These were rides in May - June 2004. Click here for current rides.

Here we list only a selection of 5BBC day rides. All 5BBC rides are described in Bicycletter, our bimonthly newsletter-magazine, which Club members can read here. If you are not a 5BBC member, you can join - or rejoin - by printing and mailing in the membership application. Prospective members can obtain a sample issue of Bicycletter by leaving their names and addresses on our voicemail at (212) 932-2300 x115.

Indicates relaxed pace, easy ride

Click here for more information on our day rides.
Click here for more information on ride locations.
Click here for the "DayTripper Column" (periodic yammerings from the Day Trips Coordinator).

Is my ride cancelled? For late-breaking news, including weather-related cancellations, visit the Ride Update Center.

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

Saturday, May 1st

MONTAUK METRIC TRAINING RIDE #3 – CITY ISLAND
10AM, Cathedral of St John the Divine (Amsterdam Ave & West 112th St), 40 miles

City Island is one of my all-time favorite destinations, and it just so happens to make a great medium distance urban training ride. This ride will start immediately after the Blessing of the Bikes event held at the Cathedral of St John the Divine. Enjoy lunch right on the sound! Brisk pace. Please note: New starting location! Leaders: Danny Lieberman (daytrips@5bbc.org) and Eileen Kapp.

Sunday, May 2nd

BIKE NEW YORK – NO CLUB RIDES TODAY !

Saturday, May 8th

EATON’S NECK
8AM, Cunningham Park, 90 miles NOTE NEW START TIME!

This is it – the finale. All that hard work will finally pay off and you'll be able to tackle the hills of the eastern North shore. Warning: cue sheet only ride, so you better be able to read and follow directions closely! No point-drop-sweep today. You must be able to keep up with the leaders in order to complete it on time. Leaders: Jesse Brown and Ira Najowitz.

MONTAUK METRIC TRAINING RIDE #4 – PIERMONT
9AM, Plaza Hotel, 50 miles

I can't think of a better destination to cap off the metric series than the charming town of Piermont, NY. Leaders: Brian Hoberman and TBA.

Sunday, May 9th (Mother's Day)

PALISADES BIKE HIKE: WOMEN'S FEDERATION MONUMENT
9AM, GW Bridge bus terminal, 178th St. & Ft. Washington Av., 20 miles ride, 4 mile hike

Terrain: ride - lots of hills, hike - mostly level. Yes, it's time for another 5BBC-PIPC bike hike. It's Mother's Day, and for the occasion, Eric Nelsen (enelsen@njpalisades.org), historical interpreter for the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, will lead us on a hike from the Park Headquarters in Alpine to a monument honoring the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs. Without the efforts of these women, we might not have a Palisades Interstate Park today. The bike portion of the bike-hike will take Henry Hudson Drive ("River Road") which I hope will have reopened after this winter's landslide. Bring a bike lock, comfortable walking shoes, bag lunch, and water. Pace: ride, moderate; hike, slow. Ride leader: Jim Zisfein (jzisfein@yahoo.com).

RIDE TO THE HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM
9AM, Plaza Hotel, 40 miles

We'll 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 museum is also a Mansion and a planetarium. So, bring your inquisitiveness, $6.00 for admission, lunch or money to buy it, lock and Metro-North pass in case you have to bag-it. Some hills, road bikes OK. (NOTE there are off-road sections) Maybe a bonus additional museum. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA.

