As many of my readers and facebook followers already know, I took over a month off from cycling and filming due to a rib and shoulder injury sustained in August.
This forced hiatus from my regular riding, filming, and blogging activities, gave me time to create my 5 Boro Bike Tour Montage series as well as focus on ideas for my first feature film, "Bike Your City".
Bike Your City is a cycling advocacy film that aims to encourage people to ride near their own homes by showing them first hand how you can explore even the most busy cities and towns by bicycle without fear, all the while soaking in scenery you never would find on foot or by car.
Please take your time to visit my Kickstarter project page and watch the videos and read about my project in greater depth to decide if you would like to contribute.
Some unique rewards are limited quantity, so don't wait!
The short version of my promotional video for my first project on Kickstarter. Footage was shot on my first ride from Astoria to Governors Island. (Music is the song "The Carpet" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Click the link below to help give this ride a Kickstart!
Donate to Bike Your City.
P.S. - 50 mile trip to Rockaways completed, filming is now back in full swing. Blog post coming soon.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
StreetRacks for Astoria, a petition for bike parking
I know the headache involved with bike parking quite intimately. Any efforts to expand the options for cyclists in any neighborhood is a worthy cause to me. When a friend posted this link to my wall, I did not hesitate to sign and share this petition, as it hits very close to home.
Owners of the Queens Kickshaw cafe realized the need for more bike parking near their business, and have taken the issue to their community in hopes of support.
The DOT requested approval from Transportation Community Board 1 but was denied.
Once enough signatures from the community have been amassed, they will be re-presenting to Community Board 1.
Please show your support for a more bike friendly world!
StreetRacks for Astoria
Owners of the Queens Kickshaw cafe realized the need for more bike parking near their business, and have taken the issue to their community in hopes of support.
The DOT requested approval from Transportation Community Board 1 but was denied.
Once enough signatures from the community have been amassed, they will be re-presenting to Community Board 1.
Please show your support for a more bike friendly world!
StreetRacks for Astoria
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
5 Boro Bike Tour 2012 Montage Complete (7 videos, 29mins total)
During the time in which I healed my battered ribs, I took time to create a series of video montages using the footage I shot during the 5 Boro Bike Tour.
I was very happy to discover the Creative Commons licensed music of Chenard Walcker, whose style on some pieces fits the subject matter quite well.
Part 1: Starting line in Battery Park to Central Park
(Music is the song "Alarm" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Part 2: FDR Drive
(Music is the song "Regressive Rock" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Part 3: Queensborough Bridge
(Music is the song "Moozika" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Part 4: Long Island City - Astoria - Long Island City
(Music is the song "Elevator" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Part 5: Long Island City to Brooklyn
(Music is the song "Our Father with Yellow Eyes" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Part 6: Brooklyn, Gowanus Parkway - Verrazano Bridge - Staten Island
(Music is the song "Conquistadores" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Part 7: Staten Island - Finish Line/Ferry
(Music is the song "Yo Praise" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Now that I'm feeling well enough to ride again, expect to see some new and exciting developments in the coming weeks, including some far reaching plans for the Fall and Winter months!
Subscribe, "like", comment, and watch, but most of all enjoy the rockin' reminder of spring!
I was very happy to discover the Creative Commons licensed music of Chenard Walcker, whose style on some pieces fits the subject matter quite well.
Part 1: Starting line in Battery Park to Central Park
(Music is the song "Alarm" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Part 2: FDR Drive
(Music is the song "Regressive Rock" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Part 3: Queensborough Bridge
(Music is the song "Moozika" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Part 4: Long Island City - Astoria - Long Island City
(Music is the song "Elevator" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Part 5: Long Island City to Brooklyn
(Music is the song "Our Father with Yellow Eyes" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Part 6: Brooklyn, Gowanus Parkway - Verrazano Bridge - Staten Island
(Music is the song "Conquistadores" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Part 7: Staten Island - Finish Line/Ferry
(Music is the song "Yo Praise" by Chenard Walcker. Permission for use of this music falls under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Now that I'm feeling well enough to ride again, expect to see some new and exciting developments in the coming weeks, including some far reaching plans for the Fall and Winter months!
Subscribe, "like", comment, and watch, but most of all enjoy the rockin' reminder of spring!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
8-25-2012 Astoria to Coney Island and Rockaway Park (49.3 miles)
This past Saturday was a beautiful day to ride one of my favorite long distance routes, it is essentially a loop around Brooklyn, returning to Astoria using Rockaway Beach, and Woodhaven Blvd.
