These were rides in November - December 2005. Click here for current rides.

November 5, 2005: Beneath the parabolic arches of the Bayonne Bridge. Bridges of New York. Photo by Jim Zisfein.

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

Indicates relaxed pace, easy ride

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Saturday, October 22nd

IF YOU SEE A FORK IN THE ROAD, PICK IT UP!
9:30AM, AYH, 35 miles... or is it 50?
The Yogi ride is off. This is strike 3. Please check back for Spring training.

Was it 35 miles.. or was it 50? We STILL haven't figured out the exact mileage to the Yogi Berra Learning Museum, in nearby Montclair NJ, because the last 2 times we tried, we got rained out. Will this be strike 3? Well, it sure looks nearby on the map, so we'll reset the odometers and navigate our way to see some nifty baseball memorabilia, courtesy of retired Number 8, NY Yankees. See www.yogiberramuseum.org for program updates. Just remember: this ride ain't over til it's over, right Lawrence Peter? Bring $6 for museum admission, World Series predictions, bike locks and lunch dough. Moderate pace with lots of hills. Leaders: Ted M. Kushner, Ed Pino and Liz Baum.

SPINNING UP THE HILLS
8:25AM, Grand Central Terminal, 45 miles
9:45AM at Croton-Harmon station

Join us for this beautiful, but very hilly ride through northern Westchester. While spinning on the hills (with cumulative climbing of 3500 feet), we can enjoy the fall foliage and 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. If the weather makes the ride questionable, call Brian at (917) 868-0013. Terrain: hills, hills, and more hills. Approx end time 6PM (Croton) or 7PM (GCT). Leaders: Brian Hoberman and Alfredo Garcia.

Sunday, October 23rd

HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM
10AM, Plaza Hotel, 30 miles

We'll ride through Central Park and up the center spine of Manhattan. We'll 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 a planetarium, an ecological display of the entire Hudson River and lunch with a view of the Palisades. If you didn't love Our river before....well. 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. Maybe a bonus museum as well. Visit www.hrm.org. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others.

Saturday, October 29th

FALLING FOR PLANTING FIELDS
8AM, Bridgemarket (1st Ave & E 60th, Manhattan), 58 miles
9:45AM, Cunningham Park, 45 miles

Join us for a ride to Planting Fields, one of the few remaining Gold Coast estates on Long Island’s North Shore that retains its original 400+ acreage as well as its historic buildings and landscape. We'll spend some time on its rolling lawns and formal gardens, all the while enjoying them at what we hope is the peak of the fall foliage season. And with Halloween in just a couple of days, perhaps there will be some spooky fun to be had while we're there! Free entry to the grounds, but bring a lock and $ for optional visit to its two greenhouses. More info at www.plantingfields.org. If the weather makes the ride questionable, call Brian at (917) 868-0013. Terrain: rolling hills. Ride will end at Cunningham Park approx 6PM (No group return to Manhattan). Leaders: Brian Hoberman and Stephen Jackel.

BEAR MOUNTAIN METRIC CENTURY: THE SIX COUNTY RIDE
8AM, Plaza Hotel, 65 miles

The last day of Daylight Savings is a perfect time for a Fall reprise of the popular Summer ride. After biking along the western shore of the Hudson, challenge yourself by riding up Perkins Drive to the summit (about 1300 feet above sea level). The view is worth it! Return to NYC on Metro North from the Garrison Station. Bring a MTA rail pass and $10 train fare. Terrain: HILLY with some VERY STEEP climbs. Leaders: Ira Najowitz and Jim Zisfein.

Sunday, October 30th (Standard Time Begins)

CEMETERY RIDE SPECIAL EDITION
9AM, Bridgemarket (1st Ave & East 60th St), 40-45 miles

Just thinking about this ride gives me chills. There is a belt of greenery in southern Queens that is populated by quiet parklands and the dead. Let’s take a spin around that quiet part of town. A new, longer route will include more cemeteries and quiet neighborhoods. (It’s still fall foliage time in the city.) Moderate pace. Bring a lock and $ for lunch at a diner. Terrain: some rolling hills. Leaders: Danny Lieberman, John Chiarella and Ed DeFreitas.

Saturday, November 5th

THE SUPERIMETER! (Quick Spin)
8AM, Bridgemarket, 75+ miles

Look out! You’ve never seen a perimeter ride like this one! We’ve combined the best of the Brooklyn and Queens Perimeter rides to make this the longest and fastest perimeter ride ever! From Coney Island, JFK Airport, Fort Totten and Shea Stadium, we’ll circle around the boroughs of the Dodgers and the Mets. Note: this new route has been streamlined to minimize turns and we’ll see some different neighborhoods along the way. This is a brand new Perimeter Ride! Be prepared to ride 15+mph. No slackers! Bring a lock and $ for lunch at a diner. Remember to carry enough water and pocket snacks for this long ride. Terrain is mostly flat but there will be a few noticable hills. Stops will be limited. Leaders Danny Lieberman and Mark Trainor and others.

