June was a record high mileage month for me, and I paid the price. After returning from the Clarence Fahnestock Park I was forced to take a few weeks off from riding to heal a saddle sore, and as luck would have it I came down with a terrible Summer cold that insured that I would be laying low and avoiding strenuous activity in this heat wave that NYC is experiencing.
Listening carefully to my body and the weather forecast, I saw that yesterday (July 21st) would be just over 80 degrees, which was the lowest temperature in over 2 weeks. My sore had almost fully healed, and I was antsy to get back in the saddle. I decided to ride to the Palisades over the George Washington Bridge as it had been some months since I had done this scenic ride. Considering that it had been a few weeks since I rode I felt I should not try to push myself too far and decided to ride about 30 miles to begin ramping up my endurance once more.
I set out around 11am and made way through the mild morning sun towards the Triboro Bridge and Randalls Island where I now have my choice of bridges to cross the East River (103rd st bridge is open once more). I decided that I would like to shoot a longer clip from the Triboro, and let my camera roll until I reached 122nd Street in Harlem.
Riding from the Triboro Bridge to 125th Street Harlem.
I rode through Harlem using my usual route connecting St. Nicholas Avenue with Fort Washington Avenue to reach the bridge entrance near 177th Street. Many cyclist flowed in either direction as the ride to Peirmont is chock full of hills, and is a very popular training destination for cyclists.
A block in Harlem that was closed off to traffic and each building adorned with balloons.
Riding from 177th Street over the George Washington Bridge to the entrance of Palisades Park.
The Henry Hudson Drive is a long North/South road also often incorrectly referred to as River Road that includes many steep hills for grinding begrudgingly up and sailing happily down.
From the entrance to Palisades Park to under the George Washington Bridge. A training ride to the Palisades.
After a couple of miles the road leads to a riverside park and public boat launch that has an outdoor cafe. After shooting some panoramic pictures at the far end of the marina I stopped at the cafe for a BLT, a gatorade, and to fill up my water bottle before pointing myself back north.
The view from the end of the marina on Henry Hudson Drive.
As I neared the 15 mile mark I realized that if I was to go much further today I would likely be pushing myself too hard, and promised myself that I would turn around after I crested the next tall hill. Upon reaching the top of the hill I found large chunks of fallen rocks blocking the road in an almost ominous reminder of the steep terrain who's gravity threatens anyone passing through.
Fallen Rock Zone
Turning around I rode back to the entrance of the park, and made my way toward the George Washington Bridge. Here I stopped to shoot some panoramic pictures and soak in the stunning views of the city.
Views from the George Washington Bridge
Passing through Harlem once again I kept my eyes peeled for a shaved ice cart and upon locating one purchased a fruit punch flavored treat which I ate as I carefully approached the 125th Street bridge.
In short order I was climbing slowly up the Triboro Bridge on the Randalls Island side and rolling down into Astoria once more to complete the trip home. When I arrived home I found I was unusually exhausted from the ride. I attributed this to 3 weeks off the bike, my recent illness, and the fact that the temperatures were still on the warm side.
All in all it was really great to get back on the bike, and I'm very much looking forward to my next cycling event and century ride which is The Farm Ride, July 27-29.
Still in the early stages of my foray into the cycling community, I felt an encounter with the members of the Five Borough Bike Club, would be the next logical step. I had approached the president of the 5BBC at Bike Expo New York, and told him of my idea to ride with, and film, the 5BBC if possible. I explained that I was interested in riding the Old Put Rail Trail, and the Old Croton Aqueduct on Mothers Day, and gave him a card so he could reach out to the ride leader, and other involved parties, to get the o.k. to film.
