These were rides in March - April 2005. Click here for current rides.

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Get in shape for The Montauk Century 2005 with our Montauk training rides. Ride descriptions are included below. For quick reference, our training rides are summarized here.

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?

Ride Update Center - 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

Saturday, February 26th

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE # 0: RIVERDALE
9AM, Columbus Circle, 25 miles

It’s hard to believe that the training ride series is starting this early, but if you can struggle to get out of the house and meet us for this first ride, we’ll take an introductory jaunt up and around the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Last year we found a great diner there so we’ll go back! Be sure to bring an extra tube, spare bottle of water, and dont forget to dress in layers. Leaders: Danny Lieberman and Diane Goodwin.

Sunday, February 27th

FROSTBITE RIDE #13: WORLD'S GREATEST PANCAKES, ENCORE!
10AM City Hall, 35 miles
11AM, Staten Island (parking lot on WEST side of ferry building)

Kull-ing all bikes! Kull-ing all bikes! Join us for an encore presentation to conclude our fabled series. Lunch will be extremely warm and delicious, at Bayonne's Broadway Diner and the club will kick in some mulla to the "Blow out". Journey further to Liberty State Park, where Ed will give a moving tribute on the Liberation Monument. Shipping & park details at www.siferry.com, www.nywaterway.com and www.libertystatepark.com. Bring a lock, and $ for lunch. Note you can also meet this ride by taking the 10:30AM boat from South Ferry or meet the group on the Staten Island side. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and Ed Pino.

Saturday, March 5th

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #1: SANDS POINT
9AM, Cunningham Park, 30 miles

Last week we were testing the waters, this time we’re really serious. It’s time to get into shape for the bicycling season and whether youve been riding with us in the cold or youve just had your bike hanging on the hooks all winter long, it’s time to stretch those legs. Join the first training ride for a short but fun one on the island. Bring or buy lunch. Remember to pack your tools and a spare. RIDERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM 12MPH PACE ON EACH OF THESE TRAINING RIDES. PLEASE ARRIVE PREPARED WITH ENOUGH WATER AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY. PLEASE ALSO BRING AN MTA-RAIL PASS IN CASE YOU NEED TO BAIL OUT AND TAKE THE RAILROAD BACK TO QUEENS. THE LONG ISLAND RAILROAD WILL NOT LET YOU RIDE WITHOUT AN MTA-RAIL PASS. Leaders: Ed Pino and Liz Baum and John Chiarella.

CAN-CAN JAR-JAR RIDE CANCELLED
11AM, Plaza Hotel, 25 miles

Tired of sitting at home dining on cans of three bean salad? Relax my little metallic gourmet. Join us for a ride to The Eastern Supermarket on Coney Island Avenue, in Brooklyn. Here you can run down the aisles like Rin Tin Tin as you spice up your palate (and life) with cans of hot peppers from Israel or jars of Nopal cactus from the American Southwest. It's just a small turn down the next aisle as you guide your shopping cart to Russia, Poland, Las Americas, Pakistan and Turkey. You'll find cans and jars from all parts of the globe for as little as ninety nine cents to three dollars!!! That's nuts you say? Ah yes, last aisle and many of them shelled too! After you've loaded your panniers, we're off to a nearby Pakistani Restaurant for a late afternoon lunch. Bring lock, money for shopping and 6-$10 for lunch. Ride Leaders Richard Sanford and Randy Horowitz.

Sunday, March 6th

MONTAUK TRAINING RIDE #2: ENGLEWOOD
9AM, Columbus Circle, 30 miles

If you couldn’t join us for the inaugural ride on Saturday we’ve got a similarly short but sweet ride to nearby New Jersey starting from our new starting location. Remember to bring a spare and some water to stay hydrated. Bring a lock because we’re lunching at the Royal Cliffs diner at the top of the big hill. RIDERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM 12MPH PACE ON EACH OF THESE TRAINING RIDES. PLEASE ARRIVE PREPARED WITH ENOUGH WATER AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Lee Ann Van Wyck and Brian Hoberman.

HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM
10AM, Plaza Hotel, 30 hilly Miles

We'll ride through Central Park and up the center spine of Manhattan. Then we will 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, but also a mansion and a planetarium. Bring your inquisitiveness, $6.00 for admission, lunch or money to buy it, a lock and your Metro-North pass in case you have to bag-it. Some hills, road bikes OK. Maybe a bonus museum as well. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others.

