to Piermont, NY and back. No lunch: take along pocket food and water. No point/drop/sweep. Bring a pannier or bag plus current TA, 5BBC, NYCC, or Rockland Bicycle Club membership card for discounts as well as a credit card to test ride new bikes. Colisted with NYCC. Terrain: 30-50 shopping miles with long stretches, some busy roads and hilly climbs. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia and others.
Sunday, March 5th
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # 2: ENGLEWOOD
9:30AM, Columbus Circle, 35 miles
Have you been waiting all winter for this ride? Return to the Royal Cliffs diner with some envigorating hill climbing on the other side of the Hudson. The Montauk Training Series will help you get in shape. OK, so it’s cold outside. But you’ve got those warmer layers for these early rides. Terrain: hilly. Water bottles? Check. Cable lock? Check. Patch kit and spare tube? Check. Pump or CO2 cartridges? Check. Pocket food and $ for lunch at the diner? Check. These are some of the things you should be bringing on this and future training rides through May. The more you take part in the training rides, the easier they get. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Brian Hoberman.
UNCLE GEORGE’S
10AM, City Hall, 20 miles
Oceanography, what ? Ride into the borough that brought the likes of Phil Goldberg, Manny Sanudo and David Seto. Feast on Greek Cuisine. Who knows, we might even run into Queen’s own Steve “Wildman” Brill (see http://www.bigfoot.com/~wildmansteve) and eat something else. Possible excursions to Museum of the Moving Image, Socrates Sculpture Park, and other waterfront delights. Bring a lock, $ for lunch, and a disposable camera. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others.
Saturday, March 11th
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # 3: HICKSVILLE
9:30AM, Cunningham Park, 35 miles (one group)
This may be ride #3 but it’s still a relatively easy ride to the diner. Join in the fun with the gang at Cunningham Park. Be sure to take the lock, lunch money and plenty of water. Leaders: Ed Pino, Liz Baum and Bob Castro.
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # L-1 : PIERMONT
9AM, Columbus Circle, 50 miles, “B” pace (one group)
Now this is a training ride. If you can keep up with Jim and Dennis and their diesel engines to Piermont, you’ll be cruising along the hills. Did I just mention hills? This is the first in our new series of early training rides of longer distance. Don’t join this one unless you’re up to the challenge! Leaders: Dennis Griffin and Jim Zisfein.
Sunday, March 12th
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # 4 : ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS
9:30AM, Columbus Circle, 40 miles (one group)
This is a fun ride and it really isn’t that hilly. Well, there is that one hill. The one that just keeps going on and on. But if you can make it to the top you get rewarded at the Royal Cliffs Diner. Yumm! Remember to pack a spare, a cable lock, and expect some fun! Leaders: Andrea Mercado and Mark Trainor.
FROSTBITE RIDE # DOUBLE-ZERO : BROADWAY IN SUMMIT
9AM, World Trade Center, 35-40 miles
While the rest of you are training, the rest of us will be eating. We kicked off the season's schedule with a "Frostbite Zero" and a delightful ride to the Broadway Diner in Summit, sister to our "regular" flapjack joint in Bayonne, and we'll end the season in the same fashion. Only this time, we promise not to get lost and splinter into three groups. There's also a possible side trip to the leader's new mansion for refreshments in the works. Note longer than usual mileage for a Frostbite and hillier terrain. Bring $3.00 for PATH fare, bike locks, and diner dough. Moderate pace, flat to rolling with 1 steep hill. Leaders: Ted Kushner and Ed DeFreitas.
Saturday, March 18th
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # 5 : NORTHVALE
9AM, Columbus Circle, 45 miles, Quick Spin
9:30AM, Columbus Circle, Regular Group
Northvale! Even the name leaves you breathless. This is one of the more scenic and challenging early rides, and it’s the first ride to offer a quick spin option. Join the quick spin group at the earlier time if you want to ride upwards of 15mph. Otherwise hang back with the “regular” group. Leaders: Andrea Mercado and Jim Zisfein. Quick Spin: Dan Finton and others.
