FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

How do I register
How Much does it cost
Can I register the day of the event
Early registration
Check In/Times
Parking
LIRR
Baggage
Preparation
Mechanical Problem
Food
Transportation

Q: How much does it cost to register? What does the fee include?

Online registration has closed, but you can register Sunday morning at our check-in locations at Penn Station and Babylon for $110 (cash only) + $25 for optional return transportation.

The registration fee includes transportation in the morning for you and your bike from your check-in location to the start line. However, if you want return transportation for you and your bike from Montauk back to where you checked in it will cost you an additional $25.

Q: What if it rains?
We're not intimidated by a few raindrops. We hope that you won't be either. The Montauk Century rolls on Sunday, May 15, 2011, rain or shine. Check the weather forecast for the day of the ride and dress appropriately. BackTo Top

Q: Where do I check in? Where do I start pedaling?
We have two check-in locations: Penn Station in Manhattan, and the Long
Island Rail Road station in Babylon, Long Island.

The Penn Station check-in location is on the northeast corner of West 31st Street and 8th Avenue, Manhattan. It is accessible by subway lines A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, and the N, R, B, D, Q lines two blocks away at Avenue of the Americas
(Sixth Avenue) at West 32nd and West 34th Streets.

The Babylon check-in location is at the Babylon LIRR station, located at Railroad Avenue just west of Deer Park Avenue, 1 mile south of Sunrise Highway (Route NY-27).

65-mile riders who check in at Penn Station and Babylon will travel by train to Mastic-Shirley where they will start pedaling from the 65-mile start line.

100-mile riders who check in at Penn Station will travel by train to Babylon where they will start pedaling from the 100-mile start line.

145-mile riders must check in at Penn Station because that’s where the 145 mile start line is located.

Q: What time should I check in?
Check in times start as follows:

	Penn Station	Babylon
65-Mile Tour	6:00 AM	7:00 AM
100-Mile	3:45 AM (See Note)	6:00 AM
145-Mile Tour	5:00 AM	N/A

Note: That’s not a typo. We all have to work around the LIRR train schedule and the train to Babylon leaves very early. We suggest you arrive as early as possible to beat the crowd. BackTo Top

Q: Can I check in at Babylon and return to Penn Station, or vice-versa?
Yes, just indicate your preferences when you register.

Q: I bought a return ticket to (Penn Station / Babylon). Can I return to the other station? Yes, but the Bike & Baggage Tags are color coded to indicate the return destination, so you should exchange your tags for the right color at the check-in table on the day of the tour.

Q: What’s the parking situation at Penn Station?
Your best bet is one of the 24-hour park and pay garages in the area. If you’re lucky you might find one of the few spots on the street where unmetered Sunday parking is allowed.

Q: What’s the parking situation at Babylon?
There’s plenty of parking in the LIRR station parking lot but it’s metered parking. It will cost you about $5 in quarters for the day. There are change machines at the station but sometimes they run out of quarters, so bring your own. There’s also a free parking lot about a half-mile west of the LIRR station. BackTo Top

Q: What’s the parking situation at the finish line?
The finish line is adjacent to the LIRR train station parking lot. You can park there for free.

Q: How do I get back from Montauk?
You have three choices:
1. You can have someone pick you up.
2. You can stay overnight at a motel and return the next day.
3. You can buy return transportation from us. If you buy return transportation from us, you will get a LIRR ticket back to Penn Station or Babylon and we will carry your bike back by truck.

Q: I registered to (check in at __________) (do a ___-mile tour). Can I change my mind?
Yes, just show up at Penn Station or Babylon as you prefer and ride the tour you want to ride. Just make sure you put your bike on the right truck before you get on the train to your start line. Baggage is no problem because all baggage trucks go to Montauk.
The only reason we ask for that info in the first place is to get total numbers for the LIRR and for the number of trucks that we’ll need.

Q: Can I bring my bike on the LIRR?
On the day of the event NO BIKES WILL BE PERMITTED ON ANY LIRR TRAINS. That's the LIRR’s rule and it will be enforced by its security people. BackTo Top

Q: Do I have to shlep my baggage to Montauk?
No! Pack a bag and leave it with us when you check in. It'll be waiting when you arrive in Montauk. We’ll have free showers at the finish line so you may want to include soap, towel and your favorite shampoo. Do not put money or other valuables in your bag.
You will get a claim check for your bag, but make sure to provide your bag with a tag that has your name and phone number in case it gets misplaced. BackTo Top

Q: What should I carry on the bike?
Bring water, any medications you may need, tools for minor repairs, money for emergencies, rain gear, and an ID with emergency contact numbers. If you have a cell phone, bring that too. And don’t forget: you must wear a helmet.