In the past while scouring the map for places to explore by bike, I had viewed some of these trails, but thought that navigation would be difficult without a guide. When I read the description of this ride I felt it would be the perfect way to see these trails for the first time, and decided that this would be a great first ride with the 5BBC as well. The Putnam Division Line, and the Croton Aqueduct were integral to the development of our fair city. For 99 years the New York and Putnam Railroad connected city dwellers to points North, for a reprieve from the hustle, and bustle, of big city living. The Croton Aqueducts construction was partly inspired by the Great Fire of 1776, which by some estimates leveled as much as 25% of the city, and by the urgent need for safer, and more abundant drinking water, for a city growing well beyond its means. The architects planning this aqueduct were wise enough to rely on the time tested designs the Romans used, and created pipes of brick aided by ventilators, and enormous looming arches spanning waterways, all flowing together from the Croton River 41 miles North, to New York City assisted by only a single steam pump located near Highbridge Park.
Riding from Astoria to 242nd Street and Broadway (the meeting point for the ride), would be a new route for me, so I left extra early to be sure that I would be on time. Crossing the bridge from Randalls Island to 132nd street, I made my way North on St Ann Avenue, and used 163rd Street to connect to Brook Avenue, which becomes Park Avenue. Once I reached East Fordham Road, I connected to Webster Avenue, and followed that to Mosholu Parkway until I reached Van Cortlandt Park South, where I carefully made my way down to Broadway, and finally the rides meeting point, 242nd street.
Descent down the Triboro Bridge to Wards Island, Icahn Stadium, and the foot of the 125th Street Bridge.
Walking up the 132nd Street Bridge.
Park Avenue in the Bronx, a commuter train passes; approaching 187th Street.
The sign for the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, the corner of Dickinson Avenue, and Van Cortlandt Park South.
Not long after arriving, Juan, a cyclist I had recently met through the web, arrived riding his mountain bike, and we chatted for awhile until Jose and Kevin came along, two friends with nice modern mountain bikes. Soon our ride leader Ed DeFreitas showed up also riding a mountain bike (I was the only rider on a hybrid), and he stated that we should give other prospective riders extra time to get to the start location, as construction was taking place on the nearest subway line. We all signed in for the ride, and made our introductions, and I explained a little about filming the ride, and my blog. Just when we were all getting a bit restless to begin the ride, our final participant Kelly arrived, riding his well equipped "lefty" fork mountain bike. After a 2 minute bike check guided by Ed, we set out through Mosholu Park.
Our ride started out North, along mostly hard packed dirt trails, with many patches of rail roads ties, a few small muddy areas, and various small bridges, and underpasses. Though the forecast called for cloudy conditions, the sun burned through, providing bright green views, warm sunshine, and occasional cool breezes. My exposure to off-road riding is somewhat limited, and I was careful to watch the terrain closely. At times along the route we had to skip over streets to continue along the trail, always being wary of traffic when we did. Ed made sure to signal often, and call out with cues about people, and cyclists on the path as well, and I tried my best to do the same. It was apparent that the ride leaders role was taken seriously by the leader, as well as the riders, and that anyone that was willing to follow the rules of the ride, was welcome along. We kept a purposefully easy pace, slowly making our way through trails of the Old Put/South County Trailway which had various other cyclists, and pedestrians taking advantage of the fine weather. At times during the ride, Ed would offer information on the old rail systems, sometimes as conversation during the ride, and sometimes at stops where he liked to highlight the significance of an area. Personally, I have an interest in most types of history, and enjoyed hearing about the railroads construction, and contributions. Once we reached Ardsley, we stopped at a deli for those people that did not pack lunch, and followed Ed past a waterfall to Woodlands Lake where we ate lunch, and viewed a monument in memory of the people who died during the potato famine.
***My microphone is mounted on my left shoulder, I apologize for any inaudible speech when filming a rider on my right. I am working on ideas for alternative microphone mounting that will provide better speech from other riders, during rides.
The ride begins. Ride leader Ed DeFreitas points out the durability of structures from a bygone age. He explains the 3% grade rule for single engine trains, and how helper engines were employed where the grade was more steep.
Talking illumination, and audible signals, with Kelly.
Talking about night riding.
Ed explains the 3% grade rule for single engine trains, and how helper engines were employed where the grade was more steep.
Quietly following behind the pack.