Sunday, March 19th
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # L-2 : RIDGEWOOD
9AM, Columbus Circle, 60 miles, “B” pace (one group)
Another new training ride! These “L” rides are for providing longer distance earlier in the calendar at a medium pace. The Ridgewood Pancake House is one of Mark’s favorite destinations, so you know the flapjacks are worth the trip. This ride is extra hilly! Leaders: Mark Trainor and Jonathan Friedman.
FLAT ROCK NATURE PRESERVE
10AM, City Hall, 30 miles
Aah Naturale in Joisey! This privately owned natural preserve lets us bike to their Nature Center but, only hike their trails. Lunch at a pond. Clothing is not optional. Leaders Ed DeFreitas and others.
Saturday, March 25th
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # 6 : GLEN COVE
8:30AM, Cunningham Park, 50 miles, Quick Spin
9AM, Cunningham Park, Regular Group
Rolling hills are our specialty as we spin up and down along the north shore. If you’re ready for the faster pace join the quick spinners. Remember to bring your camera and some pocket food. Leaders: Ed Pino and Liz Baum. Quick Spin: Dennis Griffin and others.
TAKE A RIDE TO THE SUNNYSIDE
10AM, Van Cortlandt Park, 30 miles
Take the scenic route to Sunnyside, the Hudson riverfront estate of 19th-century author and satirist Washington Irving, with its amusing architectural adornments, and the nearby Lyndhurst mansion, both maintained by Historic Hudson Valley (www.historichudson.org). Bring $10 for admission, bring or buy lunch. Metro North nearby for early return if desired. Terrain: rolling hills and a few steep hills. Leaders: Ed Ravin and others.
Sunday, March 26th
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # L-3 : ROCKLAND LAKE
9AM, Columbus Circle, 70 miles, “B” pace (one group)
Join Jesse for the last of the “L” rides. In this case the “L” is for Lake. Remember to pack a spare tube, pump, patches and of course the usual road tools you’ll need for a long ride. Leaders: Jesse Brown, Jonathan Friedman, Dan Finton.
BROOKLYN SOJOURN
9AM, City Hall, 40 miles
Electric cars aren't new. Beautiful brownstones not the expected neighborhoods (smell a bargain). Nothing weak about Weeksville. And, oh yeah, a piece of Brooklyn Dodger history. And, maybe more are the points in a Brooklyn sojourn. Bring a lock & $ for lunch. Moderate pace. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others.
Saturday, April 1st
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # 7 : WESTWOOD
8:30AM, Columbus Circle, 50 miles, Quick Spin
9AM, Columbus Circle, Regular Group
How far west is Westwood? Is it East of Eastlake or North of Northvale? Remember to bring your hydration pack along with your cable lock. Only a fool would leave a camera at home. Leaders: Brian Hoberman and Mark Trainor. Quick Spin: Dennis Griffin and others.
SLAVES OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
10AM, Van Cortlandt Park, 35 miles
Visit another Historic Hudson Valley (www.historichudson.org) house along the Hudson River - Philipsburg Manor, an 18th century grist mill powered with slave labor. Now a museum, visitors will get an unvarnished appreciation of life on a colonial farm. Bring $10 for admission, bring or buy lunch. Metro-North nearby for early return if desired. Terrain: moderately hilly with a few steep hills. Leaders: Ed Ravin and others.
Sunday, April 2nd - Daylight Time Begins !
MONTAUK METRIC TRAINING RIDE # 1 : HICKSVILLE
9AM, Cunningham Park, 35 miles (one group)
An encore so soon in the season? Sure, when it comes to our Metric series, Hicksville makes a great first destination, with an easier pace at an earlier hour. Is this ride really hilly? Show up and find out! Leaders: John Chiarella and Bob Castro.
OFF-ROAD VISTAS: KENSICO DAM
9AM, East 233rd and White Plains Road, 35 miles
Click here if you're getting to the start point by subway.
