July - August 2007

23 Seconds With: Jonathan Friedman

Occupation?

Biotech CTO

How did you know about the 5BBC?

I found out about 5BBC on-line after my first NYC century. The 145-mile Montauk ride sounded interesting and I saw that there were several weekly rides as well.

After having been on several rides, I found that some of my favorite Connecticut routes were accessible by using Metro North trains & thought I could add these to the ride libraries. The leadership class was a lot of fun & it's always fun to help out as a co-leader as well.

What is your favorite group ride? Event ride?

I like rides that have long downhills through shady wooded areas, like the descents before Storm King, or after climbing Bear Mountain . . . or also those that go through wooded areas alongside rivers and lakes.

I haven't yet tried an event ride that I haven't liked, so it's tough to pick a favorite. Each of the event rides has had its share of memorable moments.

Favorite bicycle?

Road bikes of all ilks (especially the mythical one with a speedometer that can go 1 mph faster than the one I have now).

As a 5BBC member and leader, you're also a NYCC member and an A-SIG graduate. How can you ride 20+ mph on a strenuous Cycle Club ride one day and then do an easy 5BBC ride like the Frostbite series the next? You seem to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Slower rides give a chance for recovery and an opportunity to catch up with friends who choose not to go on the faster rides.

Some days, I need to get back earlier though, and so it's also nice to have slightly faster rides that return sooner.

Thanks Jonathan and best of luck on your move to Philadelphia. You will be missed. Hope to see you at Bike New York.