Saturday October 18, 2008

Day Ride

THE WE-LIKED-IT-SO-MUCH-WE'RE-DOING-IT-AGAIN RIDE

But not this year. Ride will be rescheduled to next year.

Day Ride

THE TRIPLE CROWN RETURNS

10:00 AM, Kew Gardens, 35 miles

Come join Ed and Liz on a gallop through Brooklyn and Queens to visit three carousels. Bring your Steed (what, no Peel?) with a spare shoe. Bring money for lunch and the Carousels, plus bike lock. Must be able to ride in traffic and do 10 miles per hour. Many bail out places in the route, plus a visit to Lemon Ice King at the end. Leaders: Ed Pino and Liz Baum

Day Ride

NATHANIEL'S HOOK (OUR FALL COLOR RIDE!)

9:45 AM, Conveniently starting from 242 & Broadway (Van Cortland Park) and returning to Woodlawn (the last stop on the #4 train). 40-45 miles. (the flattest Westchester ride ever)

• Help inaugurate a new, original ride by 5 BBC Ride Leader John Chiarella deep into lower Westchester County where he will deftly demonstrate "Nathaniel's Hook" for your personal edification....
• "A remarkable sojourn of my own devising over a new and unique closed circuit, ladies and gentlemen, much of which will be amidst bucolic splendor and all of which will be pedaled over fully-Macadamized surfaces in order to enhance your riding experience...
• It has been estimated by means of the most up-to-date scientific devices and methods that the day's course will feature 68.3% off-street riding.
• There will be "B-paced" cycling and the opportunity for participants to purchase / consume a mid-day repast will be presented. Weather conditions will dictate "dine-in-restaurant" or "purchase-ride-dine al fresco with a legend" options at the Leader's sole discretion..
• Newbie riders with untried legs and untested machines are strongly urged to seek the day's entertainment elsewhere.
• SEE!: Potatoes that morph into lifeless sculls!
• SEE!: The enormous 8-ton typo!
• SEE! A professional magician demonstrate the world record for holding one's breath!
• SEE!: Yourself dining with a legend or two...but no "2" !
• SEE!: A crummy restaurant in a Scandinavian paradise and a handball court that dwarfs that of the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza!...and all within the space of 2 minutes time!
• SEE!: A Finger screwed to a bench!
• RIDE!: The amazing "Lightning Loops"!"

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Day Ride

OY OY OYSTER!

9:00 AM, Cunningham Park, 50 miles

They may look slimy, but they sure taste good. So do their cousin shrimps, clammies, steamers, and other nautical delicacies, plus the best chowder this side of Cape Horn. Before ye swab the decks, unfurl those sails for our fall foliage visit to Oyster Bay's 25th anniversary Oyster Festival, with music, crafts, souvenirs, tall ships and maybe a turkey leg or two. What's a better way to work up an appetite than by cycling to this North Shore enclave. Free admission, but bring pieces of eight for goodies, bike locks, that wooden pegleg, and a hearty appetite. We may re-route to alternate destination if rainy. Moderate pace with the usual Long Island hills. Leaders: Captain Ted Kushner and first mates Ed and Liz

Day Ride

RIDE TO THE HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM

9:00 am, Plaza Hotel, 35 miles

You've heard of "Two Fer's"? How about 3. Okey, 4. Alright, you twisted my arm, 5. A museum that changes its main exhibit (see www.hrm.org), a planetarium, a mansion full of Hudson River School, art, an ecosystem display of the entire Hudson and a restaurant overlooking the mighty Hudson and the Palisades. Okay, maybe another museum/mansion. But, only maybe. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Day Ride

BEAR MOUNTAIN METRIC CENTURY: THE SIX COUNTY RIDE

8:00 AM, Plaza Hotel, 65 miles
CANCELLED, due to weather.

After cycling up the western bank of the Hudson for 50 miles through fall foliage, challenge yourself by ascending Perkins Drive to the 1,300 foot summit of Bear Mountain. The view is worth it! Return to NYC on Metro North from the Garrison station. Bring your MTA Bike Permit and $10.25 train fare. The terrain is hilly with some very steep climbs. Leaders: Dennis Griffin and Ira Najowitz

Day Ride

A KITCHAWAN HOLIDAY

POSTPONED to Sunday, October 26, due to weather.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Day Ride

WAR OF THE WORLDS!