An "Off Road Vista" bike journey for a regular bikes. Follow the Bronx River Parkway bike path up to the dam and back. 35 miles, paved path with some riding in traffic as well, hilly in places. Please bring your Metro North bike pass, just in case. Varied terrain. Pace will be 10-15mph. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others.
Saturday, April 8th
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # 8 : NYACK
8:30AM, Columbus Circle, 60 miles, Quick Spin
9AM, Columbus Circle, Regular Group
I don’t know why we never had a training ride to Nyack, before, but it’s time that we did! Will we lunch at the Runcible Spoon? Only the leaders know for sure! Leaders: Mark Trainor and Brian Hoberman. Quick Spin: Susan Rodetis and Dan Finton. Quick spin will be approx B17 pace, and no point-drop-sweep.
Sunday, April 9th
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # 9 : CENTRE ISLAND
8:30AM, Cunningham Park, 65 miles, Quick Spin
9AM, Cunningham Park, Regular Group
What’s that? You want more hills? OK, this ride should satisfy your hill-thirst! Those quick spinners will be rolling about 18mph, so only join them if you’re ready! Leaders: Ed Pino and Liz Baum. Quick Spin : Dennis Griffin, Pat Carter.
FOUR BORO BIKE RIDE
9:30AM, City Hall, 30 miles
Sorry S.I. We promise to dedicate an entire ride to you. We want have enough time give justice to Arthur Avenue, deep in the heart of The Bronx. On our way, we'll pass through Brooklyn and Queens and cross the Triborough Bridge into The Bronx. Lunch along Arthur Ave, an Italian enclave. Belmont Ave is the origin of the "Dion & The Belmonts" name. Look around for others. Then, back to Manhattan along the East River to City Hall. Bring a lock & $ for lunch. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others.
Saturday, April 15th
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # 10 : ROCKLAND LAKE
8:30AM, Columbus Circle, 70 miles, Quick Spin and Regular groups
Note: the correct start time for both groups is 8:30. It was incorrectly listed as 9:00.
Taxes finished? Great - go collect your refund riding around Rockland Lake. Leaders: Brian Hoberman and Mark Trainor. Quick Spin: Susan Rodetis and Steve Taylor. Quick spin will be approx B17 pace, and no point-drop-sweep.
MAKING A SPECTACLE RIDE
10AM, Plaza Hotel, 25 miles
You’ve been up all night to get that 1040 in so Uncle Sam won’t slap the cuffs on you! All that number crunching now has you seeing double. Relax, Eagle Eye, and join us for a ride to Flatbush Optical to see how their top-notch optician can grind and cut a new pair of lenses just in time to have your eyes ready for the 2006 tax year. After that we head for a local ethnic restaurant. Bring a lock and lunch money. Rain at start time cancels. Leaders: Richard Sanford and Randy Horowitz.
Sunday, April 16th (Easter Sunday)
EASTER JAM
9:30AM, City Hall, 35 miles
It may be Easter Sunday but I still want to ride my bike. And for a change of pace we’ll take an easier ride across the water to nearby Queens and Brooklyn. This ride will likely be similar to November’s “POST-TURKEY” ride. Bring a lock and lunch money. Leaders: Danny Lieberman and Ed DeFreitas.
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # 11 : SUNKEN MEADOW
8AM, Cunningham Park, 75 miles, Quick Spin and Regular groups
Cancelled due to weather. Sorry.
Now this is a truly great ride. Never mind the training aspect, it’s just fun all the way to the beach. Please remember to bring your MTA/LIRR pass in case you need to bail out! Leaders: Dave Schlicting and Ira Najowitz. Quick Spin: Dennis Griffin and Pat Carter.
THE BLESSING OF THE BIKES
9AM, Rambles Shed, Central Park, 25-30 miles
Ride cancelled due to weather, but you can still go to the Blessing.