After becoming familiar with the route to Bensonhurst, I had mapped out this added scenic/recreational route that would take me through some famous areas of Brooklyn as well as offer up some beautiful views from the bridges. I set out around noon with an idea to surprise my girlfriend with a short visit, and refill my water bladder, but I would not seek lunch until I was in Howard Beach where I could get a slice of the famous New Park Pizza.
With temperatures in the low 80's, the air was warm, but the humidity was not a factor, and mostly cloudy skies helped keep conditions fairly mild. I had it set in my mind that I would pace myself for the long ride, and I had hoped that the soreness in my back and shoulder from my fall last week wouldn't bother me too much.
Once I reached the Pulaski Bridge, I encountered something I had never witnessed before, the raising of the bridge to admit passage for a tugboat. This held up all bike, pedestrian, and car traffic for a long 5 minutes or more. Finally rolling down into Brooklyn, I was able to pace a road bike rider from Franklin Ave to Kent Ave. Now following the bike lanes further and further South, passing through the trendy areas of Brooklyn, up passed Prospect Park, and finally I passing the famous Greenwood Cemetery, which will lead me to Dahill Road, and 17th Avenue for my first rest stop.
When I reached my girlfriends apartment in Bensonhurst I only stopped long enough drink, fill my water bladder, and splash myself with some water before heading South along 17th Avenue again. Turning on Cropsey, I rode until I came upon a small bridge leading to Neptune Avenue. At this point I could see MCU Stadium and Steeplechase not far ahead.
Here I rode up onto the Coney Island boardwalk, first I turned West to ride down to the old Bathhouse, and study it's structure adorned with intricate crumbling decoration. I took a few pictures of this interesting building as well as a couple of pictures of the community garden that grew in the lot next to it.
Leaving the old bathhouse behind, I resumed my course East along Coney Island boardwalk. As I approached the restaurants and the amusement park the people milled about filling the lane. First I came upon a band playing Latin dance music, and then another area playing dance music as well. Before turning off the boardwalk to pick up Neptune Avenue again I turned to film a boy holding a "FREE HUGS" sign, who then hides behind his sign.
Now I was headed East on Neptune Ave, and looking for the entrance to the trails that follow the Belt Parkway. Once you pass the Marina (and a Rollin' Roaster) there is a break in a guard rail approaching the Belt Pkwy, where you can enter the trail. This trail leads to a small public beach where I found many people sunbathing, swimming, and kite surfing.
After crossing a narrow, old bridge, the trail branches off from the Belt, and points South again following along Floyd Bennett Field until you come to the foot of the Marine Parkway Bridge. This bridge is also fairly narrow, and the fence around the path feels short. Added to this is the intense winds I seem to always encounter here, makes for a nerve wracking ride over.
Riding along Beach Channel drive in Rockaway Park, I finished the push East and met up with the Crossbay Bridge. This is the point at which I begin the ride North to re-enter Queens. Stopping for a few photographs, I could clearly hear the band from the bar below playing classic rock tunes out over the water, as people on jet ski's carved the bay. This stretch has had a nice tailwind each time I've rode over it, and has some nice downhill sections to make for a quick push towards Howard Beach and my second rest area, New Park Pizza.
After a single delicious slice of pizza, and a small Italian ice I continued North now on Woodhaven Blvd. This is probably my least favorite part of this loop as the roads are not good for bikes, and the traffic is aggressive through these areas. I always proceed extra cautiously up Woodhaven, and I usually don't feel safe until I am through 63rd Drive and Junction Blvd and back onto 34th Avenue. On 34th Avenue I feel I am back on home turf so to speak, and can complete the route passing LaGuardia Airport, and arriving back in Astoria.
After becoming familiar with the route to Bensonhurst, I had mapped out this added scenic/recreational route that would take me through some famous areas of Brooklyn as well as offer up some beautiful views from the bridges. I set out around noon with an idea to surprise my girlfriend with a short visit, and refill my water bladder, but I would not seek lunch until I was in Howard Beach where I could get a slice of the famous New Park Pizza.
With temperatures in the low 80's, the air was warm, but the humidity was not a factor, and mostly cloudy skies helped keep conditions fairly mild. I had it set in my mind that I would pace myself for the long ride, and I had hoped that the soreness in my back and shoulder from my fall last week wouldn't bother me too much.