Ed talks of how the rail lines were privately constructed, and shows us a small scale reproduction of a station built by a railroad buff.
Say, "Hi mom!".
Looking back on the pack.
Crossing a bridge near a waterfall, riding into Ardsley.
The Hunger Memorial in Ardsley.
Leaving the park, we continued on the Old Put North, rolling through some beautiful woodland areas tucked in between residential areas. When the trail approaches the Cross Westchester Expressway, we used a few paved roads to re-enter the trail at Warehouse Lane, in Elmsford. Once back on the trail we rode to our furthest point North, near the Eastern tip of the Tarrytown Reservoir on the North County Trailway. Here is a favorite photo-op location, near a rare section of exposed rail that still exists. Climbing a steep hill, now moving West, we rode along the Tarrytown Reservoir, before turning South into residential streets, to enter the Old Croton Trailway at South Broadway, to make our next stop at the Lyndhurst Museum. Once a wealthy families estate, this is now a state run park, and museum. After that brief stop we were back on the trail again, still heading South, large brick ventilators that once helped to introduce air into the aqueduct stood every mile or so, to remind you that this path once carried the water for a booming New York, thirsty to expand. We rode this trail for 10 or more miles before we came upon what was described to me by Ed, as an old carriage house. Completely engulfed by the woods around us, the structure struggles to be seen behind the growth and a large fallen tree. Continuing South, we wove our way through neighborhoods built close to the trail, and passed through Lenoir Nature Preserve, and Untemeyer Park, before reconnecting with the South County Trailway and arriving back where we started.
We said our goodbyes to Kevin and Ed; and Juan, Jose, Kelly, and I, rode to the West Side bike path to make our way further downtown. Juan left us shortly before Fort Washington Park, and Jose and Kelly accompanied me to 125th Street where I could ride across town to take the 125th Street Bridge to Randalls Island, the Triboro Bridge, and home to Astoria. My first experience with the 5BBC was great, so I became a member, for 20$ you get a years membership, and I felt it was a great way to show my appreciation, and a good bargain for all of the services, and resources they offer.
Geese gliding over the water as we exit the park.
Returning to the trail from the park where we stopped for lunch. Discussing tracking yearly miles, and "bonking" with Kelly.
Two underpasses, and two bridges.
Ed talks of how much the trail has improved since he first rode along it. Ed shares more about railroad culture, including how a pipe fitter from a railroad once replaced a hose on his Volkswagon, with pipe.
Crossing 2 bridges, to arrive at a photo op spot.
Photo-op at the Northern tip of our route.
Riding next to the Tarrytown reservoir.
A chimney to aerate the aqueduct still stands.
More illumination talk with Kelly, and discussing chain problems.
Passing another aqueduct chimney, and some nice houses. Discussing tread, and tube folding inside rims with Kelly.
The spooky carriage house on the Old Croton Trail.
After all this talk about cycling at Bike Expo New York, it was time for a serious ride. The Five Boro Bike Tour was to be my first organized ride, and I was sure it would not disappoint. Unheard of car-less Manhattan streets, effortlessly passing through many unique, and iconic neighborhoods, traveling over roadways, and bridges usually off limits to cyclists, to make it possible to ride all five boroughs in just 40 miles.
As I ride down Crescent Avenue in the predawn darkness, I (in hindsight) ironically comment on how my bike should be in perfect running order. Little did I know, my rear tire was worn down to the Kevlar lining, and was a flat tire waiting to happen. Oblivious to this fact, I hauled myself over the Queensboro Bridge for what would be my first of three crossings over that bridge that day. Gliding downtown along Second Avenue, the city is quiet, and the avenue, nearly empty. After waiting at Broadway, and Park Place for a little while, I was told that the start was around the corner, and made my way there to find, that I was still very early. I found a spot, one person back from the starting line, and tried to stay warm and comfortable, for the hour and a half before the tour started. At one point a small Japanese media crew was filming a Japanese cyclist, and taking pictures of the crowd, asking us to wave, and yell "hi". Slowly the start time approached, and a ride Marshall came out in front of the barrier to give last minute instructions. Even though I was in the front, I believe that there are between 1,000 and 2,000 VIP's ahead of the group I am in. These people had a corporate connection to the tour, or raised money for a charity, to earn a spot to ride the tour. From the sound of the starting horn, to actually passing the first gate to begin riding, took about 5 minutes
Starting out early for the Five Boro Bike Tour, I comment on the fact that I think my bike is in perfect working order (famous last words).
