It's that time of year again....  and I'm only posting this one city ride.

This ride features ... (subject to change):

Randalls/Wards Island ride-start location

EZ spin down the mean streets of the Bronx to High Bridge.

Up the Harlem River Bike Path

Hudson River Bike Path

One loop around Central Park

Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn
Brooklyn Waterfront sightseeing

Manhattan Bridge back to Manhattan

Williamsburg Bridge back to Brooklyn

Brooklyn Streets to Gantry Plaza Park
Queensboro Bridge back to Manhattan
Up the East River Bike Path
Ward's Island pedestrian bridge & done

Here's a link to the probable route:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16897624

It's about 48 miles with 1500ft of elevation.  Bring snacks and gels.  Bathroom breaks and one mid-way food stop (to be determined after some recon.).  I'm expecting to be back at the cars between 2-3pm.

This is an RSVP ride. Contact me in advance, so I know at least one other person is interested. Otherwise, I may alter my plans for the day.  My cell number is 631-889-0559.  Email is ... mailboxone(at)aol.com

Generally, speaking this is a sightseeing ride. Heads-up. Look around. When possible, I will be cruising in the 18 mph range. You'll clip in and out more times on one of these rides than you will in a month of regular club rides. If that’s a source of irritation, then this type of ride might not be good for you. Look at these rides more as an opportunity to experience a big-city cycling adventure.

I'm very selective about the roads/paths I choose.  Most of them will have a designated bike lane. A few will not. If you have a fear of heights, crossing bridges can be a challenge. (NO RFK Bridge, so the real scary one is out for this year).

Also ... some of the bike paths, although paved, can be a little bumpy in spots. They can also be a little crowded with distracted pedestrians. Patience is a must.  I did throw in the criss-crossing of all the East River Bridges to add some elevation and extra excitement.  You may also need to carry your bike at least once on this ride up two flights of stairs.

The city is full of cyclists on regular road bikes with standard tires.  The roads are probably in better condition than you might imagine.  And finally, this is a B+ ride ... not so much for the speed, but for the hills (bridges) and general confident bike handling skills required.  Contrary to what you might expect, most city drivers are very familiar and respectful to street cyclists.  And feel free to wear mountain bike shorts....  that's what I do.

So.... who's up for a big city adventure?