OLD RICHMONDTOWN STATEN ISLAND
11AM, Staten Island Borough Hall, 30 hilly miles

Join us for this Fall ride to Old Richmond Town and Civil War Enactment. Take time to explore some of the old buildings, thereare 27 of them and many have been restored and are open for touring. Bring a lock and $ for lunch and $6 for Civil War Reenactment. Leaders: Jim Mallard and others.

BRIDGES OF NEW YORK, ENCORE PRESENTATION
7:30AM, Chelsea Piers, 60-80 miles

I rarely do requests of any sort, but this time “Midwest” could not be refused. Ride: 17 bridges in 5 boroughs that are cyclist accessible, in fluid sequence. Basics: not for beginners or faint of heart; must ride 12-15mph pace, deal with busy traffic, pedestrians and uncertainty; ride 40 miles before lunch. Make sure you do some hard riding beforehand. This will be tough! Those who finish will be honored with a simple memento of my own choosing. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia and others.

Sunday, November 6th

PALISADES BIKE HIKE: GREENBROOK SANCTUARY
9AM, GW Bridge Bus Term, W178th St & Ft Washington Ave 15 mile ride, 3 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. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Marina Bekkerman.

QUADRUPLE BYPASS
10AM, City Hall, 20 miles

If you wanted to do hills but, not leave the East River... Ah, of course! First ride over the Brooklyn Bridge. Then, the Manhattan Bridge. Go through the Lower East Side. No Katz's please! Okay, maybe a pickle. Now, the Williamsburg Bridge with those @#$%^&* bumps. There outta be law! Okay, now north along Bedford. STAY AWAY FROM THE RESTAURANTS!! Later! We'll eat later. Hop over the Newtown Creek. That's Newtown not newton. Stop thinking cookies. In L.I.C., maybe a museum. Not sure if bike friendly. I'm working on it, relax. Okey, maybe an island hop. Now that you've rested, the QB looms on the horizon. So, up we go. We'll follow the East river south to a bike friendly pizza place. Yeah, yeah, esse kinder. But, I’m not buying! Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others.

Saturday, November 12th

THE GREATEST TURKEY RIDE
10AM, AYH, 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 30 mile mostly flat ride. The usual weather conditions apply. Bring a lock and $5-7 for lunch. Leaders Ed Pino and Liz Baum.

SEW WHAT RIDE?
10AM, Prospect Park entrance at Grand Army Plaza, 20 miles

Let’s face it, a lot goes on behind “clothes” doors…and peering through the doors of a clothing factory might get a steel door slammed in your face. But, SEARLE Manufacturing and Retailing with their upscale Manhattan stores will be happy to let their pants down (or is it dresses and coats?) and show us their Queens clothing factory in action. Even if you are not a man or woman of the cloth, there are bound to be some surprises! Bring lock and money for lunch at a local ethnic restaurant. Leisurely pace. Leaders: Richard Sanford and Randy Horowitz. IF IT RAINS THE RIDE IS STILL ON!!! - WE TAKE THE TRAIN!!!

Sunday, November 13th

ROCK AROUND THE ROCK
9:45AM, City Hall, 40 miles
11AM, St George Ferry Terminal, Staten Island

What would it be if the Revolutionary War never happened? Well, on Staten Island, that almost happened. And, we're going to that spot and Walk the same earth that a personal hero, BenjaminFranklin, trod. We'll enjoy some flats and hills. Bring lunch or money for it. Terrain is mostly flat with one !@#$%^&* hill. Pace 12-15mph. Leaders Ed DeFreitas and others.

Saturday, November 19th

KEW GARDENS TO OYSTER BAY (Quick Spin)
9AM, Kew Gardens, Statue of Civic Virtue, 55 miles

Meet at the statue at the corner of Queens Blvd and Union Turnpike for this quick spin ride out to Oyster Bay. Moderate and rolling hills as we head through Jamaica Estates, eastern Queens, Upper Brookville and Muttontown. Bring a lock and bring or buy lunch. Quick spin pace of 15mph+. Leaders: Dennis Griffin and others.

Sunday, November 20th

FROSTBITE RIDE #0 : BROADWAY IN SUMMIT
9AM, WTC Path Station, approx 40 miles

If you want the real lowdown on the upcoming annual Frostbite ride series, including dates, destinations, mileages, snow and ice forecasts, and food options, this preview ride will travel to the Broadway Diner. Not to our traditional stop in Bayonne, but rather it’s sister location in Summit, NJ, for the “world’s greatest pancakes”, and a chance to discover which outlet has the best cooking. Moderate pace but note longer mileage and hillier terrain than a typical Frostbite. Bring bike locks, $3 PATH fare and flapjack flappers. Heavy rain cancels. Leaders: Ted M. Kushner and Ed DeFreitas.

TRAFFIC HATERS RIDE TO LEED’S POND
10AM, Cunningham Park, 30 miles

Take the back roads to a quiet spot on Nassau County’s north shore. Rain or the threat of rain cancels. Easy pace. Terrain: A few hills. We will buy lunch. Bring a lock. Leaders: Manny Sanudo and others.

Saturday, November 26th

POST-TURKEY TIME-OUT
9:30AM, City Hall, 30-35 miles

Christmas shopping completed? Take a time-out from the relatives and all that leftover turkey for a quiet ride through nearby Queens and Brooklyn neighborhoods. No fixed destination or route at press time. Be sure to bring a lock, and lunch will probably be indoors at this time of year. Moderate pace. Leaders: Danny Lieberman and others.

Sunday, November 27th

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 and others.

Saturday, December 3rd

AROUND THE WORLD TO FILLMORE’S
10AM, AYH, 30 miles

Join Ed & Liz on our ride to Fillmore’s for lunch. This will be an easy flat ride of 30 miles through the borough of Queens. We will circle the globe and eat in a pub like atmosphere. Join us on this warm winter journey for a trip around the world and a great lunch. Bring $10.00, for a real lunch. Bring a bike lock, the restaurant is bike friendly, and a good attitude. Leaders: Ed Pino and Liz Baum.

Sunday, December 4th

FROSTBITE RIDE #1: THE WORLD’S GREATEST PANCAKES
10AM, City Hall, 25 miles
11AM, St George Ferry Terminal, Staten Island

This is the traditional start to our clubs 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: We have an alternate plan if the weather is bad! Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and Danny Lieberman.

Saturday, December 10th

KEW GARDENS TO OYSTER BAY (Quick Spin)
9AM, Kew Gardens, Statue of Civic Virtue, 55 miles

Meet at the statue at the corner of Queens Blvd and Union Turnpike for this quick spin ride out to Oyster Bay. Moderate and rolling hills as we head through Jamaica Estates, eastern Queens, Upper Brookville and Muttontown. Bring a lock and bring or buy lunch. Quick spin pace of 15mph+. Leaders: Dennis Griffin and others.

Sunday, December 11th

FROSTBITE RIDE #2: FLAT ROCK NATURE PRESERVE
10AM, City Hall, 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. Clothing is not optional. Leaders Ed DeFreitas and others.

Friday, December 16th

DIGI-TALL FACTORY RIDE
10AM, Prospect Park entrance at Grand Army Plaza, 20 miles

Okay, you’ve got your image to keep and insist on having a picture of you made in your nighties, large enough to be plastered on a 42nd Street billboard. No problem, gorgeous, meet Mark at “291 Digital”, Manhattan, who can make you a billboard as large as a city block. This company has incredible machinery and what they turn out will amaze you. Join us for this Friday digital imaging factory tour where you are sure to be impressed, (if not imprinted). Bring lock and money for lunch at a local Manhattan deli. Leisurely pace. Leaders: Richard Sanford and Randy Horowitz. If rain or light snow, we still go but take the subway. Heavy snow or icy conditions cancels.

Saturday, December 17th

FREEZER JAM # 1: THE SOUTH BRONX
10AM, Bridgemarket, less than 20 miles

Winter brings more winter rides! We may visit the Hunts Point section to see the new home of the Fulton Fish Market, as well as some other unique destinations within the Bronx. Dress warmly in layers and be sure to bring a lock and $ for a lunch stop in a warm place. Easy pace, flat terrain. Leaders: Danny Lieberman and Jim Zisfein.

Sunday, December 18th

FROSTBITE RIDE # 3: XMAS IN THE MEDI-EVIL CLOISTERS
10AM, City Hall, 25 miles

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

Saturday, December 24th

(NO RIDES)

Sunday, December 25th

FROSTBITE RIDE # 4: XMAS LIGHTS IN DYKER HEIGHTS (and Dim Sum Too)
12 NOON, City Hall, 30 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. Then swing around back to Sixth Ave. for lunch. On the way back, we'll take in the Manhattan skyline from Sunset Park. Bring front and rear lights as we will be riding after sunset. Led by Ed DeFreitas and others.

Saturday, December 31st

(NO RIDES)

Sunday, January 1st

FROSTBITE RIDE # 5: NEW YEARS AT THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDENS
10AM, Plaza Hotel, 25 miles

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. See www.nybg.org for internet info. Bring a digital camera, lock, $ for lunch and $3 admission. Leaders Ed DeFreitas and others.

Saturday, January 7th

FREEZER JAM # 2: RED HOOK
10AM, Bridgemarket, 20 miles

Staying with the industrial post-modern theme, we’ll ride through more of the chic Brooklyn neighborhoods to wonderful Red Hook, with harbor views, neighborhood gardens and magnificent deserted warehouses. Bring a lock, $ for lunch and a smile. Easy paced and flat terrain. Leaders: Danny Lieberman and others.

Sunday, January 8th

FROSTBITE RIDE # 6: RIDE TO GARIBALDI & ALICE AUSTEN (Staten Island)
10AM, City Hall, 20 miles

Get transported again by the Staten Island Ferry for scenic riding. You can get anything you want at Alice’s Restaurant - oops, wrong song, it’s Cargo’s. Visit the home of famed photographer Alice Austen, with gleaming views of New York Bay. She won’t be home, but appreciates you coming. Check the trip-related web site at www.aliceausten.8m.com Dont’ worry about Giuseppe Garibaldi, baby. Bring $ for lunch, a lock and a digital camera. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others.