Descending to Manhattan on the Queensboro Bridge in the predawn darkness, my first time over the Queensboro Bridge that day.
Arriving at the start for the Five Boro Bike Tour, I film a recumbent tandem bike that looks comfy.
Japanese media commentate, and pose at the starting line while taking pictures, and video, of the crowd, and a Japanese cyclist.
Shortly before the start, instructions regarding the fork in the road ahead, are given.
2nd crowd shot.
The long, slow start of the Five Boro Bike Tour; 4 minutes of slowly walking your bike down church street to reach the starting line where you can ride.
Giddy with prospect of 40 miles of unhindered NYC riding, I start out strong, using my well honed traffic weaving abilities to try to safely make headway into the crowd in front of me, as we glide uptown. The East Village gives way to Chelsea, and soon I'm passing Herald Square, and Radio City, before entering Central Park. So far, all of these streets are familiar to me, each conjuring different memories of the people I associate them with. Looking around me, I feel as if I'm taking the world on a bike ride with me through my neighborhoods.
Inside Central Park, I had hoped my familiarity with the loop would be more of an advantage, but found myself frustrated by the lack of passing room, and the density of the slow moving packs. I made good time after the first curve by carrying some good speed into the incline before the straightaway, and bigger curve, but I was tied up trying to bomb through, and did not enter Harlem with as much speed as I had hoped. As you enter Harlem, you pass a live gospel choir, serenading you from a stage by the roadside. It had seemed to me that most of the trip uptown was through some headwinds, and when we hit the open avenue in Harlem it began to become significant.
The Five Boro Bike Tour being the largest cycling event in the world (35,000 riders), I find myself speculating as to who could possibly be pedaling beside me; from athletes to zen masters, I think I saw almost every type of person, on any type of bike you could imagine, yesterday. I would say the percentage of road bikes on the tour seemed pretty high, maybe as high as 75%. I saw many more mountain bikes than I had expected, including mountain bikes with knobby tires. Many tandem, recumbent, and other unconventional bikes were seen, including a Father who had a tandem with a trailer bike attached to create a three person bike for him, and his daughters.
Climbing the Madison Avenue Bridge into the Bronx, the tour merely touches the borough before turning South, over the Third Avenue Bridge, and burning straight down the FDR to the Queensboro Bridge, and Long Island City. When I'm nearing the last stretch of the FDR before the Queensboro Bridge, I realize that my rear tire is now gradually going flat. Almost as soon a I realize this, I begin to see signs for the first rest area. I resigned myself to standing while pedaling the last mile to try to preserve my new rear rim, and rode into the first rest area grabbing a snack, and walking straight to the mechanics tent. Here they change my tube, and pointed out that my tire was worn down to the protective lining, but then told me I should be able to finish the ride with it as well, and sent me on my way. This would be my second time over the Queensboro bridge today, but this time, I was able to ride the upper deck, which is usually only open to automobile traffic. Climbing to this level of the bridge was significantly more difficult than the usual pedestrian, and bike path level. After arriving in Long Island City, I had the most pleasant experience riding down 21st Street. This road is usually a nightmare for cyclists at anytime of day, with taxis, garbage trucks, buses, and all types of vehicles trying to drive through as quickly as possible; my normal route from the bridge goes more than a half mile out of my way just to avoid riding there. Today, 21st Street was the perfect option to reach Astoria from the Queensboro Bridge. I rode happily up to Astoria Park, under the Triboro Bridge, and greeted my friends from Tonys Bike Shop, explaining that I had just had a flat tire before the bridge. Here I grabbed more food, and a sports drink, before heading to my apartment only blocks away to use my own bathroom, and drop off some gear from the morning that I no longer had need for.
