Northeast - Ride to Montauk 2009

Anyone else registered? Planning on the 145mile route, but might change my mind depending on how much riding I get to do in the coming weeks.

It is a logisical nightmare IMHO, and I live within walking distance of the Babylon train station. I just don't like to stop riding 100 miles from home and then rely on someone else to get me back. Plus I have ridden to Montauk several times, so the course is kind of boring now.

My normal riding partner and I usually take one car out and park it on Friday night, then that person gets on the train and the other picks them up, then we both ride out and drive home. Can't do that this year because she is out of town that weekend.

It is a logisical nightmare IMHO, and I live within walking distance of the Babylon train station. I just don't like to stop riding 100 miles from home and then rely on someone else to get me back. Plus I have ridden to Montauk several times, so the course is kind of boring now.

My normal riding partner and I usually take one car out and park it on Friday night, then that person gets on the train and the other picks them up, then we both ride out and drive home. Can't do that this year because she is out of town that weekend.

This is all still pretty new to me so I'm pumped about traveling from Manhattan to Montauk (hell I'm usually pumped even if I'm driving out to Montauk). I agree that transporting bikes separately from the riders is probably not the greatest solution. There were some horror stories from last year's ride, but it seems like they've improved on the system so here's hoping...

Looks like a quality ride, but I've never actually ridden one of these organized events. I'm a skilled rider and I can still step up the speed at 46 years old, but I prefer to ride with a laid-back group that's not in a rush to get home and plop down in front of the TV. What kind of riders generally do, say, the 66-mile version?

I think most people sign up to these organized rides so that they can have a supported ride and enjoy the route. I doubt there will be many racers looking for a podium...because there isn't any. ;)

Last year was a cluster**** because of the way bikes were transported to and from the ride. Hopefully Glenn improved that system and also has a spare truck standing by.

Last year was a cluster**** because of the way bikes were transported to and from the ride. Hopefully Glenn improved that system and also has a spare truck standing by.

If you look at the site for the ride, he says he changed the way he does it. Not sure how much it will help, as I was not there last year, but...

if you're worried about the way the bikes are transports, as well you should be, you have 2 other options. the first one is to drive out to Montauk the night before and park, take the train home, then you can transport your bike home via your car after the ride the following day. the second one is to spend $5 on a bike pass, so you can bring your bike on the LIRR back to whichever train station you left from...

a little fyi though, i purchased a bike pass 3 years ago and it was $5, but i'm not sure if the price has gone up since then or not. also, the last time i checked, the bike pass is only valid for off-peak hours...

There are certain trains that go to Montauk that allow more than the usual number of bikes. Check the LIRR schedule for bike symbols at the tops of the columns. I believe a bike pass is still $5. Mine is the best five bucks I've ever spent.

the second one is to spend $5 on a bike pass, so you can bring your bike on the LIRR back to whichever train station you left from...
.

The story is that LIRR doesn't allowed bikes the Montauk line, on the days Montauk Centuries have been scheduled. That's why Glenn offers transportation for an additional fee.

Of course if everyone else plays by the rules you might be able to wrangle one of the few spaces normally available but there may be other cyclists, not participating in the ride, competing for the same space.

From http://ridetomontauk.com/Getting_Home.html

***VITAL INFO -- HONEST!***

Don’t forget -- there are no bikes allowed on the Long Island Rail Road between NYC and Montauk on Saturday (ride day) or the day after, Sunday (Details below).

....***VITAL INFO -- HONEST!***

Don’t forget -- there are no bikes allowed on the Long Island Rail Road between NYC and Montauk on Saturday (ride day) or the day after, Sunday (Details below).

what about folder? even folder are not allowed?

what about folder? even folder are not allowed?

Folders are probably OK. According to http://www.mta.info/lirr/pubs/bikerulelirr.htm "Collapsible bicycles do not need a permit, but must be folded while boarding, exiting, and being stored on a train." so maybe they aren't subject to the other bicycle regulations either.

When I did this ride with 5BBC in 2005, 2006 and 2007 LIRR only ran two double decker cars out of the Montauk Station. Those only hold 2-4 bikes per car, in the ADA area, and people in wheelchairs are given priority. That's how and why bike transport chaos exists.