Saturday, May 15th

HOW TO RIDE UP ANY HILL AND HOW TO CONQUER ANY LONG-DISTANCE BIKE RIDE, A FREE CLASS FOR BEGINNERS
12 NOON, Central Park Boathouse, less than 10 miles

Do you walk your bike up some hills? When you ride with friends, are you always at the back of the pack? Do you hurt at the end of a ride? Nervous about doing a long ride?
Bring your friends to this free one-day class. The class is NOT about building up your muscles or working out -- it's about going at your own pace, and learning to use the gears on your bike to make riding more fun for you.
We'll be learning at an easy relaxed pace -- no long-distance bike racing today! Inexperienced or confused cyclists welcome. Bring your "dumb" questions!
MANDATORY: You must bring a bike helmet, and a bike with at least five speeds that is in good working order. (You don't need to know how to use the gears, but you MUST be sure that they work BEFORE the class -- ask a friend or mechanic to inspect your bike). You must be able to pedal a two-wheeler. Meet at the Boathouse in Central Park at noon.
Class ends at 3 p.m. Rain cancels. Leader: Glen Goldstein. Questions before the class? email to prez@bicycleshows.us

Sunday, May 16th

MONTAUK CENTURY - NO DAY TRIPS TODAY!

Saturday, May 22nd

ROCKAWAY/GATEWAY GREENWAY SHUFFLE
10AM, Brooklyn Boro Hall, 45 miles

Take a spin out by Jamaica Bay and see the natural beauty of Gateway park. We'll circle the bay using the greenways on both sides. Easy pace, entirely flat. Leaders: Danny Lieberman and TBA.

Sunday, May 23rd

THE OLD PUT AND THE O.C.A.
9AM, Van Cortlandt Park, 35 miles – OFF ROAD

Ride up the Old Putnam Railroad trail to Tarrytown and then back along the Old Croton Aqueduct. This is an off-road trip – mountain and hybrids only! The terrain is rough but not terribly hilly. Bring or buy lunch. Leader: Ed DeFreitas.

Wednesday, May 26th

MANHATTAN EVENING RIDE (original date 5/12)
6:45PM SHARP, Plaza Hotel fountain, 20 flat miles

In celebration of Bike Month, join us for the annual fun leisurely evening ride on Manhattan's Greenways/Pathways. We plan to go through Central Park, down the West side Pathway to Batter Park, through South Street Seaport, and up the East side and back to the Plaza at approximately 9:30 PM. Bring pocket food, water, spare inner tube, and you must wear a helmet. Co-listed with The Weekday Cyclists and NYCC. Leaders: Trudy Hutter, Catherine Marion

Saturday, May 29th

BRIDGES OF NEW YORK
8:30AM, Chelsea Piers, West 22nd St & 12th Ave, 35 urban miles

Cycle 13 (count ‘em, 13) bike accessible bridges in one day. Big Apple survey includes Hudson River Greenway, Gantry Plaza State Park, Wards/Randall's Island, Harlem River Speedway, Little Red Lighthouse, Cherry Walk, etc. Not for beginners or fussbudgets. Special pin awardsed to those who finish the ride. Be prepared to ride smartly. Some hills and busy traffic. Co-listed with NYCC. Wet weather at start time cancels. Leader: Alfredo Garcia.

Sunday, May 30th

BROOKLYN SOJOURN
9AM, City Hall, 40 miles

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

Monday, May 31st (Memorial Day)

OFF-ROAD VISTAS: SADDLE UP AND RIDE THE HUTCH
9AM, Eastchester (Dyre Ave), 15 miles MOUNTAIN OR HYBRID BIKES REQUIRED!

What this ride lacks in distance, it makes up in fun. This is a trail ride. We ride over ruts, rocks and water. Bring lunch or money for it because there's a lake to enjoy it by. Bug spray optional. No Gonzos! This is a fun ride with safety as the requirement. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA.