8:30 am, Penn Station, 8th Ave at W. 31st Street; or approx 9:45 am, Gateway/Old Bridge Shopping Center, South Amboy (Garden State Parkway south Exit 123, then Route 9 south, then about 1 mile to Ernston Road exit; ahead at light for shopping center entrance). Special Note: we will try to arrange car pooling to and from NJ start point; if you need a ride or have space in your car, please send email to daytrips@5bbc.org

Seventy years ago, inhabitants of the Red Planet invaded Earth, causing widespread panic and mass hysteria. We'll celebrate this historic anniversary by cycling to the actual New Jersey site where the Martians landed. This rarely scheduled ride (first held in 1988) will include interactive construction of a special antenna, built to capture space-wandering radio waves in an attempt to re-create the landmark Orson Welles broadcast that shocked the nation. Includes trivia contest with prizes! Ride may return after sunset; possible dinner stop afterwards. Working front and rear bike lights required, reflective vest recommended. 55-60 miles, mostly flat. Leaders: Ted M. Kushner and the aliens

Day Ride

NEAR BROOKLYN

10:00 AM, City Hall, 25 miles

The twin cities of New York & Brooklyn danced with each other for fifty years before the wedding. We'll get some snapshots of that time & others. Then, maybe, end up at a bike friendly pizzeria near Brooklyn. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & others

Day Ride

A KITCHAWAN HOLIDAY

9:30 AM Van Cortlandt Park (242nd St & Broadway, Bronx, last stop on IRT #1 subway)

Another 5BBC fall foliage ride into Westchester County! 50% or more of the route is on car-free, paved paths. Lunch at a warm diner and there's a possible stop for hot mulled cider at the forest's edge. Firm but gentle "C" pace - you need endurance but not speed. Metro-North return - bring $7.50 for fare from Croton-Harmon and MTA bike permit. Approximately 40 miles, mostly flat but with some steep hills. Leader: John Chiarella and others.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Day Ride

HALO HALO RIDE

9:30 AM, South Ferry, 23+ miles, mostly flat & bumpy roads with hilly bridge crossing

Tasty Filipino cuisine revisited via boat, bridge and maybe boat again. Ride to Staten Island and Hudson County for a uniquely Asian feast. Perhaps some Halo Halo in November? We'll see. If time remaining we might go to the Philippine Bread House for sweets. Bring a lock & money for lunch. Return by ferry or PATH. Co-listed with NYCC. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia and Jesse Brown

Day Ride

PALISADES BIKE HIKE: BOMBAY HOOK

9:30 AM, GWB Bus Terminal, 20 mile ride, 7 mile hike

Get up close and personal with New Jersey's Palisades cliffs on this classic bike-and-hike. The hike starts at Alpine Marina and brings you to some of the most impressive scenery in the area. It includes a 500-foot climb that is moderately strenuous but not technically difficult. Bring a bike lock, comfortable walking shoes, bag lunch, and water. Relaxed, easy pace for both ride and hike. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Fred Dieckamp.

Day Ride

YOU’VE GOT MY VOTE RIDE

10:00 AM, Prospect Park (Grand Army Plaza), 20-25 leisurely miles

Whoa! Before you pull that lever, find out how much pull New Yorkers really have! We’ll visit the Museum of the City of New York for a fascinating exhibit on Presidential politics in New York City, featuring rarely seen, provocative, and often humorous campaign memorabilia including a commemorative coat button from George Washington’s inauguration, and a Robert Kennedy for President paper dress. Bring $9.00 admission fee, lock, and money for lunch at a local eatery. Rain at start cancels. Leaders: Richard Sanford and Andrea Casertano

Day Ride

QUADRUPLE BYPASS

6:30 PM, City Hall, 25-30 miles (Note: this is a night time ride)