You mean you guys don't ride it back from Montauk?

:innocent:

You mean you guys don't ride it back from Montauk?

:innocent:

I rode to Orient Point and back last Sunday from Port Jefferson. 110 mile training ride. Took us just over 5 hours, so I guess we "could" ride home if we wanted. It isn't actually 100 miles from Babylon to Montauk, it is that far because the crazy route. Taking the safest shortest route back would probably be about another 55 or 60 miles, maybe a little more.

Hey, I was interested in the bike ride to Montauk. But I am still in debate because the only bike I own is a SS bike. And the reason being, Manhattan is quite flat, as u all may know, and I live in the 4th floor walk-up. I did not want a folding bicycle so I thought I should get something as light as possible.

Anyway, my question is.. the website said that the route is quite flat. I'm wondering is it flat as in Manhattan flat? Or as in 'there are hills but not mountains' flat. Would a SS bike make it?

Glen runs a great ride, IMHO. I've done it several times and have had terrific experiences. To answer a couple of questions on the thread:

- Folding bikes don't seem to be a problem; a friend of mine took one on LIRR two years ago and didn't have an issue (except that I kept singing circus clown music at him on that thing, which arguably was my problem)

- The new bike transport set-up seems impressive, though of course it's untested

- I'm planning on the 145-mile ride this time with a group of 5 riders. Keep an eye out for us. Two Bianchi 928 carbons, an Ibis Ti, a blue Cervelo, and a greenish carbon Giant.

Anyway, my question is.. the website said that the route is quite flat. I'm wondering is it flat as in Manhattan flat? Or as in 'there are hills but not mountains' flat. Would a SS bike make it?

It's flatter than Manhattan :p

Of course if you've ridden around Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights/Inwood Hill Park you know Manhattan isn't as flat as some people think it is. The route has one bridge and three hills at the end. Probably no more elevation than than you'd have in Central Park.

Hey, I was interested in the bike ride to Montauk. But I am still in debate because the only bike I own is a SS bike. And the reason being, Manhattan is quite flat, as u all may know, and I live in the 4th floor walk-up. I did not want a folding bicycle so I thought I should get something as light as possible.

Anyway, my question is.. the website said that the route is quite flat. I'm wondering is it flat as in Manhattan flat? Or as in 'there are hills but not mountains' flat. Would a SS bike make it?

A fellow forumite I know did it on a fixed gear a few years back I believe.

like with the other Montauk rides, i HIGHLY doubt you will hit any hills until you actually hit Montauk, so doing it on a SS shouldn't be a problem at all. if i had the choice of doing it on a SS or not doing it at all, i would definitely do it on the SS...

awesome! Good to know. Thanks guys!

BTW, I may be riding alone and might listen to the iPod for a few stretches. Glenn specifically states that headphones are a big no-no and will get you kicked off the ride. Anyone experience this or see anyone get booted?

BTW, I may be riding alone and might listen to the iPod for a few stretches. Glenn specifically states that headphones are a big no-no and will get you kicked off the ride. Anyone experience this or see anyone get booted?

In living here I will tell you if you like breathing you won't wear headphones. In the past 10 years traffic has gotten worse further and further out. There are VERY few places I would feel safe riding with headphones on.

In living here I will tell you if you like breathing you won't wear headphones. In the past 10 years traffic has gotten worse further and further out. There are VERY few places I would feel safe riding with headphones on.

Well, I used to ride with headphones on all the time through Manhattan & Brooklyn and never felt like I was in danger. Any reason LI would be worse?

Well, I used to ride with headphones on all the time through Manhattan & Brooklyn and never felt like I was in danger. Any reason LI would be worse?

In Manhattan drivers are agressive cause they need to be, plus they are aware of bicyclists. On LI they are clueless and do things like drift on to the shoulder and make their own lanes because they are dumb (and often drunk). I would definitely feel safer in NYC with headphones than here.

Clueless drivers are definitely the most dangerous. Good points to consider, thanks.

I would also make sure you have some blinky red tail lights, since sunrise won't be until 6:30 and you'll be pedaling east (so most drivers will have the early sun in their eyes). I'm not a huge blinky light person (too OCP about my ride) but plan to have them on all morning.