Cyclists need all the help they can get from uncertainty. Let's go to the Cathedral of St. John The Divine (stjohndivine.org) at 110th St. for earnest solace. Let’s remember our dearly departed and appreciate our blessings to continue with the present. Afterwards, we'll take a short Jersey excursion to North Hudson Park (some busy traffic and hills), then head back to Manhattan, taking the scenic greenway for lunch at the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (dinosaurbarbque.com) 131st St., under the Riverside Dr. viaduct. Bring a lock and $ for meal. Veggies note: Portobello mushroom burgers served. We hope to see Dave's group there. Co-listed with NYCC. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia and others.
Sunday, April 23rd
MONTAUK METRIC TRAINING RIDE # 2 : CITY ISLAND
9AM, Columbus Circle, 40 miles (one group)
New earlier date and starting location for this one! City Island, for those who have not yet been, is that little seaport village at the edge of the Bronx. Lots of greenways will help us get there. Lunch right on the water! Leaders: Danny Lieberman and Mark Trainor.
Saturday, April 29th
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # 12 : STONY POINT
8AM, Columbus Circle, 82 miles, Quick Spin and Regular groups
Are you ready for Stony Point? This ride is very long and technical. It also has some tough hills, so be prepared for those steep climbs. Not for beginners. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia and Mark Trainor Quick Spin: Susan Rodetis and Steve Taylor. Quick spin will be approx B17 pace with no point-drop-sweep.
Sunday, April 30th
PALISADES BIKE HIKE: PEANUT LEAP CASCADE
9AM, GW Bridge Bus Terminal, 25 mile ride, 4 mile hike
No history spiel today, just a pleasant ride to State Line Lookout Inn
Saturday, May 6th
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # 13 : LLOYD NECK
Not for beginners. This ride is hilly and technical and you must be able to keep a good pace. No Point/Drop/Sweep today. Leaders: Ira Najowitz and Jesse Brown.
Quick Spin: Dennis Griffin and Pat Carter.
MONTAUK METRIC TRAINING RIDE # 3: PIERMONT
What? Piermont again? Sure, why not, it’s a relatively easy ride compared to the alternatives. Hilly? You betcha! Leaders: Mark Trainor and Jim Mallard.
Sunday, May 7th
BIKE NEW YORK - The Five Boro Bike Tour
A non-5BBC event. Click here for more information.
Saturday, May 13th
MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE # 14 : EATON'S NECK
One last incredibly long training ride a week before Montauk. Can you believe how far it is? If you can complete this one you’ll be ready for the big event next week. Warning: This ride is fast, difficult, and will not use point/drop/sweep.
Leaders: Jesse Brown and Ira Najowitz.
Sunday, May 14th
MONTAUK METRIC TRAINING RIDE # 4 : RIDGEWOOD
Mark likes the Ridgewood Pancake House so much he wanted to go there twice, so we made it the final destination for the the metric series! Remember to bring enough water, a lock, and of course a spare tube and lunch money. Warning: very hilly, with a climb up Churchill on the way back! Leaders: Mark Trainor and Jim Mallard.
OFF-ROAD VISTAS: THE OLD PUT AND THE OLD CROTON AQUEDUCT
Ride up the Old Putnam Railroad trail to Tarrytown and then back along the Old Croton Aqueduct. This is an off-road trip – mountain and hybrids only! The terrain is rough but not terribly hilly. Bring or buy lunch. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others.
Sunday, May 21st
Special Event
It doesn't get any more special than this. Join us on the 42nd annual rolling of the Montauk Century. Pedal the back roads from the city through the Hamptons to the ocean: 66, 100, or 145 miles on Long Island's beautiful South Shore.
8AM, Cunningham Park, 85 miles, regular group
8AM, Cunningham Park, 85 miles, Quick Spin, Cue Sheet Only
9AM, Columbus Circle, 50 miles (one group)
There are no day rides scheduled for today.
8AM, Cunningham Park, 90 miles, Cue Sheet Only
9AM, Columbus Circle, 60 miles (one group)
9AM, Van Cortlandt Park, 40 miles – OFF ROAD
THE MONTAUK CENTURY 2006