Saturday, March 12th

MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE #3 - HICKSVILLE CANCELLED
9AM, Cunningham Park, 35 miles

Hicksville is our destination - a fast dash to a comfy diner not too far away. A quick spin might be in the offing if enough leaders meet us in Cunningham Park. Remember to bring that lock, spare tube and pump. Did you remember to fill your water bottles? OK, it’s not too far and the road is relatively flat. RIDERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM 12MPH PACE ON EACH OF THESE TRAINING RIDES. PLEASE ARRIVE PREPARED WITH ENOUGH WATER AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY. PLEASE ALSO BRING AN MTA-RAIL PASS IN CASE YOU NEED TO BAIL OUT AND TAKE THE RAILROAD BACK TO QUEENS. THE LONG ISLAND RAILROAD WILL NOT LET YOU RIDE WITHOUT AN MTA-RAIL PASS. Leaders: Ed Pino and Liz Baum

Sunday, March 13th

MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE #4 – ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS
9AM, Columbus Circle, 40 miles

This is not quite the same ride as we did last week, there’s more to see and an extra loop or two to increase the mileage. The same big hill challenges you on the way to the diner. You can best it faster now that you’ve done it before. Did you fill your Camelbak before you left the house? Good, but don’t forget that spare tube and energy bar, just in case. RIDERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM 12MPH PACE ON EACH OF THESE TRAINING RIDES. PLEASE ARRIVE PREPARED WITH ENOUGH WATER AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Leaders: Dan Finton, Alex Maurice, Mark Trainor, Brian Hoberman.

PALISADES BIKE HIKE - GREENBROOK SANCTUARY
8:30AM, GW Bridge Bus Terminal (West 178th St & Ft Washington Ave), 15 mile ride, 4 mile hike

From the Greenbrook website (njpalisades.org/greenbrook.htm): "Greenbrook Sanctuary is 165 acres of woodland on top of New Jersey's magnificent Palisades. 4.7 miles north of the George Washington Bridge, off U.S. Route 9W, the sanctuary is an oasis of solitude and natural beauty, minutes away from one of the noisiest, most densely populated areas in the world." Escape from the city to this nearby and truly natural wonder, and learn about its history on a professionally-guided hike. Bring a bike lock, comfortable walking shoes, water, and $ for lunch at the nearby Royal Cliffs Diner. Pace: relaxed. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Sharon Behnke.

UNDER AND OVER THE HUDSON
10AM, City Hall, 25 miles

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 block of Amsterdam Ave. between 110th & 111th Streets . Then, we'll follow the Hudson River line back down to City Hall. Bring a lock & $ for lunch. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others.

Saturday, March 19th

MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE #5 – NORTHVALE
9AM, Columbus Circle, 45 miles Quick Spin group: 8:30AM

Spring is here and we’re going inland. The hills are playful and keep coming back as we challenge them. Take something windproof and water repellent, just in case. Did you pack a snack or energy bar? RIDERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM 12MPH PACE ON EACH OF THESE TRAINING RIDES. PLEASE ARRIVE PREPARED WITH ENOUGH WATER AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Alfredo Garcia (quick spin), Andrea Mercado and Brian Hoberman (regular group).

Sunday, March 20th

NEAR BROOKLYN
9:30AM, City Hall, 20 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 pizzaria near Bowling Greene. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others.

Saturday, March 26th

MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE #7 – WESTWOOD
8:30AM, Columbus Circle, 55 miles
Quick Spin group: 8AM

We’re riding even farther inland this time, past the reservoir and deep into the Pascack Valley. And that means more hills, but by now you can conquer them easily. RIDERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM 12MPH PACE ON EACH OF THESE TRAINING RIDES. PLEASE ARRIVE PREPARED WITH ENOUGH WATER AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Leaders: Steve Sakson and Lee Ann Van Wyck.

Sunday, March 27th (Easter Sunday)

EASTER JAM: MANHATTAN LOOP RIDE
10AM, South Ferry, 30 easy miles

This is a simple ride really, just a loop around Manhattan taking advantage of all the new bike paths and lanes that have been installed in the past few years. Terrain: almost entirely flat. Moderate pace. Leaders: Danny Lieberman and Brian Hoberman and others.

FOUR BORO BIKE RIDE
9:30AM, City Hall, 30 miles

Sorry S.I. We promise to dedicate an entire ride to you. We want have enough time give justice to Arthur Avenue, deep in the heart of The Bronx. On our way, we'll pass through Brooklyn and Queens and cross the Triborough Bridge into The Bronx. Lunch along Arthur Ave, an Italian enclave. Belmont Ave is the origin of the "Dion & The Belmonts" name. Look around for others. Then, back to Manhattan along the East River to City Hall. Bring a lock & $ for lunch. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others.

MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE #6 – GLEN COVE
(Rescheduled from March 20th)
9AM, Cunningham Park, 50 miles
Quick Spin group: 8:30AM

Spring has finally arrived, but will it be wet or dry? One thing you can be sure of is hills a plenty out to Glen Cove and back. Pack light but be sure you’ve got your essentials. RIDERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM 12MPH PACE ON EACH OF THESE TRAINING RIDES. PLEASE ARRIVE PREPARED WITH ENOUGH WATER AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY. PLEASE ALSO BRING AN MTA-RAIL PASS IN CASE YOU NEED TO BAIL OUT AND TAKE THE RAILROAD BACK TO QUEENS. THE LONG ISLAND RAILROAD WILL NOT LET YOU RIDE WITHOUT AN MTA-RAIL PASS. Leaders: Victor Sanchez-Valado and Ed Pino and Liz Baum.

Saturday, April 2nd

MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE #8 – CENTRE ISLAND
8:30AM, Cunningham Park, 60 miles
Quick Spin group: 8AM

Is Centre Island really an Island? Is it in the center of Long Island? And are there any Oysters left in Oyster Bay? This is the last of the point-drop-sweep training rides! Get ready for the longer rides and don’t forget to change your clocks before Sunday. RIDERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM 12MPH PACE ON EACH OF THESE TRAINING RIDES. PLEASE ARRIVE PREPARED WITH ENOUGH WATER AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY. PLEASE ALSO BRING AN MTA-RAIL PASS IN CASE YOU NEED TO BAIL OUT AND TAKE THE RAILROAD BACK TO QUEENS. THE LONG ISLAND RAILROAD WILL NOT LET YOU RIDE WITHOUT AN MTA-RAIL PASS. Leaders: John Chiarella and Ira Najowitz and Bob Castro.

Sunday, April 3rd - Daylight Time Begins !!

MONTAUK METRIC TRAINING RIDE #1 – HACKENSACK
9AM, GW Bridge Bus Terminal , 20 miles

Want to prepare for the Metric Century? Or if you’re only just getting back in the saddle, join me for an easy workout to nearby Hackensack. We visit an old WWII era submarine and cross the Hackensack River. Please remember to bring a lock, spare tube, and a pump, of course. Pace: moderate. Terrain: some hills. Leaders: Danny Lieberman and Manny Sanudo.

SPRING TRAINING RIDE TO YOGI BERRA MUSEUM OR IF THERE IS A FORK IN THE ROAD, TAKE IT
9:30AM, AYH, 55 miles

Was it 35 miles or was it 50? We never could quite figure out the mileage on this trip to the Yogi Berra Museum, so by popular demand we're gonna reset the odometers, and head to nearby Montclair to peruse some nifty baseball history, courtesy of retired Number 8, N.Y. Yankees. Well, it sure looks nearby on the map, doesn't it? Just remember: this ride ain't over til it's over. Must maintain average 13mph pace, this is after all a spring training ride and we want to get back early. Bring $6 for museum admission, lunch money, bike locks. See for updates on programs. Brisk pace, fairly hilly. Heavy rain cancels. Leaders: Ted M. Kushner, Ed Pino and Liz Baum.

PALISADES BIKE HIKE - PEANUT LEAP CASCADE
9AM, GW Bridge Bus Terminal, West 178th St & Ft Washington Ave, 25 mile ride 4 mile hike

We ride to State Line Lookout near the NJ/NY state line, then go on a professionally-led history hike to a lovely waterfall. See www.njpalisades.org/slo-hike.htm#Peanut for hike details. Bring a bike lock, comfortable walking shoes, $ for lunch or bag lunch, and water. Pace: ride, moderate; hike, slow. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Ed Ravin.

LONGER RIDE TO A SHORT PIER
9:30AM, Plaza Hotel, 50 miles

Yeah! Yeah! Everybody goes to Piermont! Big deal! But, do know why the place exists? Who cares! Just as long as it's there for cyclists knock themselves out getting there. So come, enjoy. Have a doughnut on the way back, maybe. You worked hard. You deserve it. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others.

Saturday, April 9th

MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE #9 – ROCKLAND LAKE
8:30AM, Columbus Circle, 70 miles
Quick Spin group: 8AM

Get ready for a long one. This ride will be fast and have no drops, so you’ll be expected to keep a steady pace with either group. Be sure to pack a map of Rockland County along with your patch kit and energy bars. RIDERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM 12MPH PACE ON EACH OF THESE TRAINING RIDES. PLEASE ARRIVE PREPARED WITH ENOUGH WATER AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Leaders: Steve Sakson and Dan Finton and Jesse Brown and Brian Hoberman.

HUA MEI BIRD RIDE
9:45AM, Prospect Park - entrance at Grand Army Plaza, 20 miles

It's a shame, but have you noticed that people don't seem to walk their birds like they used to? Just don't tell that to the old timers of the Hua Mei Bird Club of Chinatown. On any Saturday you can find these chirping beauties (the birds not the men) as they sit in the park and try to out-sing each other. We'll tread lightly and respectfully since we don't want to ruffle any feathers as we explore the secrets of the Hua Mei bird. Mr. Zhu Ge Da (better known as Dan Greenberg) will give us some tips on the art of bird walking and what to look for when hunting (oops) for a Chinese birdcage. Bring lock, and lunch money for a meal at a Chinatown dumpling house. Leaders Richard Sanford and Ken Williams.