I would also make sure you have some blinky red tail lights, since sunrise won't be until 6:30 and you'll be pedaling east (so most drivers will have the early sun in their eyes). I'm not a huge blinky light person (too OCP about my ride) but plan to have them on all morning.

Yup, I always have lights between dusk and dawn.

On a side note, if there is pre-registration this year and I get the cue sheet on Friday, it might be possible to start riding from Brooklyn instead of going to Manhattan first. Otherwise I would be tacking on an additional 20miles on top of the 145 if I don't take the subway.

Hey -

What pace are you planning to ride? I am coming into town alone, and would love to hook up with a group for at least the first 40-60 miles.

I am a moderate rider, looking to do 16-18 MPH for the ride.

Let me know.

Tom

TO NYC BIANCHI - What pace are you planning on?

Hey -

What pace are you planning to ride? I am coming into town alone, and would love to hook up with a group for at least the first 40-60 miles.

I am a moderate rider, looking to do 16-18 MPH for the ride.

Let me know.

Tom

Hey Tom. I average around 20mph on solo rides and obviously a bit faster with a group. I'd love to trade pulls, but would want to keep a pretty brisk pace between rest stops (mmm pie!).

Are you doing the full 145?

Yeah! I am signed up for the 145...but I am considering stepping down to the 100 out of Babylon. I know I can do the distance, but it's just the route out of Manhattan that I un-sure about. I know that's a whussy reason, but I am unfamilar with the roads and at that hour, with the distance in front of me, I have to be smart about it.

The ride is mostly flat. I say 16-18 to be conservative. On flatter rides I can easily solo at 20+, and I do rides of 40-50 miles on a hilly course with a group at about 19.5-21 mph on Tuesday and Thursday nights. So 20+ is not out of the question for this type of route.

Are you familar with the route out of Manahattan to Babylon?

First time for myself too, but I grew up in NYC so I'll be familiar with the general neighborhoods. I can't imagine it to be very difficult, but I bet we'll hit a lot of traffic lights until we hit Long Island. This means we won't be at a fast pace for at least the first 30-40 miles anyway.

Since we're not too far off on speed let's ride out from Penn to Babylon together.

Sounds like a good plan! Contact me off-line:

I am not a big rest stop guy. Maybe top off the bottles, slam some pie or other "fuel"...and then go! None of this massage, nap, sightseeing stuff...get out and go is my philosophy!

Fun stuff....

Tom, just for your personal privacy, I think you should take down your personal info! I'll send you a quick email.

Hey, sorry for the delayed response. We're probably a bit slower, typically riding at 16-18 on casual weekend rides. We'll try to maintain that for the big one to Montauk, and might even get the average up on long flats where we can draft, but I'm not assuming we'll be too fast. We're going to leave Manhattan at about 6am, will post further logistics once we've figured them out.

Yeah! I am signed up for the 145...but I am considering stepping down to the 100 out of Babylon. I know I can do the distance, but it's just the route out of Manhattan that I un-sure about. I know that's a whussy reason, but I am unfamilar with the roads and at that hour, with the distance in front of me, I have to be smart about it.

The ride is mostly flat. I say 16-18 to be conservative. On flatter rides I can easily solo at 20+, and I do rides of 40-50 miles on a hilly course with a group at about 19.5-21 mph on Tuesday and Thursday nights. So 20+ is not out of the question for this type of route.

Are you familar with the route out of Manahattan to Babylon?

As I stated on the NYCC board, Do the 145, YOU WILL BE FINE.
The route is marked well and you will be with others. The earlier you start the better simply because there are fewer cars in the city. Bring a Good tail Light and once you hit babylon you will be with the 100 mile riders. Some people go fast, others really take their time. Bring Tubes, Pump and a boot kit just in case. I am not sure they have rolling marshalls so you will hate to be SAGEd.

All the Best

Weather Update:

Most weather reports are predicting a wet and windy Saturday. Tropical Storm Danny will most likely be passing through NYC/LI mid-morning/early-afternoon. (http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at200905_5day.html#a_topad)

http://icons-pe.wunderground.com/data/images/at200905_5day.gif

Remember to bring your fenders and rain gear...