We like this one so much, we're doing it again! It's east and west, back and forth, zig and zag as we head up north. The name of the game as we seesaw for no fame is to cross the East River without any tire sliver. Starting from the Brooklyn, weaving our way uptown, towards the Fifty-Niner we'll head, fore we cycle back round. Enjoy an evening ride to prove that what goes up must come down. With dinner we'll finish the aerial exercise, and your humble leaders are two great guys! Ted made up the time and rhyme, Ed made up the route that's a real beaut. Front and rear bike lights are required; bring dinner money and bike locks. Easy to moderate pace, and hills on the bridges. Heavy rain cancels. Leaders Ted Kushner and Ed DeFreitas

Sunday, November 2, 2008 (Note: Standard Time begins today)

Day Ride

THE LOTTERY RIDE FIRST CHANCE

9:00 AM, HI AYH, 65 miles

We will visit New Jersey and Connecticut in quest of winning Lottery tickets while not ignoring NY as well. The route is scenic, smooth, and invigorating; you're sure to love it. Last year Jesse won $500 so obviously there's virtually no limit to the potential. Leaders: Rodney Millard and Jesse Brown

Day Ride

KOSHER CYCLIST: CHINESE ORANGE

9:30 AM, Columbus Circle, 40+ miles

We're off to the Oranges via a scenic ride through northern NJ. We'll ride on suburban tree-lined streets, country roads and through several parks. Along the way we'll have some good climbing with a max elevation of 400 feet to work up a good appetite for lunch at Chopstix, a delicious kosher Chinese restaurant. On the way home we'll do one more good climb, ride some suburban streets and through a park into Harrison where we'll take the PATH back to World Trade Center and ride back to Columbus Circle. Touring/road/hybrid bike with triples and road tires is highly recommended. Pace will be 15 mph average, 17-18 on flats. Bring lock, $$ for lunch and PATH fare. Leaders: Dana Hudes and Ira Najowitz

Day Ride

PALISADES PARK AND SO ON!

10:00 AM, City Hall, 23 miles

Ya gotta love Jersey! It's got some really great stuff, including a fabulous view of the harbor. We'll enjoy the Hudson Fiord at the waterline, then from the GWB and finally from the majestic heights of the Palisades. We'll cruise through Hoboken, maybe imbibe after our ride. Cross the Hudson one more time and watch the sun go down on the most magnificent city that God ever allowed humans to create. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others

Tuesday, November 4, 2008 (Election Day)

Day Ride

A NON-PARTISAN SPIN

10:00 AM, City Hall, 30 miles

Let's get out and vote early (and often), then go for an easy-going non-partisan spin through Brooklyn and Queens while the rest of the nation casts its ballots. We'll ride on a mix of city streets, bike lanes and greenways with a spin around the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Park. Along the way we'll stop for lunch at a kosher resturaunt on Main St. in Queens before we head back along the bike route to the Queensboro Bridge and end our ride at Bridgemarket. Average pace (10-11 mph) with 2 bridge climbs. Leaders: Dana Hudes and Jesse Brown

Saturday November 8, 2008

Day Ride

THE GREATEST TURKEY RIDE: CHARLIE’S TURKEY (and Open House)

10:00 AM, Kew Gardens, 30 easy miles

Join Ed and Liz as we eat Charlie’s turkey, the best turkey dinner in Queens. We can say that we have been eating it for years. This is an easy mostly flat ride. Usual weather conditions apply. Bring $7-10 for lunch. Ride will end by Ed and Liz’s apartment; afterwards, there will be an open house at our place. Please call us at (718) 487 4992 if you would like to join us for lunch and are not riding. Leaders: Ed Pino and Liz Baum

Day Ride

IN HONOR OF ANDREW H. GREEN, NYC'S FORGOTTEN CIVIC GIANT

11:30 AM, Plaza Hotel, 20 miles

You have not heard of Andrew H. Green? For five decades in New York's civic arena he was a star player, but he's been benched. On this ride we will rediscover the remarkable legacy of this 19th century master planner, reformer and preservationist and visit some sites related to his career. Manhattan Borough Historian Michael Miscione will speak and lead the tour with 5BBC ride leaders Jim Zisfein and Fred Dieckamp. We meet at 11:30 outside the Plaza Hotel or 12:00 at the AH Green Memorial Bench (but you'll never find the bench, so meet us at the Plaza). More info here.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Day Ride

