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!
Showing posts with label central park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label central park. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
8-8-2012 East River Esplanade and Central Park
Tuesday I was feeling stir crazy. All of the heat and humidity has kept me from putting in the usual mileage on my bike that I prefer. Though the weather was as hot and humid as ever on Tuesday I forced myself to get out and sweat out my cabin fever.
I decided to do one lap around Wards Island, cross the 103rd street bridge, and do a lap around Central Park, before coming back to Astoria via the Queensborough Bridge. All together this was only 20 miles but in this heat it felt like much further.
I'm still significantly overweight (though cycling is slowly changing that), so the heat is extra debilitating, and at times I felt some mild heat exhaustion. Being acutely aware of this I made sure to hydrate often, stopping where I knew the water fountains were along my route.
From here I crossed over to the East River Esplanade and made my way downtown, along the river. As I came around a turn I found a girl on the side of the path trying to dab at the skinned elbow of a little boy who had just fallen off his bike. I pulled over and offered the use of my first aid which is always in my backpack. After applying some triple antibiotic with pain relief and large a Tegiderm pad to his elbow I suggested that they all wear helmets and said goodbye.
I then continued to a scenic point overlooking the East River where one can view 3 iconic bridges with Roosevelt Island at your feet. Fortunately I was able to capture a nice progression when a tugboat and police boat passed right in front of me.
From here I continued to the foot of the Queensborough Bridge at 59th Street. A sculpture park sits in the shadow of the bridge and offers more beautiful views of the city and the East River.
Leaving the sculpture park I made my way across town to enter Central Park near Columbus Circle. By this time the heat was beginning to take a toll and my pace and energy levels were decreasing in concert. I had decided to keep my time in Central Park short only just completing one lap before exiting the park to head back towards the Queensborough Bridge, this time with a mind to cross it and cut my usual path through Long Island City and back to my apartment in Astoria.
I decided to do one lap around Wards Island, cross the 103rd street bridge, and do a lap around Central Park, before coming back to Astoria via the Queensborough Bridge. All together this was only 20 miles but in this heat it felt like much further.
I'm still significantly overweight (though cycling is slowly changing that), so the heat is extra debilitating, and at times I felt some mild heat exhaustion. Being acutely aware of this I made sure to hydrate often, stopping where I knew the water fountains were along my route.
Descending the Triboro Bridge to Wards Island.
From Hellgate Bridge to the entrance of the Triboro.
Wards Island, in the shadow of the Hellgate Bridge.
Wards Island, in the shadow of the Hellgate Bridge.
Wards Island Bridge
Wards Island Bridge
Myself in front of the Wards Island Bridge
From here I crossed over to the East River Esplanade and made my way downtown, along the river. As I came around a turn I found a girl on the side of the path trying to dab at the skinned elbow of a little boy who had just fallen off his bike. I pulled over and offered the use of my first aid which is always in my backpack. After applying some triple antibiotic with pain relief and large a Tegiderm pad to his elbow I suggested that they all wear helmets and said goodbye.
After patching up a young boy's elbow I suggest that they wear helmets before bidding them good day.
I then continued to a scenic point overlooking the East River where one can view 3 iconic bridges with Roosevelt Island at your feet. Fortunately I was able to capture a nice progression when a tugboat and police boat passed right in front of me.
The East River Esplanade at 80th Street
The East River Esplanade at 80th Street
The East River Esplanade at 80th Street
The East River Esplanade at 80th Street
The East River Esplanade at 80th Street
The East River Esplanade at 80th Street
The East River Esplanade at 80th Street
The East River Esplanade at 80th Street
The East River Esplanade at 80th Street
From here I continued to the foot of the Queensborough Bridge at 59th Street. A sculpture park sits in the shadow of the bridge and offers more beautiful views of the city and the East River.
In the shadow of the Queensborough Bridge
In the shadow of the Queensborough Bridge
In the shadow of the Queensborough Bridge
In the shadow of the Queensborough Bridge
In the shadow of the Queensborough Bridge
In the shadow of the Queensborough Bridge
In the shadow of the Queensborough Bridge
In the shadow of the Queensborough Bridge
In the shadow of the Queensborough Bridge
In the shadow of the Queensborough Bridge
In the shadow of the Queensborough Bridge
In the shadow of the Queensborough Bridge
In the shadow of the Queensborough Bridge
In the shadow of the Queensborough Bridge
Leaving the sculpture park I made my way across town to enter Central Park near Columbus Circle. By this time the heat was beginning to take a toll and my pace and energy levels were decreasing in concert. I had decided to keep my time in Central Park short only just completing one lap before exiting the park to head back towards the Queensborough Bridge, this time with a mind to cross it and cut my usual path through Long Island City and back to my apartment in Astoria.
Descending the Queensborough Bridge.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Astoria to Penn Station and Rockefeller Center (15.16 miles)
After a setting a new personal high mileage in a single month in March, minor sports related injuries, and personal obligations, have made the start of April unusually low in mileage.
This will likely be my only post for this week, as I will be in New Orleans until next Tuesday.
If possible I might be able to borrow a bike for a ride while I am down south, but I may not have the opportunity.
As I like to be an appreciative guest, I decided to collect a few gifts for my gracious hosts in New Orleans. I rode through Long Island city on Crescent Avenue, to reach the Triboro Bridge, and Midtown.
I walk my bike through Rockefeller Center commenting on the sights.
Still needing to print out my Amtrak tickets for my trip down south, I rode to Penn Station to find their Kiosks where I can print out my tickets. Once inside Penn I find a Latin Guitar duo who I record for a few moments, and then walk through the station.
Back outside on the street again, I walk past some skateboarders using some nearby steps to attempt tricks.
Soon, I'm heading back uptown along Madison Avenue towards Rockefeller Center again, this time I plan to lock-up my bike and purchase some gifts from the fine shops there. First I went to Teuscher for their exquisite Truffles. Then I went to Nintendo World to find my friend a unique gift.
Leaving Rockefeller Center, I crosstown on 51st Street to 1st Avenue, and negotiate the final tricky stretch before the 59th Street bridge. Once over the bridge I made a short detour to Tony's Bike Shop for a little tune up and friendly conversation, before heading home.
This will likely be my only post for this week, as I will be in New Orleans until next Tuesday.
If possible I might be able to borrow a bike for a ride while I am down south, but I may not have the opportunity.
As I like to be an appreciative guest, I decided to collect a few gifts for my gracious hosts in New Orleans. I rode through Long Island city on Crescent Avenue, to reach the Triboro Bridge, and Midtown.
I walk my bike through Rockefeller Center commenting on the sights.
Still needing to print out my Amtrak tickets for my trip down south, I rode to Penn Station to find their Kiosks where I can print out my tickets. Once inside Penn I find a Latin Guitar duo who I record for a few moments, and then walk through the station.
Back outside on the street again, I walk past some skateboarders using some nearby steps to attempt tricks.
Soon, I'm heading back uptown along Madison Avenue towards Rockefeller Center again, this time I plan to lock-up my bike and purchase some gifts from the fine shops there. First I went to Teuscher for their exquisite Truffles. Then I went to Nintendo World to find my friend a unique gift.
Leaving Rockefeller Center, I crosstown on 51st Street to 1st Avenue, and negotiate the final tricky stretch before the 59th Street bridge. Once over the bridge I made a short detour to Tony's Bike Shop for a little tune up and friendly conversation, before heading home.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Astoria to Central Park via Harlem (20 miles)
I had hoped to try to ride out to Hicksville again this week, but my schedule, and my friends schedule didn't match up. Having to change my plans at the last minute, I decided that some laps in Central Park would be a good idea. I rode over the Triboro and 125th Street bridges and used 126th Street to cut across to St Nicholas Avenue. Out of habit I made a right, and traveled a few blocks out of my way before realizing my error, and turning around. Now headed in the correct direction to link up with Central Park, I see a soupped-up car, with an awesome paint job sitting at a red light. I start my camera, and pan along side the waiting vehicle, to find the passenger wearing a creepy mask, which definitely caught me off guard.
Deciding to go to Central Park is always a good idea, and today, with such pleasant weather (Sunny in the 50's), and spring blooming brightly, the park was bustling, and beautiful. Central Park features a few good descents, some of which you can use to carry you through the next climb. When I'm riding in the loop, I sometimes use stronger cyclists to try to motivate myself to ride harder. A cyclist in red passes me, and I attempt to pace him for a stretch.
Trying to follow the cyclist in red, an exercise in futility, but good exercise none the less.
Rapid descent past the lake in Central Park.
I had planned on buying Cashews from a cart in the park, but I had not seen any carts selling them in almost an entire lap. After seeing more and more ice cream carts, I had assumed that the season for the warm roasted treats had ended, and I might not find the food I desred at all. Just when I had all but given up hope, I locate the Cashews I was craving, and munched them down. Observing the tourists, and the commuters on detour, I finished my snack, and set out for another lap around the park.
Beautiful spring scenery in Central Park. My wolf whistle alerts a group of anxious teenagers.
Descent, strong climb, and rapid descent behind SUV, in Central Park.
Rapid descent, catching up to the commuter on a Bianchi.
Lush green fields in Central Park, 2nd rapid descent past the lake.
More gorgeous skyline as I approach Columbus Circle to head home.
Whenever I pass through Columbus Circle I always dismount and walk my bike through the connecting path, and sidewalks. As I walked along the path I see people looking up to a tree with their cameras ,and phones. As I walked around them, and looked up, you could see a hawk eating a smaller bird. It was dimly lit on it's perch, but you can see him well when he briefly spreads his wings for a moment. After that bit of excitement, I found my way to 54th street, and cut crosstown to pick up 1st avenue, and the 59th Street Bridge. My timing as I crest the 59th Street Bridge was such that when I slid my camera between the bars for a shot of the river, I happened to get a very nice shot of the Roosevelt Island Air Tram as it passes, before descending the other side of the bridge. Once back in Astoria, I rode through the park, enjoyed a milkshake from the resident Mr. Softee, and briefly soaked in the clear scenic expanse, watching the waters under the Hellgate swirl.
People stop to film, and take pictures of a hawk eating a small bird on a branch above our heads, near Columbus Circle.
The golden statue in Columbus Circle.
An interesting paint job on the side of a van crossing the 59th Street Bridge depicts a stick figure holding a movie camera.
Lucky timing as the Roosevelt Island Air Tram passes me at the top of the 59th Street Bridge, then following the yellow rider down the bridge.
Standing between the Triboro, and Hellgate Bridges, stunning skyline, and my commentary regarding the tumultuous waters running below Hellgate.
Fooling around for effect, riding under the Hellgate, rolling out from the grassy hill towards home.
Deciding to go to Central Park is always a good idea, and today, with such pleasant weather (Sunny in the 50's), and spring blooming brightly, the park was bustling, and beautiful. Central Park features a few good descents, some of which you can use to carry you through the next climb. When I'm riding in the loop, I sometimes use stronger cyclists to try to motivate myself to ride harder. A cyclist in red passes me, and I attempt to pace him for a stretch.
Trying to follow the cyclist in red, an exercise in futility, but good exercise none the less.
Rapid descent past the lake in Central Park.
I had planned on buying Cashews from a cart in the park, but I had not seen any carts selling them in almost an entire lap. After seeing more and more ice cream carts, I had assumed that the season for the warm roasted treats had ended, and I might not find the food I desred at all. Just when I had all but given up hope, I locate the Cashews I was craving, and munched them down. Observing the tourists, and the commuters on detour, I finished my snack, and set out for another lap around the park.
Beautiful spring scenery in Central Park. My wolf whistle alerts a group of anxious teenagers.
Descent, strong climb, and rapid descent behind SUV, in Central Park.
Rapid descent, catching up to the commuter on a Bianchi.
Lush green fields in Central Park, 2nd rapid descent past the lake.
More gorgeous skyline as I approach Columbus Circle to head home.
Whenever I pass through Columbus Circle I always dismount and walk my bike through the connecting path, and sidewalks. As I walked along the path I see people looking up to a tree with their cameras ,and phones. As I walked around them, and looked up, you could see a hawk eating a smaller bird. It was dimly lit on it's perch, but you can see him well when he briefly spreads his wings for a moment. After that bit of excitement, I found my way to 54th street, and cut crosstown to pick up 1st avenue, and the 59th Street Bridge. My timing as I crest the 59th Street Bridge was such that when I slid my camera between the bars for a shot of the river, I happened to get a very nice shot of the Roosevelt Island Air Tram as it passes, before descending the other side of the bridge. Once back in Astoria, I rode through the park, enjoyed a milkshake from the resident Mr. Softee, and briefly soaked in the clear scenic expanse, watching the waters under the Hellgate swirl.
People stop to film, and take pictures of a hawk eating a small bird on a branch above our heads, near Columbus Circle.
The golden statue in Columbus Circle.
An interesting paint job on the side of a van crossing the 59th Street Bridge depicts a stick figure holding a movie camera.
Lucky timing as the Roosevelt Island Air Tram passes me at the top of the 59th Street Bridge, then following the yellow rider down the bridge.
Standing between the Triboro, and Hellgate Bridges, stunning skyline, and my commentary regarding the tumultuous waters running below Hellgate.
Fooling around for effect, riding under the Hellgate, rolling out from the grassy hill towards home.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Astoria to Fort Washington Park (16.28 miles)
My original plan for today was to cross the George Washington Bridge into New Jersey, and head South along Route 9.
Once I arrived in Harlem I found myself working my way up to 157th Street, before cutting the rest of the way across town, and luckily running into the entrance to Fort Washington Park. Halfway to the foot of the George Washington bridge 2 road bike cyclists passed me a bit too close for my liking, and I proceed to follow them as far as the foot of the George Washington Bridge. Though the temperature was in the mid 50's, 25-30 mph winds made it feel much cooler, which likely kept some people away from the waterfront.
Heading back was mostly downhill with a tailwind, making for an easy and quick ride home. I'm glad I came upon this stretch of Greenway, and Fort Washington Park, as I believe it is a good way to get to the George Washington Bridge. I may take this route tomorrow if I decide to go the rest of the way to New Jersey, and South on route 9.
Once I arrived in Harlem I found myself working my way up to 157th Street, before cutting the rest of the way across town, and luckily running into the entrance to Fort Washington Park. Halfway to the foot of the George Washington bridge 2 road bike cyclists passed me a bit too close for my liking, and I proceed to follow them as far as the foot of the George Washington Bridge. Though the temperature was in the mid 50's, 25-30 mph winds made it feel much cooler, which likely kept some people away from the waterfront.
Heading back was mostly downhill with a tailwind, making for an easy and quick ride home. I'm glad I came upon this stretch of Greenway, and Fort Washington Park, as I believe it is a good way to get to the George Washington Bridge. I may take this route tomorrow if I decide to go the rest of the way to New Jersey, and South on route 9.
Friday, March 2, 2012
3 bridges, the Museum Mile, and some laps in Central Park (31.78 miles)
I decided today was a good day for laps in Central Park.
As I exited my apartment I heard a metallic rattle come from my rear wheel when I set the bike down.
Apparently the loud twang I heard while riding yesterday was a spoke shearing where it meets the hub (I had thought it may have been a cable breaking, and stopped to check my bike, but did not find the source of the sound when it happened). I unscrewed the spoke from it's nipple and rode to my LBS for a replacement, and an earful about custom built wheels (I was told I likely did not need custom wheels).
20 minutes later, I'm on the road.
Still cool today (mid to high 30's), and overcast. Triboro bridge, 125th street bridge, East River Esplanade to 89th street, and then cut across town to Central Park. I used the 59th street bridge for my return trip, exiting the park near Columbus Circle. Some highlights include, following a fixed gear rider down the Museum Mile. Kids staging a photo in an unsafe location (followed by a slow climb). Asian girl likes to shoot pictures on the go. And my descent down the 59th street bridge back into the borough of Queens.
As I exited my apartment I heard a metallic rattle come from my rear wheel when I set the bike down.
Apparently the loud twang I heard while riding yesterday was a spoke shearing where it meets the hub (I had thought it may have been a cable breaking, and stopped to check my bike, but did not find the source of the sound when it happened). I unscrewed the spoke from it's nipple and rode to my LBS for a replacement, and an earful about custom built wheels (I was told I likely did not need custom wheels).
20 minutes later, I'm on the road.
Still cool today (mid to high 30's), and overcast. Triboro bridge, 125th street bridge, East River Esplanade to 89th street, and then cut across town to Central Park. I used the 59th street bridge for my return trip, exiting the park near Columbus Circle. Some highlights include, following a fixed gear rider down the Museum Mile. Kids staging a photo in an unsafe location (followed by a slow climb). Asian girl likes to shoot pictures on the go. And my descent down the 59th street bridge back into the borough of Queens.
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