![[5BBC - New York's Five Borough Bicycle Club]](/images/5bbc.gif)
These were rides in September-October 2008. Click here for upcoming rides.
These are upcoming rides. Click here for rides archive.
August 9, 2008: No walking. No bicycling. But there are no rules against smiling. 4-in-1 Cycling Marathon: Lincoln Tunnel Run-Through. Photo by Rhonda Wittorf. Please note that helmets are required on all 5BBC rides.
![[Happy-face ride]](/images/smiley.gif)
Indicates relaxed pace, easy ride
For more information, please see:
- Ride locations - where do we meet?
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A Better Way to Fall
With helmets of course, which are required, but what we really mean is that cool, crisp, scent of Autumn, perhaps tinged with the smell of burning leaves, or perhaps the awe inspiring sights of foliage dotting the landscape. Many cyclists pick the apres summer months as their favorite time of year to get out and pedal! Must be the almost season of the witch. But even with the hint of a nip in the air, don’t forget those water bottles, perhaps an extra layer of clothing and of course, your helmet! 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. And.. we'll see you, not “on” the road, but on the road.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
BATHE IN BAYVILLE XXI
9:30 AM, Cunningham Park, 55 miles
Join us on this perennial 5BBC summer favorite (now in its 21st year) to Long Island's North Shore. Our destination is Centre Island Beach, where we'll take time out for a swim in Oyster Bay Harbor and some sunbathing. Also one of three inaugural inductees into the 5BBC Hall of Fame Rides! Bring $ for lunch or a bag lunch, bathing suit, towel, lock, and an MTA bike pass. Rolling terrain and some steep climbs. Leaders: Ira Najowitz and Dennis Griffin.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
BICYCLE BEACH BUMS #9
10:00 AM, Prospect Park (Grand Army Plaza), 30 miles
Last Chance for da 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 Andrea Casertano.
PINE BARRENS AND BRING THE KIDS TO MEET THE BISON
7:15 AM Penn Station; 9:20 AM Patchogue LIRR station; 11:30 AM Riverhead LIRR station; 28 miles (Quick Spin) or 7, depending on start place
The Quick Spin group will take the 7:39 AM train to Patchogue, then have a Quick Spin 28 mile tour into the Pine Barrens then onward on back roads through Riverhead to Riverhead RR station where we'l meet up at 11:30 AM with our kids and other riders who took the 9:07 train from Penn Station for a happy-face ride. We'll bike at a kid-friendly casual pace on back roads through Riverhead to visit a working farm which raises bison. After a guided tour, we'll head back to Riverhead to the downtown waterfront for a picnic lunch. Kids can cycle around the waterfront area's paved off-road path before we return home on the 6:56 PM train from Riverhead station. Optional admission to the nearby Atlantis Aquarium is approx $23/adult, $19 seniors and kids 3-12; optional guided boat tour of the Peconic Bay is approx. $20/adult,$18/kids+seniors. Bring MTA permit and LIRR fare to Patchogue $9.75, to Riverhead $15.20 each way. Quick spin pace of 18 mph on flats from Patchogue/5-8 mph kid pace from Riverhead. Mostly flat, some hills in the Pine Barrens and flat in Riverhead. Leaders: Dana Hudes and Jesse Brown. RSVP recommended - email leader at dhudes@hudes.org .