THE LOTTERY RIDE SECOND CHANCE

9:00 AM, HI AYH, 65 miles

We will visit New Jersey and Connecticut in quest of winning Lottery tickets while not ignoring NY as well. The route is scenic, smooth, and invigorating; you're sure to love it. Last year Jesse won $500 so obviously there's virtually no limit to the potential. Leaders: Rodney Millard and Jesse Brown

Day Ride

TOUR DA BRONX ZOO

10:00 AM, City Hall, approx. 30 miles

An astounding fact: You can travel to San Diego or Da Bronx to visit one of the finest zoological facilities in the world. No joke. The northern borough houses facilities that the rest of the world depends upon to save a whole host of our Earth's non-human population. We know it by its common name, The Bronx Zoo . It's also the Wildlife Conservation Society. Bring bike lock, $ for lunch and admission ($15/$13 seniors & possible group rate). Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Day Ride

CROTON RESERVOIR TRIPLE-CROSS

Ride is postponed to Sunday, November 16, 9AM. See below.

Day Ride

FOLLOWING THE BREEZES TO BREEZY POINT

9:30 AM, Kew Gardens, 30 miles

We'll travel into Brooklyn & the Belt Parkway bikeway, and then head over the Gil Hodges Bridge to Breezy Point. BP is the home to arguably the most professional volunteer ambulance & fire department in the city (viz. the Rockaway Point FD). Come and hear why we can say that. After our return ride we'll eat in the Metro Cafe in Forest Hills, a five minute ride from the E or F train at Continental Ave. Quick pace, average speed 15 mph, 18 mph on the flats. Dress appropriately; bring two spare tubes, money for lunch, a growing appetite and a good attitude. Expect to be returning by 2:30 - 3 PM. Leaders: Dennis Griffin and Ira Najowitz

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Day Ride

BROOKLYN SOJOURN

10:00 AM, City Hall, approx 30 miles

Travel back in time? Maybe. What would you call traveling through 19th century neighborhoods to the New York headquarters of a company that started out making Conestoga Wagons for the trek across the Wild West and then make electric cars. What? An early 1800's Free Black Settlement. Bring bike lock, money for lunch and an open mind. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and Dana Hudes

Day Ride

THE PELHAM BAY PARK PERIMETER

10:00 AM, Pelham Bay Park (Last stop on the 6 train; footbridge across Bruckner to the park); 15 miles, off- road and bridle paths

There's thorns, genetically mutated mosquitoes, mud, lagoons, more mud, and rocky ledges. But does that deter us? No way! Where there's a will, there's a road! Those of you who like off-road and can skillfully handle gravel, sand, and mud, ledges, branches, and thorn bushes, you're in for one heck of an experience -- one that's close to home and in the Bronx. We'll visit Orchard Beach as well, to cool down,Êand explore Twin, Two Trees (anyone who can portage across a narrow spit of land, mostly washed out by the tide and not get washed out, gets a free lunch), and Hunter Islands. There'll also be stops at the beautiful Pell-Barstow Estate and the elegant Split Rock Golf Course, where we'll lunch amid upscale gents and ladies on the nine hole.ÊATB's or MTB's strongly recommended. Leaders: Jesse Brown and Josh Gosciak

Day Ride

CROTON RESERVOIR TRIPLE-CROSS

9:00 AM, Van Cortlandt Park, 35 miles

You can have your water and drink it too. Get your fill of Westchester's Croton Reservoir with three lake crossings -- the "Old Put" railroad bridge, Gate House Bridge, and New Croton Dam -- plus a splendiferous (although slightly bumpy) ride along the lake shore. 28c (or fatter) tires are suggested for unpaved roads and trails. Ride ends at Croton-Harmon station. Bring $ for lunch, $7.50 train fare, MTA permit. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and John Chiarella

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Day Ride

THE RIDE TO NORTHVALE DINER

10:00 AM, HI AYH, 40 miles

Pancakes, eggs over easy, gryro w/fires, turkey on rye? Whatever your fancy, it’s yours, provided you have the money and an appetite. Leaders: Brian Hoberman and TBD

