Five Borough Bicycle Club - New York

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

These were rides in July-August 2010. Click here for upcoming rides.

These are upcoming rides. Click here for rides archive.

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

Indicates relaxed pace, easy ride

For more information, please see:

Ride locations - where do we meet?
Subway service advisories - can I get there?
MTA bridge and tunnel advisories - can I go there?
Bulletin board - is my ride cancelled?
DayTripper column - periodic yammerings from the Day Trips Coordinator
More about day rides - what to bring on rides, what's that smiley thing, participants under age 18, bike access on trains
Rides archive - what we did last month, and last year

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Saturday, July 3, 2010

PS1 WARM UP RIDE

4:30 PM, Plaza Hotel, Manhattan, 12 leisurely miles

It's a blast. It's a bash. You'll be in hipster heaven, and feel totally trendy. Join us as we head to PS1 for "Warm Up," where art, architecture, and music all come together at one of the hottest and liveliest exhibitions of the summer. It's MoMa in Long Island City! (How revolutionary is that!) Dinner will be after the performance/exhibition at a local restaurant. Bring $10 admission plus lock and money for dinner. Bring lights for the ride home. Rain at start cancels. Leaders: Richard Sanford and Phil O'Reilly.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

AROUND AND OVER THE HUDSON

9 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 40 miles

See NYC from a ferry, the Bayonne Bridge, Liberty State Park, and Hoboken. Then stretch your legs along a long Hudson shoreline stretch to the G.W. Bridge (with the one big hill). Bridge the Hudson back to NYC. Pass Seinfeld's (who?) old haunt and choose your lunch cuisine, Italian, Asian or Eastern European, all on one Amsterdam Ave block. Follow the Hudson River line back down to City Hall. Bring a lock and $ for lunch. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA

GARDEN CITY

9AM, Doughnut Plant, 60 miles

We'll mark our independence as we take a quick trip out to historic Garden City, Long Island, using backroads and quiet streets. An excellent lunch stop is planned. Remember to bring your sunscreen, a camera and some $ for lunch. You'll be back in time for the fireworks. Leaders Danny Lieberman, Andrea Mercado & Diane Goodwin.

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS

10 AM, Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 30 flat miles

Combine your two favorite activities - bicycling and visiting the beach! This leisurely paced ride will go from Brooklyn to a quiet beach in the Rockaways, mostly along quiet streets or bike paths. Bring or buy lunch, bring beach stuff (sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, sheet, pail, shovel, Frisbee, flip-flops, etc), and a lightweight lock. Can't make it today? We're running this ride every Sunday in July and August - same start time, same place. Leaders: Bob Castro & Phil O'Reilly

Monday July 5, 2010

BROOKLYN RESIDENTIAL TOUR (PART 2)

10 AM, Manhattan Bridge, Manhattan, 25 miles

Explore some of the quieter sections of Brooklyn. We'll ride through Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, and more. Bring lock, money for lunch. Leaders: Terry Chin & TBA

Saturday, July 10, 2010

THE FIX IS IN - FLATS AND LUBES - BACK BY NOON

9:30 AM, Manhattan Bridge, Manhattan, 15 leisurely miles.

Want to learn how to fix a flat or that squeaky noise coming from your chain? Don't want to stay indoors for a class to learn how? Here's another 5BBC repair ride, where we'll ride a little but learn a lot. This ride will cover tire/tube removal, patching a tube, and putting it all back together. We'll also give you some pointers on how to chase that flock of chirping sparrows out of your drivetrain. Visit NYC's first and only bicycle parts vending machine as we ride through that nexus of cycling - Williamsburg! Optional lunch and bike Q&A after noon in Dumbo. Leaders: Ed Sobin & Jesse Brown

Sunday, July 11, 2010

THE LOTTERY RIDE

8:30 AM, George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal, 65+ miles at 15mph pace

Cycle to three states on an improbable quest for winning lottery tickets. Leaders: Rodney Millard & Jesse Brown

BROOKLYN SOJOURN

9:00 AM, City Hall, 40 miles

Electric cars aren't new. Beautiful brownstones in not the expected neighborhoods (smell a bargain). Nothing weak about Weeksville. And, oh yeah, a piece of Brooklyn Dodger history. All this and maybe more in a Brooklyn sojourn. Bring a lock and $ for lunch. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS

10 AM, Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 30 flat miles

Combine your two favorite activities - bicycling and visiting the beach! This leisurely paced ride will go from Brooklyn to a quiet beach in the Rockaways, mostly along quiet streets or bike paths. Lunch pick-up is at a Russian market in "Little Odessa". Bring or buy lunch, and bring beach stuff (sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, blanket) and a lightweight lock. Leaders: Marina Bekkerman and Jim Zisfein.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

QUEENS ULTIMATE - PERIMETER RIDE

8AM, Bridgemarket, 75 miles, quick-spin pace.

