Five Borough Bicycle Club - New York

These were rides in November-December 2011. Click here for upcoming rides.

These are upcoming rides. You can also visit the rides archive or see the full November-December 2011 listings.

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?
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More about day rides - what to bring on rides, what's that smiley thing, participants under age 18, bike access on trains
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Saturday, November 5, 2011

WINGING IT TO AMENIA

7:15 AM, Grand Central Terminal, or 10:00 AM, Harlem Valley-Wingdale, 50 moderately hilly miles, 16 mph+ quick-spin pace.

Take a full day in the colorful scenery of eastern NY and western Connecticut. With a head start courtesy of Metro-North, we'll ride pass through bucolic countryside and quaint New England towns. There is some unpaved, hard packed road but road bikes will be OK. At the end of the ride we will optionally stop at Big W's Roadside Bar-b-Que in Wingdale before hopping Metro North back home. Bring MTA bike permit, $31.50 round trip fare, plenty of water and snacks, $ for lunch and post ride barbecue. Don't forget your spirit of adventure! This is a quick spin ride. No Point, Drop, Sweep.
Leaders: Howard Hall & Dalah del Prado

THE GRANDEUR OF THE HUDSON

9 AM, George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal (W. 178th St & Ft. Washington Ave), Manhattan, 45 miles

Celebrate the beauty of the Hudson River with a ride down its left bank. The view is indeed grand from Grand View on Hudson, even grander from the Old Erie Path in the cliffs above the town, and the grandness continues through Tallman Mountain Park and Palisades Interstate Park. 32c (1 1/4 inch) tires (or fatter) are recommended for unpaved trails.
Leaders: Jim Zisfein & Fritz van Orden.

JONES BEACH OFF-SEASON

9:30 AM, Cunningham Park, Queens, 50 mostly flat miles, fast pace

The beach is an inviting destination on a brisk fall day just like it is during the dog days of summer. Bring or buy lunch - we'll dine on the boardwalk. Note: 16 mph average pace.
Leaders: Dennis Griffin & Ira Najowitz.

BIKING THROUGH BRONX HISTORY

11:00 AM, Bedford Park Boulevard & Jerome Ave, Bronx (#4 subway entrance), 20 miles, few hills, relaxed pace

Join the 5BBC and the Bronx Tourism Council for BIKING THROUGH BRONX HISTORY, a special tour on Greenway paths that features FREE narrated tours at two of the borough's most popular house museums -- the Van Cortlandt House Museum in Riverdale and the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum in Pelham Bay Park. Admission to the house museums is free (while supplies last) thanks to sponsorship by Montefiore Medical Center. Bring $ for lunch (at City Island!). Ride will end at the Pelham Bay Park #6 subway station around 3:30 pm. To reserve your spot, please send email to: dquinones@boedc.org. This ride is co-hosted by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. to encourage biking in the Bronx.
Leader: Phil Goldberg

Sunday, November 6, 2011

NORTHVALE WITH SOME EXTRA ZZZ's

9:00 AM, HI-AYH (West 103rd St & Amsterdam Ave), 40 miles

Each spring we ride to Northvale for Montauk Training. Why not in the fall? We???ll travel to the Northvale Diner, where they'll still be serving up banana nut pancakes and the like. Churchill Road will still be serving up leg cramps. But to remind you that we're not on a training ride, we'll start from the hostel. And while the sun will set an hour earlier today, we will have an extra hour of sleep to enjoy first. Bring a bike lock and $ for lunch.
Leaders: Brian Hoberman & TBA.

JERSEY JAUNTS

9 AM, George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal (W. 178th St & Ft. Washington Ave), Manhattan, 30-40 miles, quick-spin 15 mph+ pace

Share some special places on these free-form quick-spin excursions across the river. These are quick-spin rides - no point/drop/sweep. Bad weather cancels - call Jesse at 917-578-2244 if there are questions.
Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM

10 AM, Plaza Hotel (E. 59th St & 5th Ave), Manhattan, 30 miles, 12-15 mph pace

Ride 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 until we reach the Hudson River Museum. This is not just a museum. It's also a mansion, planetarium, an ecological display of the entire Hudson River and lunch with a view of the Palisades. If you didn't love the river before....well. So, bring your inquisitiveness, $ for admission, lunch or money to buy it, lock, and MTA bike permit just in case. Some hills. Road bikes OK. More info at http://www.hrm.org/.
Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

THE GREATEST TURKEY RIDE: CHARLIE'S TURKEY & OPEN HOUSE

10 AM, Kew Gardens, Statue of Civic Virtue (Union Turnpike & Queens Blvd), Queens, 25-30 miles

Join Ed and Liz as we eat Charlie's turkey, the best turkey in Queens. I can say that I have been eating it for years. This is an easy 25-30 mile, mostly flat ride. Usual weather conditions apply. Bring $10 for lunch. Ride will end at Ed and Liz's apartment, followed by open house at our place. Call 718-487-4992 if you want to join us for lunch but are not riding.
Leaders: Ed Pino & Liz Baum

Sunday, November 13, 2011

JERSEY JAUNTS

9 AM, George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal (W. 178th St & Ft. Washington Ave), Manhattan, 30-40 miles, quick-spin 15 mph+ pace

Share some special places on these free-form quick-spin excursions across the river. These are quick-spin rides - no point/drop/sweep. Bad weather cancels - call Jesse at 917-578-2244 if there are questions.
Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

ROCK AROUND THE ROCK

8:45 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 40 miles, moderate pace

What would be if the Revolutionary War never happened? Well, on Staten Island, that almost happened. And, we're going to that spot. Mostly flat with one very steep hill. Moderate pace. Bring or buy lunch.
Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA.

Saturday November 19, 2011

PIERMONT IN THE MORNING

8:30 AM, George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal (W. 178th St & Ft. Washington Ave), 35 miles, quick-spin 16 mph pace

Quick-spin to Piermont! True training - non-stop paceline ... lunch in Tenafly/Englewood. Bring fuel, food and bicycle ettiquette. Terrain rolling, flat and STEEP. MUST RSVP to join group. (dianegoodwin@yahoo.com or 330-414-7472 (phone/text)
Leaders: Dalah del Prado & Diane Goodwin

QUICK SPIN TO ROCKAWAY & BREEZY POINT

9 AM, Kew Gardens, Statue of Civic Virtue (Union Turnpike & Queens Blvd), Queens, 25-30 miles at a quick-spin pace (16+ mph on flats)

Head over the Cross Bay bridge to the Queens beaches before the winter freeze sets in. Lunch at Nick's in Forest Hills after the ride. No need for bike locks. Bring $ for lunch, water bottle(s), two spare tubes and dress appropriately. Aim for an early day!
Leaders: Dennis Griffin and Ira Najowitz

Sunday, November 20, 2011

JERSEY JAUNTS

9 AM, George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal (W. 178th St & Ft. Washington Ave), Manhattan, 30-40 miles, quick-spin 15 mph+ pace

Share some special places on these free-form quick-spin excursions across the river. These are quick-spin rides - no point/drop/sweep. Bad weather cancels - call Jesse at 917-578-2244 if there are questions.
Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

BROOKLYN AND CHEESECAKE

10:00 AM (NOTE: revised start time), Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, 30+ miles

Burn some calories with a ride around Brooklyn, and then more than replace those calories near the end of a ride as we make our way to Bed-Stuy Brooklyn for Shakoor's sweet potato cheesecake and other treats. Bring or buy lunch earlier in the ride and bring $$$ for the cheesecake.
Leaders Bill Mastro & Claire Mordas

NEAR BROOKLYN

10 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 25 miles

The twin cities of New York & Brooklyn danced with each other for fifty years before the wedding. We'll get some snapshots of that time & others. Then, maybe, end up at a bike friendly pizzeria near Bowling Green.
Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & Julie Blackburn

