[5BBC - New York's Five Borough Bicycle Club]

DAY RIDES


These were rides in January-February 2010. Click here for upcoming rides.

These are upcoming rides. Click here for rides archive.

Bikeway Over the Hudson Ride: October 2009: Photo Kathryn Baur

Please note that helmets are required on all 5BBC rides.

[Happy-face ride] Indicates relaxed pace, easy ride

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Sunday, January 3, 2010

ANNUAL MEMORIAL RIDE TO FALLEN CYCLISTS

(multiple starting points), 15-30 miles

Honor the memories of cyclists killed in NYC traffic during 2009 by visiting the street memorials (white-painted bikes known as "ghost bikes") installed by NYC bicycling activists. Sponsored by the NYC Street Memorial Project and supported by many other NYC-area bicycling groups, including 5BBC. For the full schedule, and for last-minute updates, visit www.ghostbikes.org.

5BBC MEMORIAL RIDE FEEDER

10:00 AM, City Hall, 15-30 miles

Start your day with an hour or so of somber cycling before meeting up with the Memorial Ride at their first stop in Queens. Bring money for lunch and a lightweight lock. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and TBA

Saturday, January 9, 2010

BROOKLYN RESIDENTIAL TOUR

Cancelled Due To Weather

10:30 AM, Prospect Park, Picnic House, 15 miles

We'll explore some of the quieter sections of Brooklyn. Ride through Borough Park, Bay Ridge, Sunset Park and others. Bring lock, snacks and money for lunch. NOTE: temperatures below 32 degrees or significant snow or rain cancels ride. Leaders:Terry Chin & TBA

Sunday, January 10, 2010

[Happy-face ride] NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN - FROSTBITE RIDE #5

10:00 AM, City Hall, 30 miles

Elly Spangenberg's perennial ride. Smell fresh roses at one of the foremost American public gardens. Take a look at the Holiday Train Show. Go to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory for "A World of Plants" in a warm environment. See www.nybg.org for internet info. Bring a digital camera, lock, money for lunch and $3 admission. Leaders Ed DeFreitas & TBA

Saturday, January 16, 2010

WINTER'S RIDE TO FILLMORE'S

10:00 AM, Statue of Civic Virtue, Queens Blvd and Union Turnpike , 30 miles

Join Ed & Liz on our Ride to Fillmore's for lunch. This will be an easy flat ride of 25-30 miles through the Borough of Queens. We will circle the globe and eat in a pub like atmosphere. Join us on this warm winter journey for a trip and a great lunch at the end of the ride. Bring $10.00, for a real lunch- Bring bike lock, restaurant is bike friendly, and a good attitude.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

WESTCHESTER WINTER SERIES #1 - QUICK SPIN

8:30 AM, White Plains Road & Pelham Parkway, Bronx, 40 miles

Keep your motor running during the cold weather! Take a quick-spin (15 mph pace) ride through the scenic hills and valleys of Westchester County. Bring MTA rail pass and lunch money. This is a quick-spin ride -no point/drop/sweep. Leaders: Jesse Brown and Rodney Millard

GARIBALDI / ALICE AUSTIN - FROSTBITE SERIES #7

9:45 AM,City Hall (or 10:15 South Ferry, or 11 AM St. George), 30 miles

Get transported again on the Staten Island Ferry for scenic riding. You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant-oops wrong song-it's Cargo's. Visit the home of famed photographer Alice Austen, with gleaming views of New York Bay. She won't be home, but appreciates you coming. Don't worry about Guisseppe Garibaldi, baby. Bring $ for lunch, a lock and a digital camera. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA

Saturday, January 23, 2010

"JUNK" MILES MADE GOOD

QUICK SPIN 9 AM,Bridgemarket. 30 miles (40 miles if temperature is above 32 degrees) Quick spin pace (15 mph on flats, limited point/drop/sweep),