Starting out along Astoria Park, and the East River.
Waterfront route to Goodwill Park.
Skyline seen from Long Island City.
Once I reached the Pulaski Bridge, I encountered something I had never witnessed before, the raising of the bridge to admit passage for a tugboat. This held up all bike, pedestrian, and car traffic for a long 5 minutes or more. Finally rolling down into Brooklyn, I was able to pace a road bike rider from Franklin Ave to Kent Ave. Now following the bike lanes further and further South, passing through the trendy areas of Brooklyn, up passed Prospect Park, and finally I passing the famous Greenwood Cemetery, which will lead me to Dahill Road, and 17th Avenue for my first rest stop.
Descending Pulaski Bridge.
Following road bike rider on Franklin Ave to Kent Ave.
Rapid descent down Mc Donald Ave and Greenwood Cemetery.
When I reached my girlfriends apartment in Bensonhurst I only stopped long enough drink, fill my water bladder, and splash myself with some water before heading South along 17th Avenue again. Turning on Cropsey, I rode until I came upon a small bridge leading to Neptune Avenue. At this point I could see MCU Stadium and Steeplechase not far ahead.
Small Bridge, Steeplechase is seen in the distance, approaching Neptune Ave.
MCU Park and Steeplechase, approaching the Coney Island Boardwalk.
Here I rode up onto the Coney Island boardwalk, first I turned West to ride down to the old Bathhouse, and study it's structure adorned with intricate crumbling decoration. I took a few pictures of this interesting building as well as a couple of pictures of the community garden that grew in the lot next to it.
The old bathhouse in Coney Island
The old bathhouse in Coney Island
The old bathhouse in Coney Island
The old bathhouse in Coney Island
The old bathhouse in Coney Island
The old bathhouse in Coney Island
The old bathhouse in Coney Island
The old bathhouse in Coney Island
The old bathhouse in Coney Island
The old bathhouse in Coney Island
Community garden next to the old bathhouse in Coney Island
Community garden next to the old bathhouse in Coney Island
Community garden next to the old bathhouse in Coney Island
Steeplechase and the old bathhouse in Coney Island
Steeplechase and the old bathhouse in Coney Island
Steeplechase and the old bathhouse in Coney Island
Leaving the old bathhouse behind, I resumed my course East along Coney Island boardwalk. As I approached the restaurants and the amusement park the people milled about filling the lane. First I came upon a band playing Latin dance music, and then another area playing dance music as well. Before turning off the boardwalk to pick up Neptune Avenue again I turned to film a boy holding a "FREE HUGS" sign, who then hides behind his sign.
Classic Coney Island bustles with people, lively music, and beautiful Summer scenery.
Now I was headed East on Neptune Ave, and looking for the entrance to the trails that follow the Belt Parkway. Once you pass the Marina (and a Rollin' Roaster) there is a break in a guard rail approaching the Belt Pkwy, where you can enter the trail. This trail leads to a small public beach where I found many people sunbathing, swimming, and kite surfing.
After crossing a narrow, old bridge, the trail branches off from the Belt, and points South again following along Floyd Bennett Field until you come to the foot of the Marine Parkway Bridge. This bridge is also fairly narrow, and the fence around the path feels short. Added to this is the intense winds I seem to always encounter here, makes for a nerve wracking ride over.
Descending Marine Parkway Bridge.
Marine Parkway Bridge.
Riding along Beach Channel drive in Rockaway Park, I finished the push East and met up with the Crossbay Bridge. This is the point at which I begin the ride North to re-enter Queens. Stopping for a few photographs, I could clearly hear the band from the bar below playing classic rock tunes out over the water, as people on jet ski's carved the bay. This stretch has had a nice tailwind each time I've rode over it, and has some nice downhill sections to make for a quick push towards Howard Beach and my second rest area, New Park Pizza.
View from the Crossbay Bridge.
View from the Crossbay Bridge.
Descending the Crossbay Bridge.
Cresting and descending the Joseph P Addabo Bridge. Commenting on the trash bags that litter the bike lane.
New Park Pizza, famous Howard Beach pizza restaurant where I stopped for lunch. An impatient motorist honks at me, so they can pull up in front of a hydrant.