Leaving my apartment I joke to the officers on my corner about how nice it is to live near the tour, and proceed to ride back to reenter the route. Almost as soon as I start out along Shore Blvd leaving Astoria Park, I see 2 riders dressed up as super heroes, one as Captain America, and the other as the Green Lantern. As I accelerate to catch up to them I hear a loud hiss, and discover that I've now punctured a second tube. Completely beside myself having this awful turn of events, I immediately turn back into Astoria Park, and head straight for Tonys booth, where Dino, one of their mechanics, swaps the tire and tube out with pit crew like efficiency, and waves me off when I tell him to charge me later. Very grateful to have had such speedy service, I find myself re-entering the route again, headed toward Brooklyn along Vernon Blvd, and Kent Avenue, a route similar to one that I take to my girlfriends apartment. Not long after crossing the Pulaski Bridge to Brooklyn, I once again find myself on unobstructed highway, riding down the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, and merging onto the Gowanus Expressway for a long grueling stretch into persistent headwinds. At this point I was getting hungry again, and saw signs for the last water, and toilet stop, before the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. I had hoped they would have some food on offer but since there was none, I resigned myself to drinking the water, and catching my breath before the final huge push over the last bridge.
Traveling 6th Avenue, through Chelsea.
From Radio City, to Central Park, on 6th Avenue.
Traveling through one of my favorite sections of the Central Park loop, I comment on how quiet it is.
Arriving in Harlem.
Stopping to fix a flat at the first rest stop, I film a tandem fitted with a trailer bike.
The FDR to Asphalt Green.
My 2nd time over the Queensboro Bridge that day, but this time on the upper level which is usually car only.
I stop to say hi to my friends at the local bike shop, Tonys Bicycles in Astoria, and tell them how I just had a flat.
Finally rolling again, I try to catch up to some riders dressed as super heroes, and get my 2nd flat tire!
Long Island City, Vernon Blvd.
Greenpoint Ave, and Kent Ave in Brooklyn.
Tandem bike, Furman Street, approaching the BQE.
BQE Part 2. (Grinding up the BQE)
Slowly ascending the Gowanus Expressway, pulling into the last stop before the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.
Climbing the entrance to the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.
The Verrazano Narrows Bridge is only open to cyclists this one time a year. At 6,690 feet, this bridge presents the last challenge before the finish line festival in Fort Wadsworth Staten Island. The grind up the Verrezano Bridge was near mile 50 on the day for me, and all of the extra power in my legs had been drained. I found myself slowly spinning over the bridge with the other heavy weights, and slower riders. After what seemed like a small eternity of climbing, I'm sailing down into Fort Wadsworth, greeted by music, and cheerful congratulations from the volunteers (who have been cheering us on the whole time). The lines for hot food were far too long for my liking, so I decided some free snacks would have to do, and munched some granola bars, and drank some sports drinks. After only resting less than a half an hour, I walked my bike down to New York Avenue to ride the last 3 miles of the route to St George Station, to ride the Staten Island Ferry back to lower Manhattan, so I could finish the last 10 miles of my ride for the day, the ride home.
The slow grind up the enormous Verrazano Narrows Bridge, and the rapid descent down to the Fort Wadsworth finish line festival.
Entering the Fort Wadsworth Finish line festival.
Walking to New York Avenue, riding the last 3 miles of the Five Boro Bike Tour, ending at the Staten Island Ferry.
Boarding the Staten Island Ferry.
Using almost the same route home as I had used leaving Bike Expo New York, I rode along the East River Esplanade, and then past the U.N. on First Avenue, and wove through traffic up towards 59th Street. Once I reached the foot of the Queensboro Bridge for the third time, I knew I had only this one last mountain to climb before the few miles of Long Island City that separated me from my shower, and my comfortable bed to nap in as I had had only 1 hour of sleep the night before. It's hard to imagine having more fun on an organized bike tour in New York than I had on the Five Boro Bike Tour, I'm hoping the century Ride to Montauk in June will be just as enjoyable.