We'll attempt to solve the difficulty of getting to eastern Queens from Manhattan in a safe, orderly way, without using Queens Boulevard. Maspeth, Middle Village, to Kew Gardens and beyond will be our goal. We'll add a few miles if weather & roadway conditions permit. Bring MTA permit and lunch money. Consult 5BBC Bulletin Board on day before for ride updates. Leaders: Dennis Griffin & TBA

[Happy-face ride] NY SCHOOL OF DOG GROOMING RIDE

12:30 PM,Prospect Park, Grand Army Plaza, 20 leisurely miles

Learn about the world of dog grooming - when times are ruff, you'll still find a grin on their faces. Maybe you've been barking up the wrong tree and now's your chance to look at a new endeavor, or simply reconnect with man and woman's best friend. Please get a bite to eat prior to joining this unique ride, as we will stop for a late afternoon lunch at a local eatery around 3:00 P.M. Bring lock and lunch money. Rain, snow or icy conditions at start cancels. Leaders: Richard Sanford and Bob Castro.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

WESTCHESTER WINTER SERIES #2

QUICK SPIN 8:30 AM,White Plains Road & Pelham Parkway, Bronx, 40 miles

Keep your motor running during the cold weather! Take a quick -spin ( 15 mph pace ) ride through the scenic hills and valleys of Westchester County. Bring MTA rail pass and lunch money. This is a quick-spin ride - no point/drop/sweep. Leaders: Jesse Brown and Rodney Millard

Sunday, January 24, 2010

UNCLE GEORGE'S - FROSTBITE RIDE #8

10:00 AM,City Hall, Manhattan, 30 miles

Ride into Queens and feast on Greek cuisine in Astoria. We'll have excursions to Socrates Sculpture Park and other waterfront delights on the east channel of the East River. Maybe an aerial ride back to Manhattan. Bring lock & $ for lunch. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

RIVER ROAD IN WINTER

10:00 AM,GWB Bus Terminal (Ft Washington Ave & W 178th St), 30 hilly miles

The leaves may be gone, but the beauty of Henry Hudson Drive ("River Road") remains. In the winter you can enjoy unobstructed views of the cliffs and across the Hudson River. Best of all, most of the road will be closed to cars. Lunch and hot chocolate at State Line Lookout Inn. Bring or buy lunch, and bring a lightweight lock. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Fred Dieckamp

Sunday, January 31, 2010

WESTCHESTER WINTER SERIES #3

QUICK SPIN 8:30 AM,White Plains Road & Pelham Parkway, Bronx, 40 miles

Keep your motor running during the cold weather! Take a quick-spin (15 mph pace) ride through the scenic hills and valleys of Westchester County. Bring MTA rail pass and lunch money. This is a quick-spin ride -no point/drop/sweep. Leaders: Jesse Brown and Rodney Millard

FLAT ROCK NATURE PRESERVE - FROSTBITE RIDE #9

10 AM, City Hall, 30 miles

This privately owned park/preserve lets us bike to their Nature Center & hike on their trails. Lunch at a pond but probably indoors. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and TBA

Saturday, February 6, 2010

GALLIVANTING IN GREAT NECK

10:00 AM, Cunningham Park, 30 miles

Are you and your bike hibernating this winter? Dust off your two-wheeled chariot and get back on the road! This is a moderately-paced, scenic ride (with some hills) through the Gold Coast towns of Great Neck and Kings Point. On our way back, we'll enjoy nice views of Little Neck Bay from Douglas Manor and the Joe Michaels Mile bike path. Bring a lock and $ for lunch at a warm and cozy diner. NOTE: Temperature below 32 degrees one hour before the start or any ice or snow on the road cancels.Leaders: Ira Najowitz, Ron Sexton.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

WESTCHESTER WINTER SERIES #4

QUICK SPIN 8:30 AM, White Plains Road & Pelham Parkway, Bronx, 40 miles

Keep your motor running during the cold weather! Take a quick -spin ( 15 mph pace ) ride through the scenic hills and valleys of Westchester County. Bring MTA rail pass and lunch money. This is a quick-spin ride - no point/drop/sweep. Leaders: Jesse Brown