Ride around the borough that has so much to offer. You'll see airports, racetracks, plenty of water and more than enough hills. We'll ride a Quick Spin pace just to make it more fun! Leaders Danny Lieberman & Dan Finton.

Sunday July 18, 2010

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS

10 AM, Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 30 flat miles

Combine your two favorite activities - bicycling and visiting the beach! This leisurely paced ride will go from Brooklyn to a quiet beach in the Rockaways, mostly along quiet streets or bike paths. Bring or buy lunch, bring beach stuff (sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, sheet, pail, shovel, Frisbee, flip-flops, etc), and a lightweight lock. Leaders: Sharon Behnke & Bob Castro

Saturday, July 24,2010

IS STATEN ISLAND?

8:15 AM, South Ferry, Manhattan, or 9 AM, St. George, Staten Island, 50 quick-spin miles

This ride will go through the island (Not around it!). There will be over 2500 feet of climbing in the first 25 miles. Areas visited will include Ward Hill, Grymes Hill, Silver Lake Park, Snug Harbor,Todt Hill Rd, Lighthouse Hill, Fresh Kills Park before breaking for lunch in Tottenville. The return will be flatter & quicker. Note - this is a fast-paced, quick spin ride - no point/drop/sweep. Bring two spare tubes, two water bottles, sun screen and $ for lunch. Leaders: Dennis Griffin & TBA

LINCOLN TUNNEL CYCLE

10:30 PM, Chelsea Piers, 23 Miles

Let's cycle to our annual favorite underwater crossing. Bring front and rear lights, as required by NYS law, to see traffic and to be seen. Illuminated clothing suggested. Make sure your bike is in good working order. We may not stop for flat tires. No backpacks/panniers/rear packs. NO questions about ETAs, riding pace, sunscreen, etc. Safety, fun & curiosity favors the cooperative cyclist. Tunnel access pending Port Authority approval. Some hills. We start riding at 10:45PM, so get there early. Co-listed with NYCC. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia & TBA

Sunday July 25, 2010

GOING FOR SOMETHING FISHY AT CITY ISLAND

9 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 35 mostly flat miles, 12-15 mph pace

We dedicate the day to City Island, out on a spit of land but deep in the heart of the Bronx. On our way, we'll pass along the mighty Hudson. Lunch at City Island. They built world class racers here. Look around and enjoy what it means to be a harbor town. Then, back to Manhattan along the East River. Bring a lock and $ for lunch. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & Jesse Brown

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS

10 AM, Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 30 flat miles

Combine your two favorite activities - bicycling and visiting the beach! This leisurely paced ride will go from Brooklyn to a quiet beach in the Rockaways, mostly along quiet streets or bike paths. Bring or buy lunch, bring beach stuff (sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, sheet, pail, shovel, Frisbee, flip-flops, etc), and a lightweight lock. Leaders: Andrea Casertano & Bob Castro

Sunday, August 1, 2010

SANDY HOOK ONE WAY

8:00 AM, Newark Penn Station, 60+ miles

Let's cycle our way to Sandy Hook via Newark. We will ride continuously through various Jersey counties to places like Rahway Prison, Perth Amboy park, the Victory Bridge, the Henry Hudson Trail and Keansburg Amusement Park. Riding pace will be 12mph. Not for beginners or those wanting to ride faster. Leader dictates pace. There will be some busy traffic and steep hills along the way. We?ll enjoy the sights of the Hook before taking the Seastreak ferry to Manhattan . Please ride a bike in good working condition, bring tubes, inflate tires, pump, $ for food and boat fare ($28) and get ready to ride at 8:23 AM. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia, Jesse Brown and Rodney Mallard

HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM

9 AM, Plaza Hotel, Manhattan, 50 miles at 12-15 mph pace

Ride through Central Park and up the center spine of Manhattan, cross the Harlem river into The Bronx, follow Broadway through Yonkers and spend a little time on the Old Croton Aqueduct till we reach the Hudson River Museum. This is not just a museum - it's also a mansion and planetarium. So, bring your inquisitiveness, $6.00 for admission, a lightweight locklunch, and MTA rail pass just in case. Bring or buy lunch. Some hills, road bikes OK if you don't mind a little dirt. Maybe a bonus additional museum. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS

10 AM, Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 30 flat miles

Combine your two favorite activities - bicycling and visiting the beach! This leisurely paced ride will go from Brooklyn to a quiet beach in the Rockaways, mostly along quiet streets or bike paths. Lunch pick-up is at a Russian market in "Little Odessa". Bring or buy lunch, and bring beach stuff (sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, blanket) and a lightweight lock. Leaders: Marina Bekkerman and Jim Zisfein.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