Q. I'd love to do the 145-mile route, but I don't think I can do it in one day. Do you have any suggestions?
Why not do it in two days? Check out our Montauk Century Weekend Trip.

Q. This is the first time I’m doing this kind of tour. Can you help me?
Absolutely! You can join the relaxed-pace group at the 65-mile start line in Mastic-Shirley. Look for the large paper sign that says 5BBC Group Ride or words to that effect. The group will be escorted by experienced 5BBC leaders.

Q: What should I do to get in shape?
Join us on the 5BBC Montauk Century Spring Training Ride Series

Q: What's the terrain like?
The terrain is flat except for a few rolling hills in the last 5 miles. That's what helps make the Montauk Century one of the most pleasant tours in the northeast. Besides that, the prevailing wind on Long Island makes your chances good for having a tailwind all the way.

Q: What do the road markings look like?
They look like this:

Q: What if I break down or can't finish?
Just call our SAG (Support and Gear) service. Their phone number will be on your cue sheet. One of our SAG vans will come and take care of you. BackTo Top

Special note for 145-mile riders: There is no SAG service from the 145-mile start line to the 100-mile start line in Babylon. If you need to end your ride before you get to Babylon, you can take the NYC subway or the LIRR back to Penn Station. This is the only exception to the LIRR’s “No Bikes on Trains” rule. You will need a LIRR bike permit, but if you don’t have one you can pay the $5 fee to the onboard conductor and exchange the receipt for a permit at Penn Station or Grand Central Station.

Q: What kind of food will I get on the tour?
A hallmark of the Montauk Century is its gourmet snacks. Besides the basic bananas, oranges and such, we make a point of also including non-traditional snacks like cheesecake and Italian pastries at all of our rest stops. BackTo Top

Your registration fee also includes a delicious buffet dinner at the finish line festival, with choices for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. We even have an ice cream truck for desert.

As for the quantity of food, we buy more than enough snacks for our rest stops so that we will need a small truck to donate the leftovers to Phoenix House.

Q: I didn't buy return transportation (or jersey, or t-shirt) when I registered. Can I buy it now?
Yes, just click on the registration icon. When asked to “Select a category”, pick “RETURN TRANSPORTATION AND MERCHANDISE” BackTo Top

Q: How does return transportation for me and my bike work?
There are three LIRR trains that will return from Montauk at two hour intervals.
Our ticket table at the LIRR’s Montauk station will open at 2:45 PM, 4:45 PM, and 6:45 PM in advance of the returning trains. If you purchased return transportation you will have received a wristband that is color coded to indicate that you have done so. Get your return ticket by showing your wristband.
After you get your ticket, take your bike to the appropriate truck for its return back to Babylon or Penn Station. The trucks will have signs on them that indicate their destination.
The trucks will leave approximately 15 minutes before the trains. BE SURE TO ALLOW ENOUGH TIME IN CASE THERE ARE LINES AT THE
TICKET TABLE OR AT THE TRUCKS.

Q: Can my little brother ride with me?
Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Q: I registered but now I can’t make it. Can I get a refund?
Sorry, but the answer is “no refunds, no exceptions”. We purchase support services well in advance of the ride, based on how many riders are signing up. That system can't work if people cancel registrations.

However, you can sell your spot to another rider. You are welcome to use the Montauk Century Bulletin Board as one way to do it. Once you sell your spot, give your registration materials to the new rider, then have him/her check in on ride day and sign the legal waiver for the ride.
Bulletin Board Link

You could also show up on the day of the event and sell it then. On that day we’ll be charging $110 for registration plus $20 for return transportation to walk-in registrants, so you’ll be able to make a profit.

Q: I have a question that you didn’t address. Now what?
Just put your question in an email to us at Montauk@5BBC.org and we’ll get back to you. BackTo Top

Return to the Montauk Century Home Page

Philip Goldberg (aka bike21)
Special Events Coordinator
The 5BBC Montauk Century
montauk@5bbc.org

Blog Links StreetsBlog Benepe's Bike Blog Cyclists International

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Online registration has closed, but you can register Sunday morning at our check-in locations at Penn Station and Babylon for $110 (cash only) + $25 for optional return transportation.

Blog Links
StreetsBlog
Benepe's Bike Blog
Cyclists International

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS