The Summer of Bike

The return of our ever loving Bicycle Beach Bums series! The return of all three (count ‘em, three) 5BBC Hall of Fame rides! Circumnavigation, anyone? Or in other words, Perimeter Redux: 5 boroughs (ahem), 5 rides that act like a chalk outline. And two of the aforementioned are part of an awe-inspiring four-rides-in-a-day Alfredo marathon that’s guaranteed to earn those who complete the quartet a special patch (or at least a special mention). Plus a special guided tour of perhaps the most unique Bridge that spans the Hudson. What better way is there to spend the summer (especially in these high gas price days) than to grab your bike and put pedal to the mettle? Don’t forget those extra water bottles, sunscreen and of course, your helmet! Also, remember to check our day rides listing at http://www.5bbc.org/rides.shtml for late breaking updates and schedule additions which arrived after the newsletter deadline.

Friday, July 4 (Independence Day), 2008

Day Ride

HISTORICAL GREENWOOD CEMETERY

9:00 AM, City Hall, 15 miles

You know how famous people lived. Now get a look at how they spend eternity. Pay respects to Leonard Bernstein, Boss Tweed, Tiffany, Greeley, Ebbets, Eubie Blake, Joe Gallo and other dignitaries. Bring a camera and binoculars for bird spotting. Leaders: Terry Chin and Ed DeFreitas

Day Ride

INDEPENDENCE ISLAND

9:00 AM, Columbus Circle, 40 miles

City Island is a favorite destination of mine, so let’s go back there for our national holiday. We’ll have lunch right on the water. Plenty of greenways along with some urban scenery. Moderate pace. Bring a cable lock and $ for lunch. Leaders: Danny Lieberman and others.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Day Ride

AROUND AND OVER THE HUDSON

8:45 AM, City Hall, 9:15 AM, South Ferry or 10:00 AM, St George Ferry Terminal, 43 miles

See NYC from a ferry, Liberty State Park & Hoboken. Then stretch your legs along a long shoreline stretch from Hoboken to the GW Bridge (with the one big hill). Bridge the Hudson back to NYC. Pass Seinfeld's (who?) old haunt and choose your lunch cuisine. It's all on one Amsterdam Avenue block. Then, we'll follow the Hudson River line (really, ask Ed why) back down to City Hall. Bring a lock & $ for lunch. Moderate pace, mostly flat with one hill. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others

Day Ride

MT. KISCO LANDSCAPES

9:00 AM, White Plains Rd. and Pelham Pkwy (Pelham Pkwy. station on the #2 subway), 60-65 miles

We'll enjoy an extraordinary ride through beautiful lower Westchester County. Relatively traffic free and very scenic, we'll definitely be going Green. 15 mph pace. Leaders: Rodney D. Millard and Jesse Brown

Day Ride

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS #1

10:00 AM, Prospect Park (Grand Army Plaza), 30 miles

The beach rides are back and the 5BBC has them! Why tire yourself out riding at a furious pace when you can be relaxing on the beach? Join us every Sunday through the end of August when we ride out to the delightful beaches of the Rockaways. The trip is pancake flat and the water’s warm. Bring a bathing suit, bike lock, sunscreen, and bring or buy lunch along the way. This is a moderate paced ride suitable for everyone! Leaders: Phil Goldberg and Sharon Behnke

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Day Ride

SANDY HOOK MAXIMUM BEACH

7:45 AM, Pier 11, 23 miles

We’re getting to Sandy Hook on the 8:15AM ferry to do some cycling, then to North Beach for usual summer activities. Bring $53 fare, sunglasses, sunscreen, two water bottles, swim gear, $ for lunch and lock to secure bike. Come early to buy tickets. We’ll have a choice taking the 3:45PM, 5:45PM or 7:30PM (via Highlands) back to Manhattan. Mostly flat, some busy & hilly roads. Co-listed with the NYCC. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia and Phil Goldberg

Day Ride

BRING THE KIDS ROUND 1

9:00 AM, Columbus Circle, 5-10 miles

Here’s the first of two Children friendly rides! Parent(s) or Guardians must accompany each child, and all participants must wear appropriate helmets. We will enjoy traffic free roadways and the Central Park Merry-go-round. There will be other joys to behold you may be sure. Leaders: Jesse Brown and Andrea Casertano

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Day Ride

BROOKLYN ULTRA PERIMETER

8:00 AM, City Hall, 50 miles

From Coney Island to Jamaica Bay, this ride is every bit “Brooklyn” as we can make it. Relatively flat terrain at a “B” pace. Lunch on the water. Remember to pack water, sun screen and a camera. Leaders: Danny Lieberman and Fred Dieckamp.

Day Ride

PRESIDENTIAL VENTURE

9:00 AM, White Plains Rd. and Pelham Pkwy (Pelham Pkwy. station on the #2 subway), 40-50 miles

We'll be headed to specially secured areas seldom seen by or visited by the general public (beautiful, quiet and very "Presidential"). Lower Westchester County as you may have never seen it before on a journey of joyousness. 15 mph pace. Leaders: Rodney D. Millard and Jesse Brown

Day Ride

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS #2

10:00 AM, Prospect Park (Grand Army Plaza), 30 miles

More beach! Join us every Sunday through the end of August when we ride out to the delightful beaches of the Rockaways. The trip is pancake flat and the water’s warm. Bring a bathing suit, bike lock, sunscreen, and bring or buy lunch along the way. This is a moderate paced ride suitable for everyone! Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Marina Bekkerman

Day Ride

MONSEY: HILLS AND KOSHER PIZZA

9:30AM, GWB Bus Station, Distance 50 miles, Moderately Hilly, 15mph average speed on flat terrain.

We're off to Monsey via the scenic parts of North NJ, where we'll have some nice descents and moderately steep climbs along quiet suburban streets and country roads as we pass through suburban Bergen County to Rockland County. Lunch at a bike-friendly Kosher pizzeria offering regular as well as whole wheat slices. Afterwards, we'll ride more downhills on scenic country roads and then a long straight haul down the middle of Bergen County. Let's stop for a quick look at Van Saun Park and its Zoo before another climb back to the bridge. Optional side trip at the end for ice cream in Manhattan. Bring a lock and $$ for lunch. Triples are recommended unless you've got strong legs. Leaders: Dana Hudes and Manny Sanudo

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Day Ride

EATON’S NECK, L.I.

8:00 AM, Cunningham Park, 85 miles

This is a repeat of the Montauk Training Ride completed this past May. Due to the popularity of the ride & requests to have it again, we are posting it once more. This is a long, quick paced trip which offers rewards of beautiful scenery and great companionship. Multiple bail out locations throughout the ride. So bring MTA Rail pass, money for lunch, hydration and two spare tubes. Quick Spin "B" pace average of 15 mph, approx. 18 mph on flats. Note: Point, Drop, or Sweep will NOT be used on this ride. Cue sheet ride means you should be able to read and follow a detailed cue sheet provided at start of ride. Leaders: Ira Najowitz & Dennis Griffin

Day Ride

BRING THE KIDS ROUND 2

9:00 AM, Prospect Park (Grand Army Plaza), 5-10 miles

Here’s the second of two Children friendly rides! Parent(s) or Guardians must accompany each child, and all participants must wear appropriate helmets. We will enjoy traffic free roadways and the Prospect Park Merry-go-round. There will be other joys to behold you may be sure. Leaders: Jesse Brown and TBA

Day Ride

THE PHILS BIRTHDAY RIDE, PART 1

10:00 AM, Cunningham Park, 25-30 miles, nonexistent pace

The mutual celebration is so big we're doing it twice (It's déjà vu all over again). That’s right, this ride is going out both days (Saturday July 19 AND Sunday, July 20. The ride will go through northwest Queens, especially to the spot where Phil O' got his first hickey (and we don’t mean the body spot). Signups are limited to the first 100. Bring presents for Phil O’ and orange Gatorade for Phil G., and bring presents to receive the correct Q-sheet. Late lunch in Elmhurst, with secured and safe bike parking. Bring lots of $. Warning: Phil O’s wife and dog are near. Birthday Leaders: Phil G and Phil O' plus the Infidel, Alfredo Garcia

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Day Ride

WALKWAY OVER THE HUDSON

8:30 AM, Grand Central Terminal, 40-50 miles

In the fall of 2009, the majestic Poughkeepsie Highland Railroad Bridge will celebrate its anticipated grand opening as the world’s longest (and highest) bridged pedestrian walkway/biking rail trail, just in time for the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s discovery of the waterway that bears his name. And rail trail is an apt description: finished in 1888, the Bridge served passenger trains for nearly 100 years. This special ride will include a guided tour of the Bridge, as hosted by Fred Schaeffer, Chairman of Walkway Over The Hudson, the advocacy group that has spearheaded the campaign to restore the span to its new use. Not only that, but Fred’s an avid biker himself! We’ll view the Bridge from points east and west, and there’s a strong possibility for access onto the Bridge itself. PLEASE NOTE: For safer access, cyclists with cleats must bring sneakers or walking shoes, as the Bridge contains small gaps in planking. Participants are asked to consider donations or membership; see www.walkway.org for further info. Bring Metro North bike permit, $24 round trip fare and bike locks. Flat to rolling terrain, a few steep hills. Leaders: Ted Kushner and Ed DeFreitas

Day Ride

QUEENS ULTRA PERIMETER

8:00 AM, Bridgemarket, 70 miles

Two airports, two racetracks, and more scenery than ever before. Make the early start and you’ll be rewarded with a delightful ride. Note average pace about 16mph. Lots of hills included! Travel light and bring enough snacks and water. Limited stops. Leaders: Danny Lieberman and Fred Dieckamp.

Day Ride

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS #3

10:00 AM, Prospect Park (Grand Army Plaza), 30 miles

Even more beach! Join us every Sunday through the end of August when we ride out to the delightful beaches of the Rockaways. The trip is pancake flat and the water’s warm. Bring a bathing suit, bike lock, sunscreen, and bring or buy lunch along the way. This is a moderate paced ride suitable for everyone! Leaders: Rhonda Wittorf and Bob Castro

Day Ride

THE PHILS BIRTHDAY RIDE, PART 2

10:00 AM, Cunningham Park, 25-30 miles, nonexistent pace

The mutual celebration is so big we're doing it twice (It's déjà vu all over again). That’s right, this ride is going out both days (Saturday July 19 AND Sunday, July 20. The ride will go through northwest Queens, especially to the spot where Phil O' got his first hickey (and we don’t mean the body spot). Signups are limited to the first 100. Bring presents for Phil O’ and orange Gatorade for Phil G., and bring presents to receive the correct Q-sheet. Late lunch in Elmhurst, with secured and safe bike parking. Bring lots of $. Warning: Phil O’s wife and dog are near. Birthday Leaders: Phil G and Phil O'

Day Ride

THE LOTTERY RIDE

8:30 am, HI-AYH, 70 miles, quick-spin

We will visit three states to acquire (hopefully) winning Lottery tickets. This ride has a great following, beautiful vistas, and a winning history, including a $508 cash-in last year. Note quick spin pace of 16-18 mph. Leaders: Jesse Brown and Ken Williams

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Day Ride

HOLY-WOOD RIDE

9:15 AM, City Hall, approximately 18 leisurely miles

When Said was a boy in Egypt his mother became so upset with his grades that she did what many distraught mothers do; she slapped him upside his head! When all else failed, she went a step further and sent the boy off to woodcarving school. “Knock on wood,” the kid made it…and made it big! We’ll visit Said’s workshop and studio in Woodside, Queens and find out how this boy (now an older man) became a woodcarving idol. We’ll learn about Said’s church carvings and see some of the furniture projects he is currently working on. Bring lock and money for lunch at a nearby ethnic restaurant. Rain at start cancels. Leaders: Richard Sanford and Jim Mallard

Day Ride

BIKE, ROCKAWAYS, BOAT

10:00 AM, City Hall, 23 plus miles, mostly flat

We'll ride one way to the Rockaways and take a summer boat back to Manhattan via the US Parks Dept. & NY Water Ferry Taxi. More details will become available on the 5BBC bulletin board. Co-listed with NYCC. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia & others

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Day Ride

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS #4

10:00 AM, Prospect Park (Grand Army Plaza), 30 miles

Enjoy fun and sun and sand and shore! Join us every Sunday through the end of August when we ride out to the delightful beaches of the Rockaways. The trip is pancake flat and the water’s warm. Bring a bathing suit, bike lock, sunscreen, and bring or buy lunch along the way. This is a moderate paced ride suitable for everyone! Leaders: Susan Levine

Day Ride

LATE RISERS - QUICK SPIN CARMEL EXPRESS

Take Metro North Harlem Line from Grand Central (9:48 AM) or 125th St (9:58 AM) to Brewster (11:08 AM) Meet at Brewster RR station. 55 miles, mostly flat with a few steep hills.

A nearly traffic-free B16 (quick spin) pace from Carmel, NY back to the city, via the Putnam Line rail-trail (aka North & South County Trailways) for a total of 55 miles. You'll need your MTA bike pass and $11 for carfare, NOTE: 70% of this ride is traffic free and often in remote areas. Thus, please bring lunch, snacks, 2 tubes, plenty of water, and sunscreen. There will be a brief lunch / rest stop. Leaders: Ken Williams and Wentworth Price.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Day Ride

QUEENS BROOKLYN MOSAIC

9:00 AM, Bridgemarket (E. 60th St. and 1st Ave., Manhattan), 20 miles

From borscht to arooz con pollo, we’ll tour some interesting neighborhoods: Long Island City, Greenpoint, Willamsburg, Fort Greene, the waterfront and Brooklyn Heights. This classic tour is one of three inaugural inductees into the 5BBC Hall of Fame Rides! Ride ends with lunch several blocks from the 125-year old Brooklyn Bridge. Bring lock and lunch money. Mostly flat with a few steep hills. Leaders: Terry Chin and Jim Zisfein.

Day Ride

BRONX PERIMETER

9:00 A.M, AYH, 30 + miles

This may be our last year to see the "House that Ruth Built". Anyone who loves baseball gotta shed a tear. But, we press on to one of the more unusual nabes for NYC: Riverdale. Okay, it's high but, it don't look like Da Bronx. Then touch on Westchester to get to a great path through Pelham Park, have lunch before the Riviera, a fort and college tucked under a bridge and more. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others

Day Ride

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS #5

10:00 AM, Prospect Park (Grand Army Plaza), 30 miles

More fun and sun and sand and shore! Join us every Sunday through the end of August when we ride out to the delightful beaches of the Rockaways. The trip is pancake flat and the water’s warm. Bring a bathing suit, bike lock, sunscreen, and bring or buy lunch along the way. This is a moderate paced ride suitable for everyone! Leaders: Phil Goldberg and Ted Kushner

Day Ride

PRINCETON CENTURY (COLLEGE CARAVAN)

7:30 am, PATH Station 33rd St. and 6th Ave platform mezzanine, 100 miles

This one's a flat 100 miler from Newark Penn. Station to Princeton New Jersey. Note quick spin pace of 16-18 mph, and point, drop, or sweep will NOT be used. This is a flat century with many extraordinary potentials if you're ready. Be more self sufficient, challenge yourself, and improve your riding abilities. You're sure to have a lot of fun. Leaders: Rodney D. Millard and Jesse Brown