Monday, September 1, 2008 (Labor Day)
GATEWAY GETAWAY – A GREAT KILLS EXCURSION
12:45 PM, South Ferry, 25 miles
Enjoy the views of the Narrows and lower NY Bay with a tour of historic Fort Wadsworth, Miller Field and the natural habitats of the Great Kills national park. We'll time our return baywatching on the late afternoon ferry. Bring bike like, snack and lock. Leaders: Terry Chin and Ed DeFreitas
Sunday September 7, 2008
THE GREAT SWAMP
8:30 AM, World Trade Center PATH (at “new” entrance near West Broadway and Vesey), 50 miles
If you ain't doing the TA Century today, this respite into suburbia is a keeper. Deep in the heart of Joisey lies an environmental treasure that has become a mecca for cyclists, hikers, and nature lovers. The Swamp nearly fell victim to plans for a local airport in the late 1950's but nowadays it's a National Wildlife refuge. We'll hop on the PATH train to Newark, then pedal to the Somerset County Environmental Center via a 4-county route, passing at least 10 different municipalities. Who says taxes out here are high. Bring $4.00 for PATH fare plus lunch money. Moderate pace, with lots of hills. Leaders: Ted M. Kushner and Manny Sanudo
THE PRETTY WAY TO SCARSDALE
10:00AM, RING Garden (“A” train to Dyckman/200th St., Manhattan), 25-30 miles
Let’s follow the Bronx River bike path, enjoy the geese, ducks and swans and peaceful babbling brook and waterfalls. Lunch will be in a Scarsdale park. We will observe Club riding etiquette. Bring your Metro-North pass for emergencies. Cancellation or shortening: 60% chance of precipitation. After you’ve checked the weather channel or 1010 WINS, call Maggie 212-567-8272 after 8 am if still in doubt about weather conditions. Leader: Maggie Clarke
Saturday, September 13, 2008
A GREAT (KILLS) BIKE DAY
9:15 AM, South Ferry, about 25 miles
The Staten Island Museum of Art has offered free admission to anyone who arrives on a human-powered vehicle -- but only until August. But, hey, what the heck, let's all take our HPVs and ferry over to see the current show anyway, "Making Things Go: Bikes and Human-Powered Vehicles," before it closes. Afterwards,, the $2 bucks we shelled out on admission we'll save on gas as we quick-spin it out to Great Kills Park Eco Bike Tour for an off-road 4-mile nature ride, led by SI Museum naturalist Ray Matarazzo. MTB or hybrids with wide tires are encouraged for full nature enjoyment. We plan to be back in lower Manhattan around 6. Leaders: Jesse Brown and Josh Gosciak
BOUND TO LEAVE AN IMPRESSION RIDE
11:30 AM, Prospect Park (Grand Army Plaza), 15 miles
When Gavin hangs out on a Saturday afternoon, you might not catch him playing two hand touch, but hanging out under a gas lamp chatting with the likes of Ben Franklin, or George Washington. As a bookbinder and letter presser in his Manhattan shop he'll l have us stepping back in time as we watch him bind books and do letter pressing, all by hand. Bring lock and money for lunch at a local eatery. Rain at start cancels. Leaders: Richard Sanford and David Balzer
Sunday, September 14, 2008
MANHATTAN PERIMETER
9:00 AM, City Hall, 30 miles
Rescheduled from September 7. Where the City started is where the Perimeter series ends. It's an island, so it's easy to run the edge (sort of). There are still inaccessible shore lines. Although, it's a lot better that the first time we did this series back in 1998 as a centennial event for the City. After we take the fabulous Hudson River shore from the cyclist equivalent of I-95, we'll have lunch in Isham Park and visit a nature center. We'll find our way down the east side. The difference between the two shores is dramatic, but the ride is worth the education and, hopefully, the FREE pizza down where the city started will tempt the hungry to stick it out. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and Dana Hudes
GET ACQUAINTED RIDE TO CONEY ISLAND
10:00 AM, Prospect Park Grand Army Plaza, approx 20 miles, mostly flat
Tired of sitting on the fence? Why not get on your bike and ride with the 5BBC. This is a fun ride, easy going pace. We'll make our way to Coney Island via the Shore Parkway Bike Path. Once we arrive at our destination the choice is yours: Nathans? Totonno's? Or grab a quick lunch and sunbathe on the boardwalk. Bring locks and money for lunch. Rain at start cancels. Leaders: Andrea Casertano and Jesse Brown
Saturday, September 20, 2008
CROTON AQUEDUCT OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE
9:00 AM, Van Cortlandt Park (Broadway & W. 242nd St, last stop on IRT #1), 35 miles, mostly flat with several steep hills on dirt trails
Back in 1835, fifty acres of Manhattan were burned to a crisp in what is now called the Great Fire. Shocked by the loss of valuable real estate, New York politicians were finally inspired to build a water supply system. The route of that water tunnel, the Croton Aqueduct, is now an off-road trail through the scenic parks, woods, and backyards of Westchester County that ends at a spectacular waterfall at the Croton Dam. The dirt trail is easy riding - no previous off-road experience needed. Note: Fat-tire or hybrid bike required. Return is via Metro-North, bring MTA bike permit and $8 fare. Bring or buy lunch. Leaders: Ed Ravin and Ken Williams
Saturday, September 27, 2008
BARNEGAT CIRCUIT (Jersey Shore Series Part 3)
6:45 AM, Penn Station, 68 miles, nearly flat and scenic, at moderate to fast pace
CANCELLED due to weather.
This is a rescheduled ride from June 29. We'll take the 7:07 NJ train out of Penn Station (the 7:25 from Newark Penn Station for those coming from downtown Manhattan.) Buy your tickets early ($21.50 round trip fare). We'll get to Bay Head at 9:18AM, where we'll head down the lovely and flat-as-a-pancake coastline to Seaside Heights, then inland to Toms River. We'll skirt the Pine Barrens and Barnegat Bay, following scenic back roads that parallel the tidal waters and inlets of the bay. We'll make a final stop in Seaside, where there are amusement rides and a boardwalk. Co-listed with NYCC. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia and Josh Gosciak
Sunday, September 28, 2008
CARMEL EXPRESS
8:30 AM, Grand Central Terminal (for 8:46 AM train); or 8:45 AM, 125th St. Station (for 8:56 train); or 10:00 am, Brewster RR station; 55 miles, mostly flat with a few steep hills.
CANCELLED due to weather.
Rescheduled from July 27, this is a nearly traffic-free quick spin pace from Carmel, NY back to Manhattan, via the Putnam Line rail-trail (aka North & South County Trailways). You'll need your MTA bike pass and $10.25 fare. NOTE: 70% of this ride is traffic free and often in remote areas. Thus, please bring lunch, snacks, 2 tubes, plenty of water, insect repellant, and sunscreen. There will be a brief lunch/rest stop. Special Note: The ride is cancelled if there is a 40% chance of thunderstorms or a 50% of rain predicted. Check website bulletin, club hotline or call Ken (212) 828-3732 before 7:30 AM for updates. For those who travelled to Brewster for the July 27 trip which was cancelled, please contact Club at daytrips@5bbc.org . Leaders: Ken Williams and Wentworth Price
WESTCHESTER BIKE/HIKE: BRONX RIVER PARKWAY / CRANBERRY LAKE
9:00 AM, Woodlawn (Jerome and Bainbridge Aves, Bronx, last stop on IRT #4), 40 miles, rolling terrain with a few steep hills
Enjoy scenic Westchester County roads, bike paths, and a stop at a nature preserve where we'll take a walk around a swampy lake in a quiet, forested area. Since we'll be using the Bronx River Parkway during the Bicycle Sunday closings, as well as neighboring bike paths, the ride is 44% car free. All paths are paved and suitable for road bikes. Bring sandals or sneakers for the hike, a lightweight lock, bring or buy lunch. Leaders: Ed Ravin and others
Saturday, October 4, 2008
EAST ISLAND
9:30 AM, Cunningham Park, 50 miles
Come on a scenic fall ride to East Island in Glen Cove on Long Island's North Shore. It was J.P. Morgan Jr.'s private estate and the great Brooklyn Dodger catcher Roy Campanella also lived there. If it's warm, we'll eat lunch at Pryibil Beach and return via Sea Cliff (very steep but worth it!). Great views of Long Island Sound are guaranteed. Moderate pace. Rolling terrain with some steep climbs. Leaders: Ira Najowitz and Ron Sexton
Thursday, October 9, 2008
REMEMBRANCE DAY RIDE
9:00 AM, Doughnut Plant, 30 miles, quck pace out; easy ride back
We'll travel lightly through Williamsburg to Sheepshead Bay, where we’ll place stones on the Holocaust Memorial in observance of Yom Kippur. Then we’ll ceremoniously lift the veil, close the book, wash our hands of it (in the nearby ocean), and head over to Totonno’s Pizzeria for lunch. (Those observing: we’ll be back in the city no later than 3PM, in time to hear the shofar and break the fast.) Leaders Josh Gosciak and LeeAnn Van Wyck.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
TRAFFIC HATERS RIDE TO WELWYN PRESERVE
9:00 AM, Cunningham Park, about 50 miles
An unusual ride to a beautiful 200-acre preserve on Long Island’s North Shore. With tall trees, streams, beaches and nature trails, this Nassau County park is far off the beaten bike path. Bring lunch or money for it. Rain at start cancels. Leaders: Manny Sanudo and others
GÜIROS Y PUPUSAS - SPANISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION RIDE
10:00 AM, City Hall, 20 miles
Your continuing education Spanish Language Immersion Ride continues. Get ready for our one day getaway to Ecuador, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina and el Salvador...all via Roosevelt Avenue. (Oops did we leave out Cuba and the Dominican Republic?) You must pledge to speak only Spanish on this ride, as there will be no time for a take home exam. (Three words or more will do and we'll help you with the rest!) By the end of this ride you'll see how salsa goes well with latino music and with güiros just as much as with pupusas and humitas. Bring lock and money for lunch at a Salvadorian restaurant. Rain at start cancels. Leaders: Richard Sanford and David Balzer
Sunday, October 12, 2008
THE WE-LIKED-IT-SO-MUCH-WE'RE-DOING-IT-AGAIN RIDE
But not this year. Ride will be rescheduled to next year.
QUADRUPLE BYPASS (Note this is a Sunday Night Ride, bring lights!)
6:30 PM, City Hall, 25 miles
East and west, back and forth, zig and zag as we head up north. The name of the game as we see-saw for no fame, is to cross the East River without any tire sliver. Starting from the Brooklyn as we weave our way uptown, towards the Fifty-niner as we cycle our way back ‘round. Enjoy an evening ride to proves, that what goes up must come down. With dinner we’ll finish the aerial exercise, and your humble leader is a great guy! Front and rear lights are required. Possible diner stop afterwards, bring a lock and $ for dinner. Easy to moderate pace, and hills on the bridges. Heavy rain cancels. Leaders Ed Defreitas and others
SPINNING UP THE HILLS
7:25 AM, Grand Central Terminal or 8:55 am Croton-Harmon Station, 45 miles, very hilly
Join us for our annual beautiful, though very hilly ride through northern Westchester. While spinning on the hills (with cumulative climbing of 3500 feet), we can enjoy the early fall foliage and look forward to ice cream at the Blue Pig near the end of the ride. Note there's a mile or two of riding on a hard-packed dirt road. Triple cranks are recommended; bring MTA bike permit, snacks, $15 train fare and a lock. Leaders: Brian Hoberman & others
Monday, October 13, 2008 (Columbus Day)
A BROOKLYN RESIDENTIAL TOUR
12:30 PM, Prospect Park Picnic House (2 blocks from 3rd St entrance); 25 miles
Explore some of the quieter sections of Brooklyn. We'll ride through Borough Park, Bay Ridge, Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay, and others. Bring lock, snack or money, Leaders: Terry Chin and Ed DeFreitas
Saturday October 18, 2008
THE WE-LIKED-IT-SO-MUCH-WE'RE-DOING-IT-AGAIN RIDE
But not this year. Ride will be rescheduled to next year.
THE TRIPLE CROWN RETURNS
10:00 AM, Kew Gardens, 35 miles
Come join Ed and Liz on a gallop through Brooklyn and Queens to visit three carousels. Bring your Steed (what, no Peel?) with a spare shoe. Bring money for lunch and the Carousels, plus bike lock. Must be able to ride in traffic and do 10 miles per hour. Many bail out places in the route, plus a visit to Lemon Ice King at the end. Leaders: Ed Pino and Liz Baum
NATHANIEL'S HOOK (OUR FALL COLOR RIDE!)
9:45 AM, Conveniently starting from 242 & Broadway (Van Cortland Park) and returning to Woodlawn (the last stop on the #4 train). 40-45 miles. (the flattest Westchester ride ever)
- Help inaugurate a new, original ride by 5 BBC Ride Leader John Chiarella deep into lower Westchester County where he will deftly demonstrate "Nathaniel's Hook" for your personal edification....
- "A remarkable sojourn of my own devising over a new and unique closed circuit, ladies and gentlemen, much of which will be amidst bucolic splendor and all of which will be pedaled over fully-Macadamized surfaces in order to enhance your riding experience...
- It has been estimated by means of the most up-to-date scientific devices and methods that the day's course will feature 68.3% off-street riding.
- There will be "B-paced" cycling and the opportunity for participants to purchase / consume a mid-day repast will be presented. Weather conditions will dictate "dine-in-restaurant" or "purchase-ride-dine al fresco with a legend" options at the Leader's sole discretion..
- Newbie riders with untried legs and untested machines are strongly urged to seek the day's entertainment elsewhere.
- SEE!: Potatoes that morph into lifeless sculls!
- SEE!: The enormous 8-ton typo!
- SEE! A professional magician demonstrate the world record for holding one's breath!
- SEE!: Yourself dining with a legend or two...but no "2" !
- SEE!: A crummy restaurant in a Scandinavian paradise and a handball court that dwarfs that of the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza!...and all within the space of 2 minutes time!
- SEE!: A Finger screwed to a bench!
- RIDE!: The amazing "Lightning Loops"!"
Sunday, October 19, 2008
OY OY OYSTER!
9:00 AM, Cunningham Park, 50 miles
They may look slimy, but they sure taste good. So do their cousin shrimps, clammies, steamers, and other nautical delicacies, plus the best chowder this side of Cape Horn. Before ye swab the decks, unfurl those sails for our fall foliage visit to Oyster Bay's 25th anniversary Oyster Festival, with music, crafts, souvenirs, tall ships and maybe a turkey leg or two. What's a better way to work up an appetite than by cycling to this North Shore enclave. Free admission, but bring pieces of eight for goodies, bike locks, that wooden pegleg, and a hearty appetite. We may re-route to alternate destination if rainy. Moderate pace with the usual Long Island hills. Leaders: Captain Ted Kushner and first mates Ed and Liz
RIDE TO THE HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM
9:00 am, Plaza Hotel, 35 miles
You've heard of "Two Fer's"? How about 3. Okey, 4. Alright, you twisted my arm, 5. A museum that changes its main exhibit (see www.hrm.org), a planetarium, a mansion full of Hudson River School, art, an ecosystem display of the entire Hudson and a restaurant overlooking the mighty Hudson and the Palisades. Okay, maybe another museum/mansion. But, only maybe. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas and others
Saturday, October 25, 2008
BEAR MOUNTAIN METRIC CENTURY: THE SIX COUNTY RIDE
8:00 AM, Plaza Hotel, 65 miles
After cycling up the western bank of the Hudson for 50 miles through fall foliage, challenge yourself by ascending Perkins Drive to the 1,300 foot summit of Bear Mountain. The view is worth it! Return to NYC on Metro North from the Garrison station. Bring your MTA Bike Permit and $10.25 train fare. The terrain is hilly with some very steep climbs. Leaders: Dennis Griffin and Ira Najowitz
Sunday, October 26, 2008
WAR OF THE WORLDS!
8:30 am, Penn Station, 8th Ave at W. 31st Street; or approx 9:45 am, Gateway/Old Bridge Shopping Center, South Amboy (Garden State Parkway south Exit 123, then Route 9 south, then about 1 mile to Ernston Road exit; ahead at light for shopping center entrance). Special Note: we will try to arrange car pooling to and from NJ start point; if you need a ride or have space in your car, please send email to daytrips@5bbc.org
Seventy years ago, inhabitants of the Red Planet invaded Earth, causing widespread panic and mass hysteria. We'll celebrate this historic anniversary by cycling to the actual New Jersey site where the Martians landed. This rarely scheduled ride (first held in 1988) will include interactive construction of a special antenna, built to capture space-wandering radio waves in an attempt to re-create the landmark Orson Welles broadcast that shocked the nation. Includes trivia contest with prizes! Ride may return after sunset; possible dinner stop afterwards. Working front and rear bike lights required, reflective vest recommended. 55-60 miles, mostly flat. Leaders: Ted M. Kushner and the aliens
NEAR BROOKLYN
10:00 AM, City Hall, 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 Brooklyn. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & others
Saturday, November 1, 2008
PALISADES BIKE HIKE: BOMBAY HOOK
9:30 AM, GWB Bus Terminal (W 178th & Ft Washington Ave), 20 mile ride, 7 mile hike
Get up close and personal with New Jersey's Palisades cliffs on this classic bike-and-hike. The ride takes River Road through the park to Alpine Marina. The hike brings you to some of the most impressive scenery in the area. It includes a 500-foot climb that is moderately strenuous but not technically difficult. Bring a bike lock, comfortable walking shoes, bag lunch, and water. Relaxed, easy pace for both ride and hike. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and others
QUADRUPLE BYPASS
6:30 PM, City Hall, 25-30 miles (Note: this is a night time ride)
East and west, back and forth, zig and zag as we head up north. The name of the game as we seesaw for no fame is to cross the East River without any tire sliver. Starting from the Brooklyn, weaving our way uptown, towards the Fifty-Niner we'll head, fore we cycle back round. Enjoy an evening ride to prove that what goes up must come down. With dinner we'll finish the aerial exercise, and your humble leaders are two great guys! Ted made up the time and rhyme, Ed made up the route that's a real beaut. Front and rear bike lights are required; bring dinner money and bike locks. Easy to moderate pace, and hills on the bridges. Heavy rain cancels. Leaders Ted Kushner and Ed DeFreitas
Sunday, November 2, 2008
PALISADES PARK AND SO ON!
10:00 AM, City Hall, 23 miles
Ya gotta love Jersey! It's got some really great stuff, including a fabulous view of the harbor. We'll enjoy the Hudson Fiord at the waterline, then from the GWB and finally from the majestic heights of the Palisades. We'll cruise through Hoboken, maybe imbibe after our ride. Cross the Hudson one more time and watch the sun go down on the most magnificent city that God ever allowed humans to create. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & others
KOSHER CYCLIST: CHINESE ORANGE
9:30 AM, Columbus Circle, 40+ miles
We're off to the Oranges via a scenic ride through northern NJ. We'll ride on suburban tree-lined streets, country roads and through several parks. Along the way we'll have some good climbing with a max elevation of 400 feet to work up a good appetite for lunch at Chopstix, a delicious kosher Chinese restaurant. On the way home we'll do one more good climb, ride some suburban streets and through a park into Harrison where we'll take the PATH back to World Trade Center and ride back to Columbus Circle. Touring/road/hybrid bike with triples and road tires is highly recommended. Pace will be 15 mph average, 17-18 on flats. Bring lock, $$ for lunch and PATH fare. Leaders: Dana Hudes and Ira Najowitz