After a single delicious slice of pizza, and a small Italian ice I continued North now on Woodhaven Blvd. This is probably my least favorite part of this loop as the roads are not good for bikes, and the traffic is aggressive through these areas. I always proceed extra cautiously up Woodhaven, and I usually don't feel safe until I am through 63rd Drive and Junction Blvd and back onto 34th Avenue. On 34th Avenue I feel I am back on home turf so to speak, and can complete the route passing LaGuardia Airport, and arriving back in Astoria.
A strange safety device protrudes from a cyclists bike.
As I approach LaGuardia Airport, planes pass nearly overhead.
Another plane passes close by overhead.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
8-20-2012 6 Bridges, 3 Boroughs, with Bob. (28.05 miles)
A few of my readers have reached out to me to ride together since I have started my blog. A couple of months back I started chatting with a reader named Bob via email, and we discussed riding together, but up until now our schedules never quite matched up. Bob also enjoys the combination of cycling and photography, and was eager to witness some of the sights seen on my blog for himself.
Bob is a retired teacher living between Long Island and Florida who enjoys splitting his time between his athletic hobbies like swimming and cycling, and spending time with family. He rides a recumbent bicycle and has a group of fellow recumbent riders that he rides with down in Florida, but he was interested to ride in New York City's more urban landscape, so he was very pleased to have a tour guide. After a brief discussion last week it was determined that Monday the 20th would likely be a good day for us both, and the weather was supposed to be nearly ideal. We set the time for 10a.m., and the place, the entrance to Astoria Park.
We met as planned, and stood there discussing various aspects of the ride and route, and I tried to gauge Bob's comfort level with urban conditions. I always ride cautiously when by myself, and doubly so when I'm leading a ride. We decided that it would be wisest not to use the interior of Manhattan to loop back towards Queens, and use the combination of Vernon Blvd and Kent Ave for both legs of the trip.
Soon we were off down the road, and only one 1/2 mile along we arrive at our first bridge, the Triboro. The first time I rode this route I regretted not bringing my Fuji camera, and this time I made sure I had it ready with full batteries, and an empty memory card. Unlike my Android phone that automatically stitches panoramic pictures, the Fuji requires precise stitching by hand, on location.
Our next elevated destination would be the Queensboro Bridge. At different times throughout the ride Bob and I discussed the route and possibilities for the days ride. Additionally we spoke of ways we could add to the ride, and ideas for future rides. Bob offered some good insight into a readers perspective of my blog, and offered some great ideas and encouragement for the far reaching plans for my page.
When we arrived at the Queensboro Bridge I was very happy to see that construction to repave the bike path was well underway! This made stopping at the top for photos even more difficult than usual, but I was able to get a few good pictures before we rolled back down to the Long Island City side.
Leaving the borough of Queens behind, we rode along Vernon Blvd until we reached Pulaski Bridge, which would take us into Brooklyn. It seemed to me that Bob's excitement was growing the further South we traveled. His enthusiasm was contagious, and made the ride even more enjoyable for me. I'm often exposed to these stunning views of New York, and seeing Bob inspired helps me appreciate things more. Sharing a bikes eye view of New York is part of the passion behind my blog, and doing so firsthand is a treat for me as well.
Along the way to our next bridge (the Williamsburg Bridge) I made a slight detour to East River Park which offers an awesome view of the skyline right on the riverside. Here I was lucky to film a seaplane landing on the river as well as capturing some nice panoramic pics.
Still heading South, we came upon a cool little landmark, a graffiti building in Greenpoint. Just as I was about to start filming our turn around the building, another Seaplane passed almost directly overhead!
Once again following my usual route into Brooklyn, we rode Kent Ave to Flushing Ave, and followed the bike lane and signs to the Williamsburg. This bridge is unique in that it has separate lanes for, bikes, pedestrians, and cars, as well as track for subway trains. Panoramic pictures here are challenging due to the close proximity of the fence. Lining up the links in the fence can be tedious to say the least. Still, the view and the inexplicable charm of this odd red bridge make cresting it very enjoyable, and I believe I got better shots here this time than last.
The route from Williamsburg to the Manhattan Bridge took us West along Kent past the Navy Yard until we could turn on Flushing Ave passing Steiner Studios, and eventually following signs to the entrance for the Manhattan Bridge. This bike path is a little narrow, and was made even more so by scaffolding erected for construction. This is another location where fence obscures part of the views. I was however able to place my camera on a rail and successfully take some panoramic pics with my Fuji camera here.
5 Bridges down, one left to go, as we made the very short round about to enter the Brooklyn Bridge. This bridge arguably has the best view of Manhattan, and for this reason it is often jammed with tourists on any day of the week. We stopped at a couple of different vantage points along the bridge, competing with the throngs of tourists for a clean shot of the skyline.
Once we satisfied our photographic needs for the day, we began the straight shot back to Astoria. When we reached the bottom of the bridge we saw a cycling family who inquired about entrance to the Manhattan Bridge. I invited them to follow us for the quick trip around the corner, and we guided them to their destination.
After a rather uneventful ride back to Astoria Bob and I discussed riding possibly later in the week, or the next week and bid our goodbyes. When I asked him about my skills as a ride leader he commended me on doing a good job to point out turns and road imperfections. He also stated that he felt he learned something about riding safely in the city by following my examples of when to pass right or left around a car depending on conditions, signalling extra early, watching the horizon, and forcibly taking the lane for safety when necessary.
A fantastic day of riding was made even more enjoyable with the good company of my new friend Bob. Considering he wants to delve deeper and deeper into NYC riding, I have a feeling we will be riding together soon again! Thanks, Bob!
Bob is a retired teacher living between Long Island and Florida who enjoys splitting his time between his athletic hobbies like swimming and cycling, and spending time with family. He rides a recumbent bicycle and has a group of fellow recumbent riders that he rides with down in Florida, but he was interested to ride in New York City's more urban landscape, so he was very pleased to have a tour guide. After a brief discussion last week it was determined that Monday the 20th would likely be a good day for us both, and the weather was supposed to be nearly ideal. We set the time for 10a.m., and the place, the entrance to Astoria Park.
We met as planned, and stood there discussing various aspects of the ride and route, and I tried to gauge Bob's comfort level with urban conditions. I always ride cautiously when by myself, and doubly so when I'm leading a ride. We decided that it would be wisest not to use the interior of Manhattan to loop back towards Queens, and use the combination of Vernon Blvd and Kent Ave for both legs of the trip.
Soon we were off down the road, and only one 1/2 mile along we arrive at our first bridge, the Triboro. The first time I rode this route I regretted not bringing my Fuji camera, and this time I made sure I had it ready with full batteries, and an empty memory card. Unlike my Android phone that automatically stitches panoramic pictures, the Fuji requires precise stitching by hand, on location.
Starting out along Ditmars with Bob.
Triboro Bridge, Fuji
Triboro Bridge, Razr Maxx
Triboro Bridge, Razr Maxx
Triboro Bridge, Razr Maxx
Hellgate Bridge, Fuji
Bob shoots from the Triboro Bridge, Fuji
Descending the Triboro Bridge.
Our next elevated destination would be the Queensboro Bridge. At different times throughout the ride Bob and I discussed the route and possibilities for the days ride. Additionally we spoke of ways we could add to the ride, and ideas for future rides. Bob offered some good insight into a readers perspective of my blog, and offered some great ideas and encouragement for the far reaching plans for my page.
Waterfront route to Goodwill Park.
When we arrived at the Queensboro Bridge I was very happy to see that construction to repave the bike path was well underway! This made stopping at the top for photos even more difficult than usual, but I was able to get a few good pictures before we rolled back down to the Long Island City side.
Queensboro Bridge, Razr Maxx.
U.N. seen from Queensboro Bridge, Fuji.
U.N. and Freedom Tower seen form Queensboro Bridge, Fuji.
The East River seen from the Queensboro Bridge, Fuji.
Descending the Queensboro Bridge, repaving of the bike path in progress.
Graffiti near Queens Plaza, riding along the Queensboro Bridge, back to Vernon Blvd.
Leaving the borough of Queens behind, we rode along Vernon Blvd until we reached Pulaski Bridge, which would take us into Brooklyn. It seemed to me that Bob's excitement was growing the further South we traveled. His enthusiasm was contagious, and made the ride even more enjoyable for me. I'm often exposed to these stunning views of New York, and seeing Bob inspired helps me appreciate things more. Sharing a bikes eye view of New York is part of the passion behind my blog, and doing so firsthand is a treat for me as well.
Pulaski Bridge, Fuji
Truck crossing Pulaski Bridge, Razr Maxx
Pulaski Bridge, Razr Maxx
Pulaski Bridge, Razr Maxx
Pulaski Bridge, Razr Maxx
Pulaski Bridge, Fuji
Descending the Pulaski Bridge.
Along the way to our next bridge (the Williamsburg Bridge) I made a slight detour to East River Park which offers an awesome view of the skyline right on the riverside. Here I was lucky to film a seaplane landing on the river as well as capturing some nice panoramic pics.
Seaplane lands in front of NYC skyline, viewed from East River Park.
The view from East River Park, Razr Maxx.
The view from East River Park, Razr Maxx.
The view from East River Park, Razr Maxx.
The view from East River Park, Razr Maxx.
The view from East River Park, Fuji.
The view from East River Park, Fuji.
The view from East River Park, Fuji.
Still heading South, we came upon a cool little landmark, a graffiti building in Greenpoint. Just as I was about to start filming our turn around the building, another Seaplane passed almost directly overhead!
Seaplane passes over Graffiti building in Greenpoint.
Once again following my usual route into Brooklyn, we rode Kent Ave to Flushing Ave, and followed the bike lane and signs to the Williamsburg. This bridge is unique in that it has separate lanes for, bikes, pedestrians, and cars, as well as track for subway trains. Panoramic pictures here are challenging due to the close proximity of the fence. Lining up the links in the fence can be tedious to say the least. Still, the view and the inexplicable charm of this odd red bridge make cresting it very enjoyable, and I believe I got better shots here this time than last.
Williamsburg Bridge, Razr Maxx
Williamsburg Bridge, Razr Maxx
Williamsburg Bridge, Razr Maxx
Williamsburg Bridge, Razr Maxx
Williamsburg Bridge, Razr Maxx
Williamsburg Bridge, Razr Maxx
Williamsburg Bridge, Razr Maxx
The route from Williamsburg to the Manhattan Bridge took us West along Kent past the Navy Yard until we could turn on Flushing Ave passing Steiner Studios, and eventually following signs to the entrance for the Manhattan Bridge. This bike path is a little narrow, and was made even more so by scaffolding erected for construction. This is another location where fence obscures part of the views. I was however able to place my camera on a rail and successfully take some panoramic pics with my Fuji camera here.
Manhattan Bridge, Fuji
Manhattan Bridge, Razr Maxx
Manhattan Bridge, Razr Maxx
Manhattan Bridge, Razr Maxx
Manhattan Bridge, Fuji
5 Bridges down, one left to go, as we made the very short round about to enter the Brooklyn Bridge. This bridge arguably has the best view of Manhattan, and for this reason it is often jammed with tourists on any day of the week. We stopped at a couple of different vantage points along the bridge, competing with the throngs of tourists for a clean shot of the skyline.
View from the Brooklyn Bridge.
Brooklyn Bridge, Razr Maxx
Brooklyn Bridge, Razr Maxx
Brooklyn Bridge, Razr Maxx
Brooklyn Bridge, Razr Maxx
Brooklyn Bridge, Razr Maxx
Brooklyn Bridge, Razr Maxx
Brooklyn Bridge, Razr Maxx
Brooklyn Bridge, Razr Maxx
Brooklyn Bridge, Razr Maxx
Brooklyn Bridge, Razr Maxx
Brooklyn Bridge, Razr Maxx
Brooklyn Bridge, Razr Maxx
Brooklyn Bridge, Fuji
Brooklyn Bridge, Fuji
Brooklyn Bridge, Fuji
Brooklyn Bridge, Fuji
Brooklyn Bridge, Fuji
Bob takes pictures from the Brooklyn Bridge, Fuji
Once we satisfied our photographic needs for the day, we began the straight shot back to Astoria. When we reached the bottom of the bridge we saw a cycling family who inquired about entrance to the Manhattan Bridge. I invited them to follow us for the quick trip around the corner, and we guided them to their destination.
Leading a cycling family to the Manhattan Bridge.
After a rather uneventful ride back to Astoria Bob and I discussed riding possibly later in the week, or the next week and bid our goodbyes. When I asked him about my skills as a ride leader he commended me on doing a good job to point out turns and road imperfections. He also stated that he felt he learned something about riding safely in the city by following my examples of when to pass right or left around a car depending on conditions, signalling extra early, watching the horizon, and forcibly taking the lane for safety when necessary.
A fantastic day of riding was made even more enjoyable with the good company of my new friend Bob. Considering he wants to delve deeper and deeper into NYC riding, I have a feeling we will be riding together soon again! Thanks, Bob!
Bob takes pictures from the Brooklyn Bridge, Fuji. Cyclist passes in front.
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