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Day Ride

4-IN-1 CYCLING MARATHON

Let’s ride all day, nearly 24 hours, about a hundred miles, for the sheer nerve of it. Do one, several or all. Those riding ALL FOUR & stay with me will get a special embroidered patch. Stamina and alertness, as well as a bike in good condition are required. Main Leader: Alfredo Garcia

Day Ride

• STATEN ISLAND EARLY PERIMETER

  4:00 AM, South Ferry, 40+ miles

  Early bird ride for those who want to do other things in the day. We take the 4:30 AM boat to Staten Island. We’ll take about 4 hours to ride around Staten Island, averaging about 12mph (note: leader will ride a sturdy touring road bike). Bring food & water. Cyclists must have bike in good working order as well as being fit to finish ride in 3.5 hours or less. 1st of 4 rides to be done within 24 hours. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia and Jesse Brown

  Day Ride

• SANDY HOOK

  10:00 AM (yes, 10:00 am for this date only), Pier 11, 23 miles

  Nice scenery. No beach time, just riding around. Some sightseeing pauses at the Hook. Fare: $53. Mostly flat, some hills, busy roads. 2nd of 4 rides to be done within 24 hours. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia and Steven Libby

  Day Ride

• CONEY ISLAND

  5:30 PM, City Hall, 25+ miles,

  Cycle for hot dogs & knishes at Nathan’s and pause at the boardwalk. Front & Rear Lights recommended. Mostly flat with one hilly Brooklyn Bridge. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia, Brian Hoberman, Ken Williams

  Day Ride

• LINCOLN TUNNEL RUN THROUGH

  9:30 PM, 13th St . & Ninth Ave , Manhattan (at pedestrian median, near the M11 bus stop), 23 miles

  By any other name, one of the Club’s oldest continuously held rides, and an inaugural inductee into the 5BBC Hall of Fame Rides! Cycle on this annual night ride, culminating in a spin under (through?) that imbedded underwater worm, the Lincoln Tunnel. Ride subject to cancellation by the Port Authority. FRONT & REAR LIGHTS REQUIRED. Optional breakfast afterwards. 4th of 4 rides to be done within 24 hours. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia, Phil Goldberg and others

Day Ride

THE END OF THE (LIRR) LINE

8:00 AM, Cunningham Park, 55-60 miles

We'll head on out to Port Jefferson in Suffolk County via North Shore roads and bikeways. Ability to read and follow a cue sheet is a strong recommendation. No one will be left behind as you have the option to take the LIRR back from Port Jefferson at the ride's conclusion or from any other LIRR station earlier in the ride. Quick Spin "B" pace average of 15 mph, approx. 18 mph on flats. Note: Point, Drop, or Sweep will NOT be used on this ride. Bring MTA Rail pass, hydration, money for lunch and fare back to the city. Must bring a smile on your face and a good attitude on the ride. Leaders: Ira Najowitz and Dennis Griffin

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Day Ride

STATEN ISLAND REGULAR PERIMETER

9:00 AM, South Ferry; 10:00 AM, St. George Ferry terminal, 40 + miles

A ride so nice, we’re doing this one twice. This is for the regular folks at a regular pace at a regular time. This is a perfect place to do a Perimeter. It's an island! It has big hills in the middle (which we avoid). We follow the classic Alfredo Garcia route he created back in 1997 and see all the great places along the shore. Kind of cool for a summer's day (we hope). Lunch on the grounds of the Conference House. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and TBA

Day Ride

BICYCLE BEACH BUMS #6

10:00 AM, Prospect Park (Grand Army Plaza), 30 miles

Let’s get some suntan, sandtan and shoretan! Join us every Sunday through the end of August when we ride out to the delightful beaches of the Rockaways. The trip is pancake flat and the water’s warm. Bring a bathing suit, bike lock, sunscreen, and bring or buy lunch along the way. This is a moderate paced ride suitable for everyone! Leaders: Rhonda Wittorf and Bob Castro