Sunday, April 10th

MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE #10 – SUNKEN MEADOW
8AM, Cunningham Park, 75 miles

This is a hefty ride to the east end so no slow-pokes, please. No Point-Drop-Sweep but we’ll still have a fast and slow group. Just so long as you fill your camelbak, pack enough energy bars and of course a spare tube or two along with that pump. RIDERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM 12MPH PACE ON EACH OF THESE TRAINING RIDES. PLEASE ARRIVE PREPARED WITH ENOUGH WATER AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY. PLEASE ALSO BRING AN MTA-RAIL PASS IN CASE YOU NEED TO BAIL OUT AND TAKE THE RAILROAD BACK TO QUEENS. THE LONG ISLAND RAILROAD WILL NOT LET YOU RIDE WITHOUT AN MTA-RAIL PASS. Leaders: Victor Sanchez-Valado and Ira Najowitz and Ed Pino and Liz Baum.

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. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others.

Saturday, April 16th

MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE #11 – STONY POINT
8:30AM, Columbus Circle, 82 miles

This is a highly technical ride as well as long distance, so please be prepared for the hills. You must be able to follow the cue sheet on your own. You must bring snacks and enough water or you could easily bonk along the way. There won’t be any drops and the pace will be fast. This ride is not for beginners. RIDERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM 12MPH PACE ON EACH OF THESE TRAINING RIDES. PLEASE ARRIVE PREPARED WITH ENOUGH WATER AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Leaders: Steve Taylor and Jesse Brown and Susan Rodetis.

Sunday, April 17th

MONTAUK METRIC TRAINING RIDE #2 – ENGLEWOOD
9AM, Plaza Hotel, 30 miles

Englewood is our second stop in the Metric progression. One big climb and a fine diner make this the perfect short trip. Also be sure to bring your lock, a spare, and pump. Leaders: Eileen Kapp and Ted Kushner and Brian Hoberman.

Saturday, April 23rd

MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE #12 – LLOYD NECK
8:30AM, Cunningham Park, 85 miles

The series is reaching that crescendo of long distance rides - and Lloyd Neck is certainly one of the favorites. Once again this is for experienced riders. Be sure to pack enough fuel and water for your engine. No point-drop-sweep! RIDERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM 12MPH PACE ON EACH OF THESE TRAINING RIDES. PLEASE ARRIVE PREPARED WITH ENOUGH WATER AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY. PLEASE ALSO BRING AN MTA-RAIL PASS IN CASE YOU NEED TO BAIL OUT AND TAKE THE RAILROAD BACK TO QUEENS. THE LONG ISLAND RAILROAD WILL NOT LET YOU RIDE WITHOUT AN MTA-RAIL PASS. Leaders: Steve Sakson and Bob Castro.

Saturday, April 30th

MONTAUK METRIC TRAINING RIDE #3 – CITY ISLAND
9AM, AYH, 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. Enjoy lunch right on the sound! We want to get back early because tomorrow we have to get up really early. Brisk pace. Leaders: Danny Lieberman and Manny Sanudo and Brian Hoberman.

Saturday, May 7th

MONTAUK CENTURY TRAINING RIDE #13 – EATON’S NECK
8:00AM, Cunningham Park, 90 miles
Note time change: was listed in Bicycletter for 8:30AM start.

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. RIDERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM 12MPH PACE ON EACH OF THESE TRAINING RIDES. PLEASE ARRIVE PREPARED WITH ENOUGH WATER AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY. PLEASE ALSO BRING AN MTA-RAIL PASS IN CASE YOU NEED TO BAIL OUT AND TAKE THE RAILROAD BACK TO QUEENS. THE LONG ISLAND RAILROAD WILL NOT LET YOU RIDE WITHOUT AN MTA-RAIL PASS. Leaders: Ira Najowitz and Manny Sanudo.

Sunday, May 8th

MONTAUK METRIC TRAINING RIDE #4 – PIERMONT
9AM, Columbus Circle (new starting location!), 50 miles

I can’t think of a better destination to cap off the metric series than the charming town of Piermont, NY. Leaders: Susan Rodetis and Bob Castro and Brian Hoberman.

PALISADES BIKE HIKE - WOMEN’S FEDERATION MONUMENT
9AM, GW Bridge bus terminal, 178 St & Ft. Washington Av, 20 mile ride, 3 mile hike

It's Mother's Day, and for the occasion, we ride to the Park Headquarters in Alpine, then go on a history hike 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 hilly Henry Hudson Drive ("River Road"). Bring a bike lock, comfortable walking shoes, bag lunch, and water. Pace: ride, moderate; hike, slow. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Lee Ann Van Wyck.