Saturday, June 5th

HILLS TO BILL AND HILLARY'S
8:25AM, Grand Central or 9:45AM, Croton-Harmon station, 45 hilly miles

Join us for this beautiful but very hilly ride through northern Westchester. We'll visit a Bill Clinton exhibit in his adopted hometown of Chappaqua and make a stop at the Clinton residence. While spinning on the hills (with cumulative climbing of 3500 feet), we can look forward to homemade ice cream near the end. N.B.: Triples are highly recommended, bring a MTA bike permit and note that there's about a mile of riding on a hard-packed dirt road. Pace - leisurely. Terrain: very hilly. Leaders: Brian Hoberman & TBA

Sunday, June 6th

FLAT ROCK NATURE PRESERVE
9AM, City Hall, 25 miles

This is a bike to hike ride to a not well known but beautiful nature preserve. It's privately run, includes a nature center and you can lunch aside a pond and take an unsupervised nature hike. Bring lock, lunch or money for it. Moderate pace. Terrain is flat with one big hill. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & Terry Chin

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS METRIC
9:30AM, Van Cortlandt Park (242 St. & Broadway), 64 miles (mostly level)

We ride the Westchester County Trailways, route of the "Old Put" rail line, for this 100-km round-trip to the quiet village of Yorktown Heights. The paths are mostly well paved and car-free. This is an all-day excursion; return time could be as late as 7 pm. Please come mentally and physically prepared for a ride of this distance, and make sure your bike is in good shape as well. Bring a bike lock, Metro North pass (in case you have to bail), $ for lunch and train fare, water, and snacks. Pace: 15 mph. Additional ride info at zisfein.com/5bbc/yorktown. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Neile Weissman.

Saturday, June 12th

SUBWAY SERIES RIDE: CONTRACT ONE
10AM City Hall, 25 miles

New ride! Trace the route of the original subway in 1904, approximately. Leaders: Danny Lieberman & TBA.

Sunday, June 13th

SHEEPSHEAD BAY AND BEYOND
9AM, City Hall, 35 miles

Yet another excursion into the Borough of Churches. We'll check out the Shore Parkway greenway, a path frequented on Bicycle Bum Beach rides, with a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean. Bring a lock, $ for lunch and a camera. You can look but you better not touch (bike) a pedestrian bridge in the area. See www.transalt.org/bridges/sheep.html to learn why. Bring a lock, $ for lunch and a digital camera. Pace Moderate, Mostly flat. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & Terry Chin.

Saturday, June 19th

CLEARWATER HUDSON RIVER REVIVAL
7:30AM Sharp, Grand Central Terminal, 25 miles

Celebrate summer, Pop's day, and our 16th annual day-long excursion to this classic folk festival on the banks of the Hudson at Croton Point Park. Last year's fest was marred by inclement elements (never say the "R" word), and due to a financial bath, this year Clearwater has plans for a scaled back gala. Nevertheless, expect folk music, non-stop dancing, crafts, activists, stories, and of course food. We will jump on Metro-North for a quick ride to White Plains and then cycle to the festival (with recommended but optional return to NYC by train). Scheduled performers include Dar Williams, Guy Davis, the Nields, Patty Larkin, and Toshi Reagon with more to be announced! Festival is "R" or Shine! Limited number of discount admission tickets ($20) will be available for early arrivals. Bring Metro-North permit, $13 train fare, sunscreen, and bike locks. Moderate pace, some steep hills. Leaders: Ted M. Kushner and Brian Hoberman

Sunday, June 20th

FATHER'S DAY ANNUAL CONEY ISLAND AND BUST
10AM, City Hall, 30 miles

Join us for a fun ride through Brooklyn to the world famous cyclone for the ride of your life. Come to the Fun House, Walk on the Boardwalk. Return to your childhood or your new adulthood for a fun time. Lunch will be at Nathan's hotdog stand the original hot dog. Bring bike lock and approximately $15 for lunch and admission. Leaders: Ed Pino and Liz Baum

OFF-ROAD VISTAS: KENSICO DAM
9AM East 233rd St & White Plains Road, 35 miles

Follow the Bronx River Parkway bike path up to the dam and back. This is a paved path with some riding in traffic as well. Hilly in places Bring your Metro North bike pass, just in case. Moderate pace. Varied terrain. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA

SANDY HOOK VENTURE
10:45AM, NY Waterway Terminal, World Financial Ctr & Rockefeller Park, 23 miles

Nice boat-bike-boat ride with added beach time. Ride includes a run into Monmouth County, which includes four bridges, quiet locales and Mt. Mitchell Overlook. Lunch will be at the Navesink Twin Lighthouse. Then back to the Hook for swim time or visit Ft. Hancock.. Bring lock, swimgear, sunscreen and water. Note: you are responsible to get a NY Waterway round trip cruise ticket ($29). Get to the terminal early or call (800) 53-FERRY for a reservation, several days in advance. Wet weather at the start cancels. Mostly flat, some climbs, some busy traffic. Co-listed with NYCC. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia (646) 312-1677 & Brian Hoberman.