CONEY ISLAND DREAMING - FROSTBITE RIDE #10

10:00 AM, City Hall, 30 miles

To the Borough of Churches we will go - serene waterfronts of the Verrazano and Coney Island, lunch at Totonno's, renowned for prized pizza. Did you know pizza was first developed by the ancient Greeks, and that we consume nearly 4 acres of it every day? Bring lock, lunch money, your camera, and a couple of extra napkins. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and TBA

Saturday, February 13, 2010

A MEDIOCRE RIDE FOR A MEDIOCRE PRESIDENT
Cancelled Due To Weather

10:00 AM, Statue of Virtue Queens Blvd and Union Turnpike, 30 miles

Join Ed & Liz on our ride to Fillmore's for lunch. This will be an easy flat ride of 25-30 miles through the Borough of Queens. We will circle the globe and eat in a pub-like atmosphere at a bike-friendly restaurant. Come along on a warm winter journey! Bring $10 for lunch and a bike lock. Leaders: Ed Pino and Liz Baum.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

WESTCHESTER WINTER SERIES #5

QUICK SPIN 8:30 AM, White Plains Road & Pelham Parkway, 40 miles

Keep your motor running during the cold weather! Take a quick-spin (15 mph pace) ride through the scenic hills and valleys of Westchester County. Bring MTA rail pass and lunch money. This is a quick-spin ride -no point/drop/sweep. Leaders: Jesse Brown and Rodney Millard

INDUSTRIAL-STRENGTH VALENTINE RIDE

10:00 AM, South Ferry- Staten Island Ferry Terminal, bicycle waiting area, 45 miles

Of course there's an IKEA in Brooklyn but the route to IKEA in Elizabeth, NJ, is much more interesting; also, more challenging. Apart from the Bayonne Bridge, the ride is pancake-flat. Pavement varies from good to excellent but the route does include some railroad grade crossings and a 1.8-mile stretch of Truck Routes 1 & 9 with two drawbridges that have steel-grid decks. We'll bike for miles through the austere industrial landscape of Newark's and Elizabeth's ports. Lunch is at IKEA's cafeteria, which serves a limited but inexpensive menu. Return may be via PATH or ferry - bring carfare. Bring lock, lunch $. Leaders: Richard Brause and Alfredo Garcia

QUADRUPLE BYPASS - FROSTBITE RIDE #11

10:00 AM,City Hall, 20 miles

Want to do hills but not get too far from the East River? Here's your chance! We'll zig-zag over the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg and Queensborough bridges, finishing up at a bike friendly pizza place. Possible museum stop in LIC. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and TBA

Saturday, February 20, 2010

GALLIVANTING IN GREAT NECK

10:00 AM,Cunningham Park, 30 miles

Are you and your bike hibernating this winter? Dust off your two-wheeled chariot and get back on the road! This is a moderately-paced, scenic ride (with some hills) through the Gold Coast towns of Great Neck and Kings Point. On our way back, we'll enjoy nice views of Little Neck Bay from Douglas Manor and the Joe Michaels Mile bike path. Bring a lock and $ for lunch at a warm and cozy diner. NOTE: Temperature below 32 degrees one hour before the start or any ice or snow on the road cancels. Leaders: Ira Najowitz and Ron Sexton.

[Happy-face ride] BLOWN AWAY GLASS BLOWING RIDE

10:30 AM,City Hall, 15-25 leisurely miles

Think of it as a 2000 degree melting popsicle, drooping from the end of a big stick. That's the feel you get when you watch a glass blower turn this glob of curiosity into an amazing creation. Join us for this "red hot" Brooklyn ride where imagination comes alive and design mixes with chic and street. Bring lock and lunch money. Rain, snow or icy conditions at start cancels. Leaders: Richard Sanford and Andrea Casertano.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

WESTCHESTER WINTER SERIES #6

QUICK SPIN 8:30 AM, White Plains Road & Pelham Parkway, Bronx, 40 miles

Keep your motor running during the cold weather! Take a quick-spin (15 mph pace) ride through the scenic hills and valleys of Westchester County. Bring MTA rail pass and lunch money. This is a quick-spin ride -no point/drop/sweep. Leaders: Jesse Brown and Rodney Millard

SHEEPHEAD BAY AND BEYOND - FROSTBITE RIDE #12

10:00 AM,City Hall, 30 miles

Yet another excursion into the Borough of Churches. We'll check out the Shore Parkway greenway, and get a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean. Bring lock, $ for lunch and a camera. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and TBA

Saturday, February 27, 2010

BROOKLYN RESIDENTIAL TOUR Cancelled Due To Weather

10:30 AM,Prospect Park Picnic House, 20 miles

We'll explore some of the quieter sections of Brooklyn. Ride through Sheepshead Bay, Coney Island, Bay Ridge, others. Bring lock, snacks and money for lunch. 20 miles. NOTE: Temperature below 32 degrees one hour before start or any ice or snow on roads cancels. Leaders:Terry Chin & TBA.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

WESTCHESTER WINTER SERIES #7

QUICK SPIN 8:30 AM, White Plains Road & Pelham Parkway, Bronx, 40 miles

Keep your motor running during the cold weather! Take a quick-spin (15 mph pace) ride through the scenic hills and valleys of Westchester County. Bring MTA rail pass and lunch money. This is a quick-spin ride -no point/drop/sweep. Leaders: Jesse Brown and Rodney Millard

PANCAKE RIDE - FROSTBITE RIDE #13

9:45 AM, City Hall, Manhattan (or 10:15 South Ferry & 11 AM St. George), 30 miles 9:45 AM, City Hall, Manhattan (or 10:15 South Ferry & 11 AM St. George), 30 miles

Celebrate the end of the Frostbite series with a warm and delicious lunch at Bayonne's Broadway Diner. Journey further to Liberty State Park, with a tribute on the Liberation Monument. Ferry or PATH return - bring carfare, lock, and lunch money. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and TBA

Saturday, March 6, 2010

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #1: HICKSVILLE

10:00 AM, Cunningham Park, 35 miles

Not in shape for a 100 mile ride yet? That's OK, neither are we. Start preparing now for the Montauk Century with our training ride series - each week the rides get a little longer. Bring your bike locks and money for lunch. Leaders: Ed Pino, Liz Baum

[Happy-face ride] A VIEW OF THE NARROWS

10:30 AM, Prospect Park, Picnic House, 15 miles

This is picturesque and nautical view of lower NY Bay with some views of Sunset Park and Bay Ridge. Bring lock, bring or buy snacks. Rain or snow or temp below 32 one hour before meeting time cancels. Leaders: Terry Chin, Bob Castro

Sunday, March 7, 2010

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #2: ENGLEWOOD

9:30 AM, Columbus Circle, 35 miles

Another early series training ride with a short distance and an easily attainable goal. Enjoy the view from the GW Bridge on the way over to New Jersey. Leaders: Brian Hoberman and Jim Zisfein

UNDER AND OVER THE HUDSON

9:30 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 30 miles, mostly flat w/one big hill

Stretch your legs along a long shoreline stretch from Hoboken to the G.W. Bridge. Lunch on Amsterdam Ave. with your choice of Italian, Asian, or Eastern European cuisine. Back down the Hudson to City Hall. Bring a lock & $ for lunch and carfare (for the "under Hudson" segment). Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and TBA

Saturday, March 13, 2010

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #3: WEST ENGLEWOOD

9:30 AM, Columbus Circle, 40 miles

The Montauk training series takes us over to Jersey again, but a little farther than last week. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Andrea Casertano

