NYC Century Bike Ride

I'm doing it (the 100mile route), anyone else? I'm a marshall. I did it last year and each distance was longer than supposed to be (100 was like 118, 75 was 86 or so) but this year they say they'e made adjustments so it should be spot-on.
Also, the velodrome in Quees should be more respectful and all riders should be able to stop there and ride it if they like.

Anyway, look for me on a dark blue madone 5.2SL; I'll have a marshall vest and a team FDJ kit, black bell helmet... really really incredibly good looking I'll be riding with Gwen, who will be on a light blue Trek 1000.
Pull up and say hi!

Dave - is this Century a 5-borough one? Does it leave the city at all? Just curious--I'm not riding it.

meanderthal wrote: Dave - is this Century a 5-borough one? Does it leave the city at all? Just curious--I'm not riding it.

The routes go all over the city and are: 100, 75, 55, 35 and 15 miles, depending on what you can or want to do.

You can read more about it here:
http://www.transalt.org/calendar/century/index.html

or also here:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=224090

Dave,

Thanks for the info and links. The bikeforum must be down this morning. I'm a member there (same ID) but usually hang in the Touring group.

If only I had ordered my cyclo-cross earlier. Next year.

TAE just sent me an email with the Century route. Now I really am sorry I'm missing it. The Hudson river and Coney Island/Rockaway beach routes are worth the saddle sores alone. Luck, my brutha.

Idlewild wrote: TAE just sent me an email with the Century route. Now I really am sorry I'm missing it. The Hudson river and Coney Island/Rockaway beach routes are worth the saddle sores alone. Luck, my brutha.

Ohhhh I know it! Last year after the ride, I was celibte for a week, longest time I've gone that long by choice! :roll:

Sounds like you're riding one of them thar cardboard saddles I had the privy of testing in Bay Ridge when I hopped on a Seven. Not into gels or chamois'? Or does Monk of the Sistine Chapel routine go with the territory of a C ride no matter what?

Idlewild wrote: Sounds like you're riding one of them thar cardboard saddles I had the privy of testing in Bay Ridge when I hopped on a Seven. Not into gels or chamois'? Or does Monk of the Sistine Chapel routine go with the territory of a C ride no matter what?

Oh, I had a good saddle (well, I thought it was good, maybe not!) and had fair chamois. This year, new carbon bike, better saddle and better bibs, I hope to be back in action the next day, not a week later!

I have a better saddle just not a better bike. At least not for anything over 15 miles. Looking at the TAE events, the NYC paths and parks and my love of driving xcountry with a bike strapped on the roof is why I'm finally getting a cyclocross. That and I want to impress the babes in Prospect Park. You know the ones who wear the bibs/cycling shorts, have their hair in a ponytail underneath their helmets, riding the Treks, Bianchi's and an occasional Moots or Look.

Idlewild wrote: I have a better saddle just not a better bike. At least not for anything over 15 miles. Looking at the TAE events, the NYC paths and parks and my love of driving xcountry with a bike strapped on the roof is why I'm finally getting a cyclocross. That and I want to impress the babes in Prospect Park. You know the ones who wear the bibs/cycling shorts, have their hair in a ponytail underneath their helmets, riding the Treks, Bianchi's and an occasional Moots or Look.

A know a cyclocross would impress me (btw, what's a cyclocross? )

On a different bike note - if I wanted to put my bike in my car and take it down near the path that goes by the Verrazano Bridge in Bay Ridge, where is a good place to look for parking? Any ideas?

Flexichick wrote:

A know a cyclocross would impress me (btw, what's a cyclocross? )

picutre lance armstrong on and off the road. It's a road bike with thicker tires, basically...

Idlewild wrote: That and I want to impress the babes in Prospect Park.

hahahah, indeed!

Flexichick wrote: [quote=Idlewild]I have a better saddle just not a better bike. At least not for anything over 15 miles. Looking at the TAE events, the NYC paths and parks and my love of driving xcountry with a bike strapped on the roof is why I'm finally getting a cyclocross. That and I want to impress the babes in Prospect Park. You know the ones who wear the bibs/cycling shorts, have their hair in a ponytail underneath their helmets, riding the Treks, Bianchi's and an occasional Moots or Look.

A know a cyclocross would impress me (btw, what's a cyclocross? )

On a different bike note - if I wanted to put my bike in my car and take it down near the path that goes by the Verrazano Bridge in Bay Ridge, where is a good place to look for parking? Any ideas?

Before I answer are you going to wear the tights and put your hair in a ponytail? It sounds like you're talking about the Belt Parkway Promenade. You could hop on to the Belt E. and park your car in the scenic view lot right before the 4th Avenue exit. If you overshoot that one there's another one right before the Bay Parkway exit.

I'm picking up a cyclocross just because I would destroy a road bike. The cyclo I'm getting will be great for speed, climbing hills and most importantly riding off sidewalk curbs or riding on gravel trails. All this carrying my "big bones" and being able to trek more than 20 miles without feeling like I want to cut my legs off and burn my mountain bike. It's like a sturdier road bike.

Here's a pic of one:

Mmmm.... bike porn...

Flexichick wrote: [quote=Idlewild]I have a better saddle just not a better bike. At least not for anything over 15 miles. Looking at the TAE events, the NYC paths and parks and my love of driving xcountry with a bike strapped on the roof is why I'm finally getting a cyclocross. That and I want to impress the babes in Prospect Park. You know the ones who wear the bibs/cycling shorts, have their hair in a ponytail underneath their helmets, riding the Treks, Bianchi's and an occasional Moots or Look.

A know a cyclocross would impress me (btw, what's a cyclocross? )

On a different bike note - if I wanted to put my bike in my car and take it down near the path that goes by the Verrazano Bridge in Bay Ridge, where is a good place to look for parking? Any ideas?

Flexi- there is a parking area there (been there necking when I was younger :oops: )

kosherdave wrote: [quote=Flexichick]

A know a cyclocross would impress me (btw, what's a cyclocross? )

picutre lance armstrong on and off the road. It's a road bike with thicker tires, basically...

Don't steal my thunder, man, I wished you luck remember?

Carni... that is an awesome looking bike. I am going to look that up. Are you driving a Stevens?

Flexichick wrote: [ if I wanted to put my bike in my car and take it down near the path that goes by the Verrazano Bridge in Bay Ridge, where is a good place to look for parking? Any ideas?

If you mean ceaser's bay and the path that goes from Best Buy under the Verrazano and down a couple more miles, just drive your car down Bay Parkway (I think?!) toward Bestbuy, there is a HUGE parking lot there with ample parking and it's the start of that bike path. Though, the path gets pretty crowded with people strolling along, and it's rather bumpy and crappy, but maybe they've fixed that in the last year. I usually ride in Prospect Park now, since I don't live in Bensonhurst anymore.

Idlewild wrote: ... my love of driving xcountry with a bike strapped on the roof is why I'm finally getting a cyclocross.

Heck, just ride the bike xcountry!

Idlewild wrote: [quote=kosherdave][quote=Flexichick]

A know a cyclocross would impress me (btw, what's a cyclocross? )

picutre lance armstrong on and off the road. It's a road bike with thicker tires, basically...

Don't steal my thunder, man, I wished you luck remember?

oops, sorry, and thanks, Carn, for posting the bike porn! Love that shit!

Idlewild wrote: Carni... that is an awesome looking bike. I am going to look that up. Are you driving a Stevens?

I wish... I have a total beater. It gets me around, but that's about it. I've had it for 16 years, and it's not worth as much as my lock! In fact, one of my friends was making fun of it, saying I was going to come back to it one day to find the lock stolen and the bike still there.

I do wear my hair in a ponytail when I ride, but my hair isn't that long (see pic...it's a tiny bit longer now).

Tights - eh, not so much. Yoga pants (at my shin so I don't get caught up in the chain) or shorts

I just saw the webpage. It's very, how do I say, "Tuetonic". I will say that it is nice bike porn as Mr. Kosher said.

Most of the pathway from the bridge on to Caesar's Bay is fine. It's when you go from Sheepsheadbay onwards to JFK that can be bumpy, but not that bumpy that your teeth are rattling. I usually take Bedford Ave or Ocean Parkway (especially on Sabbath) down to the street that turn into Emmons (I forget the name) and follow the path. if I'm visiting my friends in Bensonhurst I'll take the path west bound until I hit the 65th street pier. I have more problems with the head winds than I do potholes and such.

As far as cycling cross country. Nada. I just got into biking last year, I love biking with all my heart, but I do adore my car especially if I'm caught in the rain or I feel like being Luke Duke and flooring my car to 80-100+mph on a deserted road/hwy with a full compliment of luggae. Can't do that on a tourer.

Flexichick wrote: I do wear my hair in a ponytail when I ride, but my hair isn't that long (see pic...it's a tiny bit longer now).

Tights - eh, not so much. Yoga pants (at my shin so I don't get caught up in the chain) or shorts

You could shave your head and wear oversize baggy pants like the rappers of '90's did and you'd be a okay with me, Flex.

awwwww.....between you, KD, and AW I am feeling the love today

You're alright in my book, too (not that I have a book, but if I did, you'd be in the "alright" column).

Idlewild wrote: I just saw the webpage. It's very, how do I say, "Tuetonic". I will say that it is nice bike porn as Mr. Kosher said.

Did you see this one?

I totally covet that bike!
http://www.stevensbikes.de/2007/index.php?bik_id=115&lang=en_US

Flexichick wrote: I do wear my hair in a ponytail when I ride, but my hair isn't that long (see pic...it's a tiny bit longer now).

Tights - eh, not so much. Yoga pants (at my shin so I don't get caught up in the chain) or shorts

I think we need more pics

kosherdave wrote: [quote=Flexichick]I do wear my hair in a ponytail when I ride, but my hair isn't that long (see pic...it's a tiny bit longer now).

Tights - eh, not so much. Yoga pants (at my shin so I don't get caught up in the chain) or shorts

I think we need more pics

of the bikes too

Mine :P

Not mine. But I am working on it. In a Candy Apple Red over Gold collah.