Saturday, June 26th

RIDE TO THE MERMAID DAY PARADE (Coney Island)
10AM, City Hall, 30 miles

The annual Mermaid Parade (www.coneyislandusa.com/mermaid.shtml) in Coney Island is a wonderful celebration of summer fun. Expect crowds, surf, exotic costumes, funny cars, great food, and a trip to the beach. Bring a lock, lunch (or $ for it), and your camera. Leaders: Brian Hoberman & TBA.

Sunday, June 27th

STATEN ISLAND EXPRESSO
7AM, South Ferry Terminal (7:30 boat), 40+ miles

Brief & thrilling affair, of mind & body, short of devastating anarchy in the 5BBC. Escape torrid heat, 40-hour workweeks and annoying organisms in a wink of an eye. No point-drop-sweep, no cuesheets--bring map if needed, eat no lunch--well maybe. Just keep riding, in guided yet safe madness--till the climatic end. You won't remember anything except feelings of pain & delight in your taut sexy body--for the next 23 hours. Bring pocket food & water. Not for beginners or fussbudgets. Wet weather at the start cancels. Pace: 15+ mph, emphasis on riding single file. Terrain: mostly flat but oh so lovely hills (e.g. Ft. Wadsworth) Leaders: Alfredo Garcia (cyclistxxiii@yahoo.com) & Jesse "The Body" Brown

STATEN ISLAND PERIMETER
9AM, South Ferry Terminal (9:30 boat), 40+ miles

This is the same route with a more moderate pace. This ride WILL use point-drop-sweep and will take lunch at the ½ way mark (Conference House Park). Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and TBA.

CRANBERRY LAKE VIA BRONX RIVER PARKWAY
9AM, Jerome Ave & Bainbridge Ave, Bronx (#4 to Woodlawn), 40 miles

It's Bicycle Sunday in Westchester County, which means we get to scoot up north along the scenic and verdant Bronx River Parkway while it's closed down for a few bike-only hours. Lunch will be at a peaceful nature preserve where we'll walk on forested paths around a swampy lake. Early return option via Metro-North available. Terrain: rolling with a few steep hills. 44% car-free. Moderate pace. Leader: Ed Ravin (eravin@panix.com)

Saturday, July 3rd

BROOKLYN'S WORKING WATERFRONT
9AM, Bridgemarket, 35 miles

This is a reprise of my old, urban classic - the "other side of the tracks" ride. Explore and enjoy the waterfronts of nearby Queens and Brooklyn between Long Island City and Owl's Head Park. Flat but bumpy terrain - all bikes welcome but knobby tires are best on those old cobblestone streets. Leaders: Danny Lieberman and others.

Sunday, July 4th

AROUND AND OVER THE HUDSON
8:30AM, City Hall, 40 flat miles (one large hill)

See NYC from a ferry, the Liberty State Park & Hoboken. Then stretch your legs along a long shoreline stretch from Hoboken to the G.W. Bridge(with the one big hill). Bridge the Hudson back to N.Y.C. Pass Seinfeld's (who?) old haunt and choose your lunch cuisine from italian, asian and eastern Europe. It's all on one Amsterdam Ave. block between 110th & 11th Streets. Then, we'll follow the Hudson River line(really, ask Ed why.) back down to City Hall. Bring a lock & $ for lunch. Moderate pace. Flat terrain with one big hill. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA