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.
Showing posts with label bridges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bridges. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
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.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
7-31-2012 Three Boroughs, Six Bridges (26.71 Miles)
I had planned to ride the major bridges that connect Long Island and Manhattan for quite sometime now, and when I realized that we would have a break in the weather Monday I hastily threw together the gear I had that was ready, and mapped my route.
This ride was to be purely a photographic expedition, an attempt to film and photograph 6 iconic New York City bridges in a relatively short distance.
Having only 1 full battery for my video camera and little extra power left in my solar panel stored up, I knew my video camera may not last the whole trip, but I was sure to get decent stills on all.
The route I used connected Vernon Blvd with Kent Ave, and Flushing Ave, following the signs that point bikes toward the bridges as I came upon them from the North.
I believe minimal narrative is needed for this beautiful route, and will let the pictures and video do the talking.
On my way up to the Queensborough Bridge via the East River Esplanade I stopped in the shadow of the bridges for a photo op.
It was at this point in the ride that my video camera ran out of power and I was left shooting only stills on the Queensborough Bridge.
This ride was the first of what I hope to many rides on this route. Next time I shoot this ride I will try for a sunnier day, and bring a third camera that also offers panoramics. I might just do time lapse with the GoPro instead of video, and do a post of stills only.
This ride was to be purely a photographic expedition, an attempt to film and photograph 6 iconic New York City bridges in a relatively short distance.
Having only 1 full battery for my video camera and little extra power left in my solar panel stored up, I knew my video camera may not last the whole trip, but I was sure to get decent stills on all.
The route I used connected Vernon Blvd with Kent Ave, and Flushing Ave, following the signs that point bikes toward the bridges as I came upon them from the North.
I believe minimal narrative is needed for this beautiful route, and will let the pictures and video do the talking.
Triboro Bridge
Triboro Bridge
Descending the Triboro Bridge
Under Triboro, past the skate park, exiting Astoria Park.
27th Ave to Rainey Park.
Queensbridge Park, tour boat passes under Queensboro Bridge.
Pulaski Bridge
Pulaski Bridge
Pulaski Bridge
Pulaski Bridge
Descending Pulaski Bridge
Following Fixie Rider on Franklin to Kent.
Williamsburg Bridge
Descending Williamsburg Bridge.
Of course one would come across a bike vending machine in Williamsburg....
More of these, less soft drink machines?
Riding alongside Williamsburg Bridge to return to Kent Ave.
Man taunting traffic on Flushing Ave.
Manhattan Bridge.
Descending Manhattan Bridge.
Electric scooter in bike lane on Jay Street.
Ascending Brooklyn Bridge.
Ascending Brooklyn Bridge continued.
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
On my way up to the Queensborough Bridge via the East River Esplanade I stopped in the shadow of the bridges for a photo op.
It was at this point in the ride that my video camera ran out of power and I was left shooting only stills on the Queensborough Bridge.
Queensborough Bridge
Queensborough Bridge
Queensborough Bridge
This ride was the first of what I hope to many rides on this route. Next time I shoot this ride I will try for a sunnier day, and bring a third camera that also offers panoramics. I might just do time lapse with the GoPro instead of video, and do a post of stills only.
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