The Five Boro Bike Tour now complete, I begin my return ride home on the East River Esplanade, passing under the Manhattan Bridge.
Riding the East River Esplanade towards Midtown.
My 3rd time over the Queensboro Bridge that day, descending to Queens, for the last few miles to home.
Having returned from the beautiful city of New Orleans yesterday, I felt great urgency to start racking up miles to try to reach or surpass my personal monthly quota of 200 miles. Riding 400 miles in the month of March had taken a toll, and the 2 weeks of light to no riding was necessary to heal so I may train hard in the next 2+ weeks leading up to the 5 boro bike tour.
Ever since I rode to Tallman Mountain, I've wanted to ride in the opposite direction South, on River Road into New Jersey. When I awoke this morning I saw sunny skies, and mild temperatures, which was all the more reason to take the fairly long trip. I set out at approximately 12:30, and immediately noticed that cloud cover was setting in, there was no rain in the forecast so I was not overly worried, only mildly disappointed that I would likely not be shooting video of a sunny day.
I had no need to plan an exact route as I knew that it consisted of roads I was familiar with, River Road (South) itself would be the only stretch that was new to me.
Entering Harlem via the Triboro, and 125th Street Bridges, traffic seemed light, and fairly subdued on this Wednesday afternoon. I cut across town to St. Nicholas Avenue, turning on 141st Street to utilize the entrance to the Hudson River Greenway at 139th Street. Following the stretch of Greenway through River Bank Park, and Fort Washington Park is always a feast for the eyes. There is probably an "easier" way to get to the George Washington Bridge, but I believe the scenic views make the detour well worth an extra mile and a couple steep climbs.
Arriving on the Hudson River Greenway.
Riding through River Bank Park, and Fort Washington Park.
Now in New Jersey I came upon Henry Hudson Drive, and decided I could not resist riding North under the bridge before turning back South. After passing under the bridge, I came upon a small park down by the shore which had intrigued me the first time I passed through, and rolled down to explore it. I found I was able to follow the shoreline quite closely along some brick paths, turning into blacktop, which gave way to a small grassy dirt trail littered with chunks of rock. Soon I found myself trucking along this trail quite satisfied with my discovery so far. After only a few minutes, the dirt trail led to a set of granite benches with river related poetry etched into them. Being no outlet from this point, I found myself carrying my bike up stone steps slowly behind an apprehensive Robin who then flies away.
Riding Henry Hudson Drive under the George Washington Bridge.
A park on the shore, leads to blacktop heading South.
Blacktop along the riverside gives way to a dirt trail.
A dirt trail heading South along the Hudson River leads to a set of granite benches.
River poetry on granite benches on the banks of the Hudson in New Jersey.
Slowly following a Robin up the stone steps.
The benches and steps below me, traversing the skinny stone path back to civilization.
I found my way back to River Road, and pointed myself South. I found that the though the road was marked as a "shared road" on the map, there wasn't even the arrows and bike symbol, let alone enough shoulder in some places to make the route truly safe. The only sigage featured was to tell cyclist to ride single file, with nothing other than those same signs to keep motorists aware. I only rode as far South as Cliffside Park before I decided to turn back North. Riding back to the George Washington Bridge steep climbs make for slow going. Onc back on the bridge towards Manhattan it was smooth sailing as I back tracked my route to Astoria via the 125th Street, and Triboro Bridges. After such a long hiatus from cycling it felt great to lay down some solid mileage, and get my blood pumping again. Tomorrow should be equally as nice for riding, and I plan to make the best of it.
Crossing the George Washington Bridge back into Manhattan.
Rapid descent down the 125th Street bridge, stopping just short of an uncomfortable encounter with the cement wall.
A small stretch of the new paths under the Hellgate Bridge.