THE FIX IS IN - BRAKES AND GEARS

10 AM, Manhattan Bridge, Manhattan, 15 leisurely miles

[ride canceled - visit our free bike repair table at Summer Streets instead] Ride a little but learn a lot about how to tune your brakes for safe stopping and to adjust your gears for smooth shifting. Bring or buy lunch. Leaders: Dan Finton & TBA

SANDY HOOK MELLOW

8:00AM, Pier 11, 23 miles

Take the 8:15 boat to the lovely Jersey Shore . Spend a great day cycling pleasant surroundings from Sandy Hook and its adjunct towns at 10-12mph. We'll cross 4 bridges before having lunch at the historic Navesink Twin Lights, with great views and a cool breeze. We'll return to the Hook for some beach time before taking the ferry back. Bring $45 fare; $ for lunch; bring swim gear for the beach. Please get to Pier 11 early. Some hills and busy roads. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia & TBA

Sunday, August 8, 2010

THE LOTTERY RIDE

8:30 AM, George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal, 65+ miles at 15mph pace

Another chance to buy lottery tickets in three states on the same day. Jackpot or not, remember that we're all winners. Leaders: Rodney Millard & Jesse Brown

ROCK AROUND THE ROCK

8:45 AM City Hall, Manhattan, 40 mostly flat miles with one exceedingly difficult hill

What would it be like if the Revolutionary War never happened? Well, on Staten Island, it almost didn't. We're going to that very spot. We'll enjoy both flat and hilly terrain. Bring or buy lunch. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA

THE FROZEN SEATPOST

9AM, Doughnut Plant, 60+ miles, fast pace

The future will be frozen, and if you want some you will have to ride your bikes. Sweet terrain, fast pace. Bring lucre for all the treats, sun screen and your camera. Leaders: Danny Lieberman & Richard Brause

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS

10 AM, Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 30 flat miles

Combine your two favorite activities - bicycling and visiting the beach! This leisurely paced ride will go from Brooklyn to a quiet beach in the Rockaways, mostly along quiet streets or bike paths. Bring or buy lunch, bring beach stuff (sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, sheet, pail, shovel, Frisbee, flip-flops, etc), and a lightweight lock. Leaders: TBA

Saturday August 14, 2010

THE CARRIAGEWAYS OF MINNEWASKA

60 VERY hilly miles (6000 ft total climb) 7:20am (for 7:47am departure), Grand Central Terminal (information booth)

Why be down in the dumps when you can be up in the Gunks? Lift your spirits in the Shawangunk Mountains of Ulster County -- provided that you can lift your bicycle over a vertical mile on a 60-mile ride, and you're willing to forsake the paved road for the unpaved carriageways of Minnewaska Preserve. Highlights include spectacular Awosting Falls, a swim in one (or two) sky lakes and Poughkeepsie's "Walkway Over the Hudson", the world's longest and highest bridge dedicated to bike/ped use. Bring or buy lunch, MTA bike permit, $29 train fare and a swim suit. We recommend minimum tire width 1 1/4" or 32mm for off-road riding. Leaders: Richard Brause & Jim Zisfein.

THE SHORES OF THE BRONX - TA CENTURY TRAINING RIDE #1

9 AM, Columbus Circle, Manhattan, 45 miles, several steep hills

From the secluded verdant streets of Riverdale (yes, folks, we're still in NYC) to the boatyards and seafood shops on City Island, there's plenty of things to see in the Bronx, including views of both the New Jersey and Long Island shores. Bring or buy lunch. Leaders: Ed Ravin & Ken Williams

Sunday, August 15, 2010

RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY

8:30 AM, George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal, 50+ miles at 15 mph

Enjoy the company of your cycling comrades and the joy of life. Leaders: Rodney Millard & Jesse Brown

KENSICO DAM RIDE

9:00 AM, East 233rd St and White Plains Road, Bronx, 35 miles, 12-15 mph pace

An "Off Road Vista" bike journey. Follow the Bronx River Parkway bike path up to the dam and back. Most of the route is a paved path (suitable for road bikes) but there's still some riding in traffic. Hilly in places. Bring MTA rail pass just in case. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS

10 AM, Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 30 flat miles

Combine your two favorite activities - bicycling and visiting the beach! This leisurely paced ride will go from Brooklyn to a quiet beach in the Rockaways, mostly along quiet streets or bike paths. Bring or buy lunch, bring beach stuff (sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, sheet, pail, shovel, Frisbee, flip-flops, etc), and a lightweight lock. Leaders: Brian Hoberman & Danny Lieberman

Saturday, August 21, 2010

GIMME A BREAK - MAGIC AND COMEDY SHOW

6:30 PM. Plaza Hotel, 20 leisurely miles Approximately 20 leisurely miles.

It's hot out there during the day, but we'll chill out at night at the Rogue Fun Shop and Comedy Show in Elmurst Queens. Show starts at 9:00 P.M. and ends at 11:00 P.M. We ride to Queens, have dinner at an all American Diner and head for the show. For going home you can either ride back with us to the start or we'll escort you to the nearest train stop. Price $10 - phone reservation strongly advised a few days in advance as show fills up - call venue directly at 718-505-0316 or 917-520-5564 - or $12 at door - (no guarantee of seats if you wait) . Rain at start? We take the train part of the way. Bring lights for night riding. Leaders: Richard Sanford and Phil O'Reilly

Sunday, August 22, 2010

DAM AND DOUBLE DAM - TA TRAINING RIDE #2

9AM, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, 60 hilly miles

The Kensico and Croton Dams are not just critical parts of NYC's water supply infrastructure, they're also great bicycling destinations, with spectacular views from the car-free roadways that traverse them. Additional car-free mileage on the Bronx River and Putnam Line trails. Since this is Westchester County, we'll also have some nice steep hills to contend with. Bring or buy lunch. Bring a Metro North railroad permit for emergencies or early return. Pace - somewhat fast. Terrain: many steep hills. Leaders: Robert Eberwein & TBA

BATHE IN BAYVILLE XXIII

9:30 AM, Cunningham Park, Queens, 55 miles

Join Alfredo and Ira on this perennial 5BBC summer favorite (now in its 23rd year) to Long Island's North Shore. Our destination is Centre Island Beach, where we'll take time out for sunbathing and a swim in Oyster Bay Harbor. Bring $ for lunch (or a bag lunch), bathing suit, towel, lock, and MTA Bike Permit. Rolling terrain and some steep climbs. Leaders: Ira Najowitz and Alfredo Garcia.

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS

10 AM, Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 30 flat miles

Combine your two favorite activities - bicycling and visiting the beach! This leisurely paced ride will go from Brooklyn to a quiet beach in the Rockaways, mostly along quiet streets or bike paths. Bring or buy lunch, bring beach stuff (sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, sheet, pail, shovel, Frisbee, flip-flops, etc), and a lightweight lock. Leaders: Andrea Casertano & Susan Levine

Saturday August 28, 2010

CROTON RESERVOIR TRIPLE-CROSS

9:00 AM, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, 35 miles, leisurely 10-12 mph pace

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, Old Croton Dam (Gate House) Bridge, and New Croton Dam -- plus a splendiferous (although slightly bumpy) ride along the lake shore. Ride ends at Croton-Harmon Metro-North station. Bring $ for lunch, $8.25 train fare for return ride, MTA permit. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Maggie Clarke.

QUEENS AND NORTH SHORE - TA CENTURY TRAINING RIDE #3

9 AM, Columbus Circle, 75 miles, 12 mph on the flats

Getting ready for the century? If you've been able to ride 60 miles so far, come along and try for something just a bit longer. We'll roll through Queens and head to the North Shore area of Long Island. Bring MTA bike permit just in case. Bring or buy lunch. Leaders: Robert Eberwein & Ed Ravin

Sunday, August 29, 2010

MT KISCO, NEW YORK

8:30 AM, Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road, Bronx, 60+ miles at 15 mph

Come enjoy a little country just outside The City. Lots of scenery and lots of good cheer! Leaders: Rodney Millard, Jesse Brown, & Ed DeFreitas

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS

10 AM, Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 30 flat miles

This is your last chance to combine your two favorite activities - bicycling and visiting the beach! This leisurely paced ride will go from Brooklyn to a quiet beach in the Rockaways, mostly along quiet streets or bike paths. Bring or buy lunch, bring beach stuff (sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, sheet, pail, shovel, Frisbee, flip-flops, etc), and a lightweight lock. Leaders: Brian Hoberman & TBA

Sunday, September 5, 2010

THE OLD PUT CENTURY - TA CENTURY TRAINING RIDE #4

8:00 AM, Woodlawn (Jerome and Bainbridge Aves), 92 miles, 15 mph pace

The New York and Putnam Railroad, a/k/a "The Old Put", was a dismal failure as a commercial rail line and was put out of its misery circa 1980. Fortunately, the right-of-way was almost entirely preserved, and the rail barons' loss became our gain when Westchester and Putnam Counties built a rail-trail for recreational use. You can now bicycle most of the way from Bronx to Carmel (and back) on a path that is paved, level, and car-free. Hooray! Bring water, snacks, lunch or $ for it, plus $ for train fare and an MTA Bike Permit in case you need a still-operating railroad to leave early. Leaders: Jesse Brown and Jim Zisfein

MANHATTAN PERIMETER

9:30 AM, City Hall, Manhattan. 30 miles

See the City on the "Edge". New York has a world class harbor. We'll visit every available waterfront point and see the few parts that still don't have bike access. At the end, there'll be a bike friendly place to eat. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and Bob Castro

Click here for next month's ride schedule