Sunday, March 14, 2010

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #4: SANDS POINT

Cancelled Due To Weather

10:00 AM, Cunningham Park, 35 miles

One of the nicest spots to visit on the North Shore in Nassau County. The series rides get harder next week, so start training now! Leaders: Bring your bike locks and money for lunch. Leaders Ed Pino, Liz Baum

GET BACK IN SHAPE #1: SCARSDALE

10:30 AM, RING Garden (Broadway & Dyckman St, Manhattan), 25 miles

This is the first of a ride series to help us get back into shape after a winter of relative sloth. Follow the Bronx River bike path, enjoy the geese, ducks and swans and peaceful babbling brook on our first outing. Lunch will be indoors in Scarsdale. Bring MTA bike permit just in case. Cancellation: starting temp below 40F, wind chill below 25F, icy roads, or 50% chance of precipitation. Call Maggie at 212-567-8272 after 8 am if still in doubt about weather conditions. Leaders: Maggie Clarke & TBA

[Happy-face ride] THE HILLS OF PROSPECT PARK

Cancelled Due To Weather

10:30 AM, Popeyes (Christie & Canal), Manhattan, 15 miles

We'll make some significant stops (who's buried in Prospect Park?) in this Olmstead and Vaux Park. Bring lock, bring or buy snacks. Rain cancels. Leaders: Terry Chin, Ed DeFreitas

Saturday, March 20, 2010

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #5 to NORTHVALE

9:00 AM, Columbus Circle, 45 miles

A little longer and a little hillier than last week, but just as scenic. Bring a lightweight lock, $ for lunch, and an MTA rail pass just in case. Leaders: Brian Hoberman and Jim Zisfein

Sunday, March 21, 2010

BROOKLYN SOJOURN

9:00 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 40 miles, mostly flat.

Electric cars aren't new. Beautiful brownstones, but not in the expected neighborhoods (do you smell a bargain?). Nothing weak about Weeksville. A piece of Brooklyn Dodgers history and maybe more! All in a Brooklyn sojourn. Bring a lock & $ for lunch. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and TBA

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #6: LOCUST VALLEY

9:30 AM, Cunningham Park, 50 miles

Start gearing up for the longer distances! Visit the quaint town of Locust Valley on Long Island's "Gold Coast." More info at www.locustvalley.com. Bring your bike locks and money for lunch. Leaders: Ed Pino, Liz Baum (regular), Dennis Griffin (quick spin)

GET BACK IN SHAPE #2: CLOSTER

10:30 AM, GWB Bus Terminal, 25 miles

Not in shape yet? Venture into Bergen County, NJ, on Irv's very pretty route through the `burbs of Bergen to the Closter Diner for lunch. Cancellation: starting temp below 40F, wind chill below 25F, icy roads, or 50% chance of precipitation. Call Maggie at 212-567-8272 after 8 am if still in doubt about weather conditions. Leaders: Maggie Clarke & TBA

Saturday, March 27, 2010

[Happy-face ride] SPRING WAVE BREAK

11:15 AM, Prospect Park, Grand Army Plaza, 15 miles, leisurely pace

Spring is the time when you begin to think about preparing for your exams, and going before boards to defend your thesis. But to Chris and his surfing dudes, when you go in front of his boards you're not thinking statistics, grammar or even page references, you're thinking waves, wax, sun, and sand. Williamsburg might not seem like a surfer's paradise but head into Mollusk Surf Shop and those Spring Exams will quickly become Spring Break. Whether it's Waikiki or Rockaway Beach, find out about surfing for all seasons and how surf boards are made. Lunch at a local Williamsburg eatery. Rain, snow or icy conditions at start cancels.Leaders: Richard Sanford and Andrea Casertano

Sunday, March 28, 2010

FOUR BORO BIKE RIDE

9:00 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 35 mostly flat miles

Sorry Staten Island - we promise to dedicate an entire ride to you. But we need enough time to give justice to (and have lunch in) Arthur Avenue, deep in the heart of The Bronx, along with Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Triborough Bridge that hooks most of them together. Bring a lock and $ for lunch. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and TBA

RIVER ROAD IN SPRING

10:00 AM, GWB Bus Terminal, 30 hilly miles

Our annual "River Road in Winter" ride through Palisades Interstate Park (NJ) got frozen out this year, so let's rename it and try again. In the early Spring you can still enjoy unobstructed views of the cliffs and across the Hudson River, and most of the road will still be closed to cars. Lunch and hot chocolate at State Line Lookout Inn. Bring or buy lunch, and bring a lightweight lock. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Fred Dieckamp

Saturday, April 3, 2010

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #7: WESTWOOD

9:00 AM,Columbus Circle, 50 miles

Out in the far corner of Bergen County, where the farther you go, the prettier it gets, lies the scenic hamlet of Westwood. Bring a lightweight lock (this is the suburbs, not Sixth Ave) and money for lunch. Leaders: Purnell Lancaster, Brian Hoberman (regular), Dennis Griffin (quick spin)

MONTAUK METRIC TRAINING RIDE #1: HICKSVILLE

10:00 AM,Cunningham Park, 35 miles

Yes, we did this ride back in March, but we're re-using it as a training ride for those of you who want to ride the metric century in Montauk. That's a hundred kilometers, only 60% of a hundred miles so you can start training a month later. Bring your bike locks and money for lunch. Leaders: Ed Pino, Liz Baum

Sunday, April 4, 2010

[Happy-face ride] BROOKLYN RESIDENTIAL TOUR #1

10:00 AM,Popeye's (Christie & Canal), Manhattank, 20 miles

Explore some of the quieter sections of Brooklyn. We'll ride the through Borough Park, Bay Ridge, Windsor Terrace and more. Bring lock, bring or buy snacks. Rain 30 minutes before starting time cancels. Leaders: Terry Chin, Ed DeFreitas

GET BACK IN SHAPE #3: White Plains

10:00 AM,RING Garden (Dyckman St and Broadway, Manhattan), 32 miles

Heading north again on a very pretty route through the burbs of lower Westchester. Lunch at a White Plains diner. We have a choice of lovely bike paths along the upper Bronx River and lakes and lovely residential roads with immaculate landscaping. Bring MTA rail pass just in case. Cancellation: starting temp below 40F, wind chill below 25F, icy roads, or 50% chance of precipitation. Call Maggie at 212-567-8272 after 8 AM if still in doubt about weather conditions.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #8: CENTRE ISLAND

9:00 AM,Cunningham Park, 65 miles

One of our favorite destinations - when you're out along the breathtaking shore you might find the hills not as daunting as the last time. Leaders: Ira Najowitz & Manny Sanudo (regular), Dennis Griffin (quick spin)

BLESSING OF THE BIKES PLUS PIERMONT

8:45 AM,HI-AYH, 50+ miles, mostly flat, some hills

Cyclists need all the prayers they can get. At 9AM we'll go to the Church of St. John the Divine for the annual Blessing of the Bikes. Then we'll head to Piermont, for lunch, enjoy views and count our blessings. Cycling pace 10-15mph, depending on terrain. Bring $ for lunch. Visit www.theblessingofthebikes.com for information on the Blessing. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia and TBA

Sunday, April 11, 2010

MONTAUK METRIC TRAINING RIDE #2: ENGLEWOOD

9:00 AM,Columbus Circle, 30 miles

Medium-paced ride over the GW Bridge and the hills of Bergen County. Bring a lightweight lock and $ for lunch. Leaders: Ed Ravin, Andrea Casertano

WOODLAWN CEMETERY TOUR

9:00 AM,HI-AYH, 30 miles

Join the celebration of living history at New York's second oldest cemetery. Visit both memorials to the past and an outstanding venue for reflection, peace, and beauty. We might even get a guided tour. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and TBA

GET BACK IN SHAPE #4: EAGLE ROCK

10:00 AM,WTC PATH station, concourse level, bottom of escalators, 35 miles

Take it easy on this short but challenging ride out to South Orange, Millburn and then through a nice park climbing up to Eagle Rock, a stupendous view of all of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Newark. Bring your camera and hope for clear conditions. If it's warm enough we'll have a picnic there at the WTC memorial at the overlook. Towards the end of the ride, we'll go through Cherry Blossomland and maybe get an early preview of the blossoms. Bring $ for carfare and lunch. Cancellation: starting temp below 40F, wind chill below 25F, icy roads, or 50% chance of precipitation. Call Maggie at 212-567-8272 after 8AM if still in doubt about weather conditions. Leaders: Maggie Clarke & TBA

Saturday, April 17, 2010

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #9: ROCKLAND LAKE

9:00 AM,Columbus Circle, 70 miles

Go into the northern reaches of Rockland County and the town of Congers. If you've been training with us you should be ready for all the hills on the way to Rockland Lake State Park. Bring a lightweight lock and $ for lunch. Leaders: Brian Hoberman and Jim Zisfein

[Happy-face ride] RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY TOUR

10:00 AM, City Hall, 19 leisurely miles

Big Streets, Big City. Not so fast you jet setter! Slow down. From tucked away hidden streets to underground passageways this is one tour that will "a-mews" you. You'll look at these places and ask, "Is this New York?" You bet it is! You'll want to park your horse and carriage there, do the minuet, swing in a tree house or dig a hole in search for Indian head pennies. We'll hit alleys in Manhattan, all with distinctive personalities, all with distinctive histories. Lunch will be uptown in Harlem Heights. But this is not a bike ride in the classic sense but a ride to classy (and maybe not so classy) places. Bring lock and money for lunch at a local eatery. Rain at start cancels. Leaders: Richard Sanford and Bob Castro.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #10: SUNKEN MEADOW

8:30 AM,Cunningham Park, 75 miles

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 Bike Permit in case you need to bail out! Leaders: Ed Pino, Liz Baum, Ira Najowitz (regular), Dennis Griffin (Quick Spin)

MONTAUK METRIC TRAINING RIDE #3: CITY ISLAND

9:00 AM,Columbus Circle, 40 miles

Lots of Greenway riding and lunch at everyone's favorite fast food fish place alongside Long Island Sound. Leaders: Danny Lieberman and Ted Kushner

GET BACK IN SHAPE #5: IRV WEISMAN CHERRY BLOSSOMS / LITTLE FALLS

9:30 AM,AM WTC PATH station - concourse level, bottom of escalators,

This scenic highlight of the spring season takes us through Cherry Blossomland outside Newark not once, but twice. This is one of the largest collections of cherry trees in the country. We'll also go through the magnificent estates in the Montclairs and depending on weather and our conditions, lunch in either Upper Montclair or Little Falls. Cancellation: starting temp below 40F, wind chill below 25F, icy roads, or 50% chance of precipitation. Leaders: Maggie Clarke, Fred Dieckamp

Saturday, April 24, 2010

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #11: STONY POINT

8:00 AM,Columbus Circle, 82 hilly miles

Stony Point, just south of Bear Mountain, is one of the most strenuous and challenging trips in the training ride series. This ride is very hilly, so don't attempt this unless you are ready for some hard work! Leaders: Alfredo Garcia, Steve Sakson (regular), Dennis Griffin (quick spin)

Sunday, April 25, 2010

MONMOUTH COUNTY SHORELINE RIDE

8:45 AM,(for a 9:07 AM departure), Penn Station (NE corner of 8th Av & W 31st St), 40 flat miles, 12-14 mph

Bike along New Jersey's shore between Asbury Park and Matawan including Sandy Hook, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. 25 miles of the 40-mile route is car-free paths and trails. The newly opened bay shore trail segment linking Highlands and Atlantic Highlands is a major "Oh Wow!" spot. Except for getting in and out of the NJ Transit station, this ride may be the Flattest Ride Ever. Bring a light-weight bike lock, $ for train fare ($21) and lunch, and sunblock. Trails suitable for both road and hybrid/ATB bikes. Leaders: Marina Bekkerman and Richard Brause

GET BACK IN SHAPE #6: NYACK

9:30 AM,GWB Bus Terminal, 40 miles, rolling with a few steep hills

Take the backroads through the pretty suburbs to Nyack, via Tappan and Piermont and then along the Hudson river to Nyack. We might even take the Tallman Park bike path through the woods on the way (be prepared for an unpaved path). Leaders: Maggie Clarke & TBA

PRE RIDE THE RIDE

8:00 AM,Battery Park (Castle Clinton), Manhattan, 45-50 miles

Are you a supercaptain, captain or marshal? Would you like to see where your post is? All are welcome. Come on the ride that will show you the route. This is a regular ride on regular city streets - no highways, no VZ Bridge. Bring or buy lunch. Leaders: Steven Taylor, Ed Pino, Liz Baum, Danny Lieberman and others

Saturday May 1, 2010

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #12: LLOYD NECK

8:00 AM,Cunningham Park, 85 miles

Not for beginners. This ride is hilly and technical and you must be able to keep a good pace. No Point/Drop/Sweep today, and we ride as one group, no separate quick spin. Pack some snacks for the trip, in case you need the extra energy, and plenty of water so you don't get leg cramps. Warning, not for beginners. Leaders: Dennis Griffin, Ira Najowtiz

Sunday, May 2, 2010

BIKE NEW YORK

Today's the day of the Five Borough Bike Tour, sponsored by our sister organization Bike NY. Even if you don't want to ride with 20-30 thousand of your closest friends, please consider doing what many other 5BBC members will be doing - volunteering their time (on the bike or off) to help make this amazing ride happen. Please visit www.bikenewyork.org for details.

GET BACK IN SHAPE #7: Silver Lake

9:30 AM,RING Garden (Broadway and Dyckman St, Manhattan), 45 miles

Take a large loop through the manicured burbs of lower Westchester, north through the country estates, to near the Kensico Reservoir (an extra loop along it if we feel our oats) and back around through White Plains and Scarsdale. Lunch will be a picnic on a grassy knoll near Silver Lake, and then the lovely Bronx river route back. 50% chance of rain or temps below 40 F cancels. Leaders: Maggie Clarke & TBA

Saturday, May 8, 2010

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #13: EATON'S NECK

8:00 AM,Cunningham Park, 90 miles

The scenery of the North Shore expands on this beautiful trip and the main century event is just one week away. If you can handle this 90 miler you'll have no problem with the full century coming up. No point-drop-sweep on this final training ride, one group only, no separate quick spin. Leaders: Dennis Griffin & Ira Najowitz

Sunday, May 9, 2010

MONTAUK METRIC TRAINING RIDE #4: PIERMONT

9:00 AM,Columbus Circle, 50 miles

Our metric series concludes with an old standard - Piermont, NY. Enjoy the hills, green pastures and river views. We'll visit the pier that extends nearly a mile into the mighty Hudson. Bring lunch money and a camera Leaders: Brian Hoberman and TBA

GET BACK IN SHAPE #8: STAMFORD

9:30 AM,RING Garden (Dyckman St & Broadway, Manhattan), 45 miles

Off to Westchester and then Connecticut. The ride gets hillier as we go, but the lovely residential roads with immaculate landscaping just get better and the mansions get larger as we go through the backroads of Greenwich. If we're lucky we'll do the loop of Old Greenwich Point park that juts into the Long Island Sound, and end up at Stamford Station. Leaders: Maggie Clarke & TBA