Saturday morning weather update for Babylon, LI. (http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNY0075?lswe=babylon,%20ny&lwsa=WeatherLocalUndeclared&from=searchbox_typeahead)

The when and where the storm hits is still up for debate, but all the latest news points to a rainy, windy (20mph from NE) morning followed by some potentially dangerous conditions in the afternoon.

so we'ld be battling the wind?

Hopefully Danny will live up to its Irish name and stagger like a drunk in the Atlantic all weekend and not cause any major problems.

so we'ld be battling the wind?

Unfortunately that's what it seems like. BTW hope you found a place to rent/borrow a bike.

thanks jeebusarousrex. After calling about 10 LBS, and they all gave me really high prices, I finally located my friend who's kind enough to lend me his. Luckily we are the same size. Hopefully all goes well :)

Well I still have a few hours before I make my final decision, but it looks like Im backing out of this one. Eastern LI forecast. 100% rain 2 inches and 30mph winds. I'll be thinking of you from the pub.
Sure I lost some $ but I really feel bad for Glen and everyone who helps him.

If you go, good luck and bring on the reports tomorrow night!

You guys would be nuts to do this ride with this weather. Not that it would be hard, It would just be a miserable day.

Surely the organizer has a rain date, no?

You guys would be nuts to do this ride with this weather. Not that it would be hard, It would just be a miserable day.

Surely the organizer has a rain date, no?

Without looking at his website, where the information is probably prominently posted, I would imagine not. The logistics involved would be a nightmare.

But, if the weather is bad enough I might just swing by for the ride. Think about it. SAG wagons functioning as team cars. 1 for every 10 or so riders. You need something, just raise your hand. Need a ride back from Montauk? Sure which one of our cars and trucks would you like to drive you home?

No rain date, but they will call off the ride (even during the middle of it) if the conditions get too dicey. From Glenn's email yesterday:

We are getting many MANY emails from people asking about the weather. The ride runs rain or shine -- there is no rain date, we can not postpone. (Especially now that we own $10,000 worth of perishable food!) If we get wet, well, we're tough. This is our sport.

BUT... if the weather turns to the point where we feel that it is risky to your health (lightening or high winds) we will stop the ride for your own safety and send S.A.G. (bike rescue) for everyone. Of course these are public roads, so if we ask you to get off the route and you decline that's your business, but at that point we can not promise you food, support, or a trip home.

If the weather turns surly, find shelter (shopping center, church, store...). If possible and safe, put your bike where we can see it from the road to make it easier for our vehicles to spot you. Call our ride HQ (the phone number will be on your route sheet) and tell us where you are. We will gather every possible truck, bus, and van and get you off the route as soon as possible.

thanks jeebusarousrex. After calling about 10 LBS, and they all gave me really high prices, I finally located my friend who's kind enough to lend me his. Luckily we are the same size. Hopefully all goes well :)

Excellent, good luck tomorrow.

a little brighter news regarding weather?
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/tropical_storm_danny_isnt_near.html

"Forecasters said this morning Tropical Storm Danny has weakened over the Atlantic and is barely a tropical storm."

"Danny will be closer to the shore than Hurricane Bill as it comes near the New Jersey area, but the storm is expected to weaken enough so it won't have much more of an effect on the weather, said Greg Heavener, meteorologist for the National Weather Service."

"The bulk of the rain is expected to come tonight into Saturday morning, Heavener said, with the coasts expected to be the hardest hit."

"Rain totals for the weekend should be from an inch inland to closer to two inches near the coast, Heavener said, and winds are expected to be between 5 and 10 mph, with wind gusts up to 15 mph. Saturday night into Sunday may see leftover showers, but the work week should start off with dry weather, he said."

2 words...

Dune Road

One would hope that the organizers are in contact with the LIRR to have the railroad maybe relax the "No Bikes On Trains on the Babylon/Montauk branch" rule for the day.

This would possibly give riders a trip home from various stations, if the weather gets atrocious (assuming they have LIRR passes).

SB

2 words...

Dune Road

Yup, it'll be flooded for sure. The email sent out yesterday indicated that there will be a detour.

2 words...

Dune Road


Two more -
Knobby Tires

And five more -
actually, that could be fun...