Thursday, November 24, 2011

PRESIDENT'S SHADOWS

10 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 15-20 miles

We all know where Washington slept. But, is that all there is? Does New have other intertwinings with other presidents? Where did the first Vice President live? Did George decide the better part of valor was retreat in the face of sure defeat?
Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & Julie Blackburn

Sunday, November 27, 2011

JERSEY JAUNTS

9 AM, George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal (W. 178th St & Ft. Washington Ave), Manhattan, 30-40 miles, quick-spin 15 mph+ pace

Share some special places on these free-form quick-spin excursions across the river. These are quick-spin rides - no point/drop/sweep. Bad weather cancels - call Jesse at 917-578-2244 if there are questions.
Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

THREE MUSEUMS, MAYBE FOUR

10 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 20 miles, easy pace

Three (maybe four) Museums/Mansions/Homes. All in the Borough of Manhattan. All here before the Civil War (although one is in a different place from when it was built). Two before their was a United States. At least one is officially(?) haunted. Two wrapped up deeply in American history. Minor to zero entry fees. The city is four hundred years old. You think that it doesn't history? Come find out.
Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA

Saturday, December 3, 2011

HOMESTEAD TO MANSION - HISTORIC HOMES IN QUEENS

9:30 AM, Bridgemarket (60th St & 1st Ave), Manhattan, 30 miles, 12-14 mph pace

Ride through Astoria and Flushing to visit some interesting old houses. First, the Steinway Mansion, which is currently on the market and can be yours for a mere $2.5 million. Next is the Lent-Riker-Smith Homestead - the oldest continuously lived in private dwelling in America, going back to 1654 or so. After lunch, we visit the Voelker Orth Home/Museum in Flushing. This home has been meticulously restored, and is little changed from when it was purchased by Conrad Voelker in 1881. On our return we will stop at La Guli Bakery for some treats. Bring $2 admission for the Voelker Orth Museum, $$ for lunch and a lock.
Leaders: Claire Mordas & Bob Castro.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

WESTCHESTER WANDERING

9 AM sharp, Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road, Bronx, 30-40 miles, quick-spin 15+ mph pace.

Roam into Westchester County and its environs, maybe even a quick stop in Byram, Connecticut. We will take easy riding routes and visit unique destinations. This is a quick-spin 15+ mph pace ride - no point/drop/sweep. Bad weather cancels - call Jesse at 917-578-2244 if there are questions.
Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

FROSTBITE #1 - RIDE TO BAYONNE FOR THE WORLD'S GREATEST PANCAKES

10 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 25 miles

This is the traditional start to our club's answer to the pending winter blahs. The "Frost Bites" series asks the question, if winter is too cold to bike, how come it's not too cold for skiing? We start at City Hall, take the ferry to S.I., follow the west coast, cross the Bayonne Bridge for those deelicious pancakes. We'll give our respects to the Lady in the Harbor and end up in Hoboken for the trip across the Hudson and home. NOTE: there's an alternate plan if the weather is bad.
Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA

Saturday December 10, 2011

EAST BRONX SHORE BUSTERS

9:00 AM, Union Sq North (at 17 St.) or 10:00 AM RFK Bridge South path entrance at East 124th St & 2nd Ave), Manhattan. 20 miles at 12-14 mph pace.

A leisurely, winter-paced ride along the easternmost shore of the Bronx and Long Island Sound, from Ward's Island, Soundview Park, Pugsley Creek, Throgs Neck Bridge and terminating at Locust Point, where we'll dine Italiano at the world famous Ice House (return to Manhattan is via the #6 train at Westchester Square). Bring camera, $ for lunch.
Leaders: Ken Williams & Josh Gosciak

FILLMORES

10 AM, Kew Gardens, Statue of Civic Virtue (Union Turnpike & Queens Blvd), Queens, 25-30 miles

Join Ed & Liz on our Ride to Fillmores 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 on this warm winter journey. Bring $10-15 for the great lunch at the end of the ride. Bring bike lock and a good attitude. Restaurant is bike friendly.
Leaders: Ed Pino & Liz Baum

Sunday, December 11, 2011

WESTCHESTER WANDERING

9 AM sharp, Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road, Bronx, 30-40 miles, quick-spin 15+ mph pace.

Roam into Westchester County and its environs, maybe even a quick stop in Byram, Connecticut. We will take easy riding routes and visit unique destinations. This is a quick-spin 15+ mph pace ride - no point/drop/sweep. Bad weather cancels - call Jesse at 917-578-2244 if there are questions.
Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

FROSTBITE #2 - FLAT ROCK NATURE PRESERVE

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

Aah Naturale in Joisey! This privately owned natural preserve lets us bike to their Nature Center but, only hike their trails. Lunch at a pond. Bring or buy lunch, bring a lightweight lock.
Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA

Saturday, December 17, 2011

PIERMONT AGAIN

9:00 AM, 72nd and Riverside Drive (Eleanor Roosevelt Statue), 48 miles at a quick-spin pace, a few hills

Once again to Piermont, but given the short days this will be a quick spin. An interesting route through Bergen County to Piermont and back again. Lunch in Piermont, deli stop and outdoors if possible, inside Bunberry or another warm place if necessary. Bring or buy lunch.
Leaders: Julie Blackburn & Dalah del Prado

ECLECTIC ELECTRIC HOLIDAY LIGHTS

4:30 P.M. City Hall, Manhattan, 25 or so leisurely nighttime miles

If you're into the holiday circuit, this ride is for you! By the end of the evening, you'll appreciate not only the holiday circuit but circuit breakers as well. We're talking about Brooklyn's Dyker Heights, where the residents decorate their homes so garishly, they'll blow your mind without blowing a fuse. We'll stop off at a local Italian bakery on the way out and top off the evening with hero sandwiches and a slice or two of great pizza before heading back. Bring lock and money for food. Rain, snow or icy conditions at start cancels. All bikes must have lights and bright or reflective clothing is suggested. Optional return via subway.
Leaders: Richard Sanford & Kathryn Baur

Sunday, December 18, 2011

WESTCHESTER WANDERING

9 AM sharp, Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road, Bronx, 30-40 miles, quick-spin 15+ mph pace.

Roam into Westchester County and its environs, maybe even a quick stop in Byram, Connecticut. We will take easy riding routes and visit unique destinations. This is a quick-spin 15+ mph pace ride - no point/drop/sweep. Bad weather cancels - call Jesse at 917-578-2244 if there are questions.
Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

FROSTBITE #3 - CHRISTMAS IN THE CLOISTERS

10 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 25 miles

You don't have to be rich as Rockefeller to enjoy medieval art in a monastery setting atop Fort Tryon Park. Bring lunch for Al Fresco or dine indoors (a little pricey but good).
Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & Julie Blackburn

LIGHTS IN THE HEIGHTS

4:30 PM, City Hall, Manhattan, or 5:15 PM, Prospect Park West & 3rd Street, Brooklyn. Approximately 25 miles round trip.

Take a fun and leisurely ride to see the "miracle mile" of Christmas Lights and decorations in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. These spectacular displays draw 150,000 visitors a year from as far away as Japan. Come prepared with bicycle bells ringing to the tune of Jingle Bells. If rain or snow spoils our fun, we'll try again on January 1, 2012. Co-listed with Time's Up.
Leaders: Trudy Hutter & Jim Zisfein

Sunday, December 25th, 2011

TEANECK LUNCH

10:30 AM, Eleanor Roosevelt Statue, (W. 72nd Street & Riverside Drive), 30 miles at 12-13 mph, some hills

Ride down tree-lined suburban streets to Teaneck for for the 5th annual December lunch at a tasty glatt kosher restaurant. We'll keep a 12-13 mph pace on the flats and we'll use a route that eases the pain of the hills on the way back. Bring lock, spare tube, money for lunch and a good appetite. Heavy rain at start or major earthquake cancels but we'll still ride if there's snow! It's winter: dress and equip your bike and yourself according to the conditions.
Leaders: Dana Hudes & Jim Zisfein

