May - June 2007

23 Seconds with Susan McCarthy

Occupation:

Director of Finance & Administration, Child Care, Inc., a non profit agency which means not only I do accounting, but I am also the person you call if you need a light bulb changed in the building.

How did you find out about the 5BBC?

From my friend, Donna Jeffrey. She actually met her husband, George Weintraub, on a Beach Bums ride. I moved to New York City and brought my son's Trek 360 mountain bike. Donna told me to try riding with the club. Great advice. I've been riding four years with the 5BBC.

What do you like about the 5BBC?

I like everything about the club. The people are great – friendly, inclusive. They really want you to ride with them and have fun doing it. There's also that wonderful point-drop-sweep system of riding. Sure makes life easier having a sweep. I didn't know the city at all, and 5BBC rides are a great way to learn about it.

Favorite bike?

I stopped using my son's bike and bought a Jamis Sports Coda hybrid bike, which I like a lot. But my favorite bike I am still looking for, the one that makes going up hills and riding fast and easy.

Favorite 5BBC ride?

It's hard to pick a favorite ride – Ed DeFreitas’ Frostbite ride for pancakes; going to Atlantic Beach, Sandy Hook, the unforgettable Lincoln Tunnel ride and way up on my list are the Beach Bums.

Favorite bike events?

My favorite is the Montauk Century. I have a wonderful volunteer job at the finish. I go the day before and ride to Montauk from Mastic Shirley. On the day of the ride, I stand at Ruschmeyers and congratulate happy exhausted people who've just had a great ride having reached the end and returning their bags. My second favorite event is Bike New York’s Commerce Bank Five Boro Bike Tour. I've done it with my godson Justin, his sister Shaena and cousin Integrity (ages 9 to 11). We are proud and exhausted when we reach Staten Island. Justin says the next time he's doing it is when his 3-year old brother, JoJo, turns 8.

Longest ride?

65 miles on the Montauk Century, the Pumpkin Patch Pedal and 55 miles of the Transportation Alternatives Century.