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Day Ride

4 BORO BIKE RIDE

9:00 AM, City HallCity, 35 miles

Sorry Staten Island, we're going to Da Bronx through Brooklyn and Queens to the Italian enclave called Arthur Avenue with pizza like it's supposed to be at a bike friendly restaurant. There's other stuff to see. We'll go back through Manhattan along the stylish East River bike path (mostly). Moderate pace and terrain. Leaders Ed DeFreitas and others

Day Ride

ORANGEBURG GREENWAYS TO PIERMONT

CANCELLED
10:00 AM, Hudson Terrace Fort Lee (New Jersey side of George Washington Bridge near bike lane), , 40 miles flat & hilly

Let's ride differently to Piermont, via two eye-opening Rockland County rail trails. Slight flanking & more miles towards western Bergen & Rockland counties, but worth it. Ride ends at Manhattan side GWB or Central Park. Bring $ for lunch. Co-listed with NYCC. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia and Brian Hoberman

Thursday, November 27, 2008 (Thanksgiving Day)

Day Ride

PRESIDENTS SHADOWS (New ride!)

10:00 AM, City Hall, approx 25 miles

We all know that Washington slept here. But, where did his VP sleep? How did a Brooklyn community honor a fallen President (not JFK, Lincoln or one of those famous ones)? Come on a nice ride this Thanksgiving (no turkey jokes) and we'll build up an appetite for the turkey later. Have something historical to say at dinner. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others

Day Ride

Piermont-Turkey Ride

8:30 AM, Central Park Boathouse, 40 miles

QUIK SPIN (17 MPH or a tad speedier on the flats) Some hills Work off some calories on this classic route as we head north along 9W, returning inland NJ with Walnut hill climb. Your halo will then glow and appetite flow for the day's big feast. Very short refreshment stop in Piermont. No point-drop-sweep; continuous cycling, group riding skills advised. Cross listed NYCC. Bring snacks, hydration. Dress for weather. Check message board the night before. Leaders: Susan Rodetis + TBA

Day Ride

THE TURKEY-DAY HOT CHOCOLATE RIDE

9:30AM, Doughnut Plant, 15 miles

Here's a treat for Thanksgiving: a short ride in the morning to taste and share some Hot Chocolate with friends. We'll ride to a few, choice locations in lower Manhattan and sample some excellent hot chocolate, just enough to whet our appetites for our Thanksgiving meals later in the day. Expect to make 3 or 4 stops and finish by 12:30pm. Pace: sweet, terrain: very dark! Dress for the weather. Bring a cable lock, a few $ for hot drinks, and your camera! Leaders: Danny Lieberman and Brian Hoberman.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Day Ride

NO LIE RIDE

9:00 AM, Kew Gardens, 35-40 miles

Let's head out to Great Neck, Manhassat, Port Washington, Roslyn, Sea Cliff, and Old Brookville before we head back home. We do all this north of the LIE (and we're not lie-ing!) Friendly and good place to eat lunch in Sea Cliff. Bring spares tubes, MTA railroad pass and money for lunch. Will safely get "home" before 4 PM with quick spin pace (18 mph+ on flats) and many good hills to make for average 15mph pace. Leaders: Dennis Griffin and others

Day Ride

WANDERING TO WAVE HILL

9:00 AM, Columbus Circle, 30 miles with a few hills.

Enjoy a post-Thanksgiving visit to a treasure in the Riverdale section of the Bronx: Wave Hill (www.wavehill.org). Once a private estate, it  is an oasis that overlooks the Hudson and the Palisades. To and fro, we'll enjoy riding through picturesque parks in Manhattan and the Bronx. Bring a lock. Leaders: Brian Hoberman and others

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Day Ride

A BROOKLYN RESIDENTIAL TOUR

10:00 AM, Prospect Park Picnic House, 25 miles

Explore some of the quieter sections of Brooklyn. We'll ride through Borough Park, Bay Ridge, Brighton, Sheepshead, Midwood and others. Bring, snack or lunch money. Leaders: Terry Chin and Ed DeFreitas

Day Ride

A Day At/To&Fro The (cyclecross) Races

Ride (both groups) CANCELLED due to weather.
Regular group 8:15 for 8:30 ferry; Quik Spin group 9:15 / 9:30AM ferry Manhattan entrance, Staten Island ferry, 50 + miles

Regular group 14MPH on flats (no Point-Drop-Sweep). QUIK SPIN 17 MPH on flats mostly urban streets over hills and parks; a few steeper hills. Join our scenic zig-zag through some neat spots on Staten Island back roads, parks and hill view points, en route to watching (free) CRCA’s Cyclecross Races at Wolfe Pond Park.(ETA noon @ the elite races races, for ½-3/4 hour); then a few more hills as we return (3:30PM or earlier ferry departure to NYC). Optional outbound stop in Tottenville to bring lunch to races (there’s BBQ & refreshments @ event). More event info: and http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=7298 Our 2 groups are timed to meet at the races. Regular group starts earlier, has fewer hills, and might drop some mileage, depending on timing; Quik Spin group has more hills and might add mileage. Each group rides collectively (no point-drop-sweep), so some group cycling skills and the ability to follow a cue sheet needed. Both groups finish at SI ferry. Watch bulletin board for updates. BRING: Snacks/liquids, Metro Card (SI RR bail available back to ferry, chain lock (event organizer arranging bike parking in a very visible area following Susan’s request); lights (always a good idea). Dress for the weather; we’ll be standing/watching some at the races (easy to chill down). RSVP: Regular group to cyclistxxiii@yahoo.com; Quik Spin to srodetis@earthlink.net; (Pls RSVP as we'd like to know how many joining) leaders: Susan Rodetis, Dennis Griffin, Alfredo Garcia & others

Saturday December 6, 2008

Day Ride

QUEENS TREASURES

10:00 AM, Cunningham Park, 30 miles

More a tour than a ride through Queens, hitting some of the boroughs unusual or forgotten places. Many stops. Bring money for lunch. We plan to visit the botanical gardens, a 2000 year old roman column, a kung fu temple, the Lemon Ice King of Corona and more. Back around 4 PM. Leaders: Randy Horowitz and others

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Day Ride

FROSTBITE SERIES #1: THE WORLD'S GREATEST PANCAKES

10:00 AM, City Hall, 25 miles

This is the traditional start to our club's answer to the pending winter blahs. The Frostbite series asks the question: if winter is too cold to bike, how come it's not too cold for skiing? We start at City Hall, take the ferry to Staten Island, follow the west coast, then cross the Bayonne Bridge to head for those delicious pancakes. We'll give our respects to the Lady in the Harbor and end up in Hoboken for the trip across the Hudson and home. Note: Alternate plan if the weather is bad. Bring brunch money, bike locks. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Day Ride

SLOW WINTER EXPRESS

9:00 AM, Penn Station, Eighth Ave at W. 31st Street; 30+ miles

We'll ride nearly non-stop at a suitable pace, riding a new "protected" bike lane, some cobblestone streets and the greenway to the Staten Island Ferry. We'll go over the Bayonne Bridge to a humble eatery at Liberty State Park, in Jersey City and take in nice views. Some busy traffic, bumpy roads and a hilly bridge. We'll take a ferry or PATH back to Manhattan. Bring lock & money for meal. Co-listed with NYCC. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia, Jesse Brown and Andrea Casertano

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Day Ride

THE LOTTERY RIDE THIRD CHANCE

9:00 AM, HI AYH , 65 miles

We will visit New Jersey and Connecticut in quest of winning Lottery tickets while not ignoring NY as well. The route is scenic, smooth, and invigorating; you're sure to love it. Last year Jesse won $500 so obviously there's virtually no limit to the potential. Leaders: Rodney Millard and Jesse Brown

Day Ride

FROSTBITE SERIES #2: FLAT ROCK NATURE PRESERVE

10:00 AM, City Hall , 30 miles

Go Au Naturale in Joisey! This privately owned natural preserve lets us bike to their Nature Center, but hiking only on their trails. Lunch at a pond. Clothing is not optional. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others