FROSTBITE #4 - XMAS LITES IN DYKER HEIGHTS & DIM SUM

12:30 PM, City Hall, Manhattan, 20 miles

Brooklyn's Chinatown is no longer a secret. But it's still a great destination when Dim Sum is desired. We'll check out the Xmas lights atop Dyker Hts. But first, it's Eighth Ave. for lunch. On the way back, we'll take in the Manhattan skyline from Sunset Park, in the dark. Did we say dark? Yes, be sure to bring lights, front and back.
Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA

Thursday, December 29, 2011

A CHRISTMAS WEEK BROOKLYN LIGHTS RIDE

6:00 PM, Prospect Park, Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, 15-20 leisuirely miles

Come join us for a Christmas week ride through parts of western Brooklyn to once again check out the holiday lights. We will ride at a leisurely pace to lighting displays in Greenwood Heights,Bay Ridge,Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst. Midway we'll stop in Bay Ridge for a chance to get a holiday treat,hot chocolate or perhaps a slice from Nino's. Bring lock,and money for food. All bikes must have lights and you should wear bright or reflective clothing. Rain,snow or extremely cold temperatures will cancel-check bulletin board the day of ride or follow billm45s on Twitter for an update.
Leaders: Bill Mastro and Kathryn Baur

Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011 FINALE RIDE

9:00 AM, 72nd Street and Riverside Drive (Eleanor Roosevelt Statue), 40 miles at 13-15 mph on the flats, a few hills

Enjoy the last day of 2011 by taking a leisurely ride through some of the most beautiful residential areas of Bergen County. We will ride on a secret bike path and do our best to stay off main thoroughfares. Lunch in Closter or thereabouts with possible option of stopping at Closter Farmer's market for the best cinnamon donuts in the Northeast. We will do our best to get you home in plenty of time to prepare for the evening festivities. Bring or buy lunch. Around 3-4 blocks of unpaved path but it's OK for road bikes.
Leaders: Julie Blackburn & Kathryn Baur

Sunday, January 1, 2012

TEMPERATURE REGULATORS

9:00 AM, Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road, Bronx (SE corner), 30 miles or so at a 15 mph pace. No Point/Drop/Sweep

Unique and interesting experiences await you throughout the five boroughs and Westchester County on these brisk weather brisk paced rides. Temperatures below 30 degrees or wet weather cancels. Call Jesse at 917-578-2244 for inquiries.
Leaders: Rodney Millard & Jesse Brown

POLAR PANCAKES

9:30 AM Eleanor Roosevelt statue (W.72 St & Riverside Drive), 41 miles 13-14 mph pace, Flat terrain with two bridge crossings

Let's take a ride through Brooklyn to join the Coney Island Polar Bear Club (www.polarbearclub.org) for their traditional New Year's Day celebration benefitting Camp Sunshine for children with serious illnesses. Along the way we'll stop for brunch at a kosher restaurant for scrumptious pancakes and waffles. Then head down to the boardwalk for the polar bear swim at 1 PM. Return to the start at 3:30 PM. Bring lock, money for brunch and dress warmly. Rain or snow cancels.
Leaders: Geoff Cohen and Dana Hudes

FROSTBITE #5 NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN

10:00 AM, Plaza Hotel 5th Ave and 59 St, Manhattan, 30 miles slow to moderate pace

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. For more info, see http://nybg.org/ Bring a camera, lock, $ for lunch and $6 admission.
Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA

TRAINING IN BERGEN - #1

10:15 AM, Strictly Bicycles, 2347 Hudson Terrace, Ft. Lee, NJ, 30-35 miles Quick Spin No Point/Drop/Sweep 15 mph Avg

Are you already a strong rider who wants to improve handling and navigational skills? Do you want to see what Bergen County has to offer cyclists besides Route 9W? This series will help maintain a solid base for Sping events. Eateries will be in Ft Lee/Englewood area. Riders must RSVP Diane at 330 414-7472 or dianegoodwin@yahoo.com - by Wednesday prior to ride.
Leaders: Diane Goodwin & TBA

Click here for next month's ride schedule