Northeast - NYC Century bike tour

hi all,

just started riding again last month after many years off...when i was in college I got doored pretty bad and put me off for a while. Anyways, really enjoying getting back into it. I've been doing 15 - 20 mile rides so i think i should be game to take on the 55 route in september. this is what I'm talking about

http://www.nyccentury.org/

anyone have any experience with this or planning on participating?

I've never done a large group ride, and this seems pretty fun - also a great way/time to check out nyc on a bike.

best

I've volunteered as a safety marshal for a few of TA's rides.
I will probably attend this event as a marshal again. I've
never done this ride but it looks like fun and the reg. fees go
to very good causes. To get more training help and a feel
for group rides check out:

http://5bbc.org/rides/2011/tatrain.shtml

Good luck and I'll see you there:D

awesome, thanks!

this training help sounds great, ill be sure to check this out.

I've done the NYC Century twice now, and hopefully will be able to do it again this year. Loved the ride. Good food, people, and of course, marshals! :D You've got plenty of time to get ready for the 55. See if you can't convince a friend to do it with you, that'll make the ride that much better. The NYCC is a great way to learn how to bike safely in and around NYC, since no roads are closed down and they take you on paths and lanes.

If you're feeling especially game, you can even follow old routes...just look for the spray-painted C's that you find every so often on lanes and greenways. Those orange arrows mark the route each year.

It's a well organized ride that takes you pretty far out. The 55 mile is a good distance, but it skips Queens and the Bronx which is fine since you can do those next year, or you can do the Tour de Bronx in October if you like hills and fried seafood on City Island.

That sounds great! thanks for sharing

Yeah, the 55 should be a good length. It's a flat ride so it won't be all that challenging, and you'll see some parts of the city you probably haven't seen yet.

I concur that it's usually very well run, but just keep in mind that as with any organized event, the pit stops might not have everything you want. Fortunately since it's in the middle of NYC, there are lots of places to get food and snacks.

If you haven't done so already, by the way, make sure you know how to change a flat, and that you have a spare tube, patch kit and pump.

It is a good ride. Great way to see the city.
I've done it several times, all distances except the really short one. Just signed up for this year's last week.

As others have said, the 55 mile might be a good route. Mostly flat.
But if you're not sure what you can handle, try taking it one rest stop at a time. Start early (I start close to 6am regardless of the distance I plan to ride (I like seeing the sun rise over the Brooklyn Bridge)) and at each stop see how your legs are feeling. If you're still good, continue to the next stop, and if not, switch to a shorter route or make your own detour. You can save a lot of miles by cutting though Flushing Meadow and picking up the route again near Shea (pardon, Citi-Field)

Starting early is a good idea. The Astoria rest stop runs out of the good stuff early.
Have fun.

It's a great ride. I've been a riding marshall for the past few years and have done it as a participant before that.
It's nice because, like others have said, you can bail at any time. Especially if you know your way back home.
It's also not crowded like the 5 Boro and not a snail's pace like the tour de Brooklyn, Queens, etc.
I see you're from Brooklyn. They have a start from Prospect Park for the past 2 years.
In the past, the only start was at the north end of Central Park.

Yeah, looks like the start is at grand army plaza which is less then a couple miles away from me...cant beat that!

I think everyone has sold me here. It'll also be something to help push me ride more this summer! hope to see some of you.. thanks all

I've done the century twice, enjoyed it both times, even though:

- The start (at that time) was at Central Park) and I had not pre-registered. Thus it was a long wait getting going.
- I had a collision with a salmon rider at the start on 5th Ave. making a sudden left turn in front of me, endo'd, broke a rib, screwed up my R wrist but rode on regardless.
- It's a LOT of stopping and starting, a result of city riding, stop signs, red lights, etc.. Makes for a tiring ride and about the most difficult of all the assorted centuries I've ridden.
- The rest stop Nazi's at Coney Island were very stingy with the water bottles.

All said, I'd do it again. Riding in the city to places you never knew existed is so rewarding. The organizers know the city well and find all the coolest bike paths and routes, I'd never know about some of these places if I hadn't done the tour.

They've changed it since I last rode, with the Prospect Park start as well as the Central Park. Makes it much easier logistically.

I'd aim for the 75. If you train for 55 and know you can do 55, you can squeeze in 75 with no issue. Then next year the 100.

For those of you who have done the NYCC, would you recommend riding a performance oriented road bike with 23mm tires? Or would it be better to fit 25s or 28s due to what I imagine are rough roads in many places? How about a single speed (for those so inclined)?

I'm planning to do the 55 mile route. But I'm used to plying the much smoother roads of suburban and semi-rural New Jersey. I'm kind of a wimp when it comes to cycling in Gotham (but looking forward to this opportunity)! Any gear recommendations are appreciated.

I've ridden a FG w/ 28's and a roadie w/ 23's. You're riding in traffic so watch yourself at intersections, be predictable and hold your line.

Most of the ride is quite flat, excepting the bridges, unless you're doing the full century. In that case be prepared for some lovely hills in the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. Fun to have those grades on the last 15 miles!

I ride with 23s on my road bikes all over the city, but they're Nashbar's kevlar tires. 25s should be fine, but you'll be ok with 23s, too.

Last time I did the century there was a guy on a unicycle keeping up with us the whole time. I saw him at every single rest stop. If he can finish it on his "single-speed," there's no reason anyone else can't, either. I've had a couple friends do it on single-speeds, and they were fine, albeit zonked. Just remember about those hills at the end!

Since you're doing the 55, I'd say ride whatever tires and gearing is most comfortable. Finish up those miles on the bike you like the most, then on subsequent tours and races you can challenge yourself by riding single-speeds and what have you.

For those of you who have done the NYCC, would you recommend riding a performance oriented road bike with 23mm tires? Or would it be better to fit 25s or 28s due to what I imagine are rough roads in many places? How about a single speed (for those so inclined)?

I'm planning to do the 55 mile route. But I'm used to plying the much smoother roads of suburban and semi-rural New Jersey. I'm kind of a wimp when it comes to cycling in Gotham (but looking forward to this opportunity)! Any gear recommendations are appreciated.

Ride whatever you have and don't spend or sweat over something "better". I have seen a lot of folks on expensive road racing bikes and have noticed that they tend to suffer more flats, especially on the bike path under the Verrazanno, but possibly they don't run tires with flat protection (which is marginal against glass slivers in any case). I run 27mm's as that's what I use to commute on and they are pretty bomb proof, but it's not really that important.

SB

Thanks for the comments. Mostly I worry about flats from jagged detritus or mega-potholes. I have carbon and Ti road bikes, plus a steel SS road bike. I'll probably get some tough 25s and fit them to one of my geared bikes.

people grossly overstate the poor condition of nyc roads. it's nothing more than minor discomfort if your a heavier rider like me. 23's are fine. they do a good job planning the route to keep it on good surfaces and as someone else mentioned, do the 75 mile option. this is as flat of a ride as you will ever do. the full century has a few small hills in the BX, people always overstate thosehills because manhattan is so flat but they really aren't that tough at all.
I did the 75 last year because I do a ton of riding in the BX already and I wasn't going to get to see anything new. here is a link to my ride last year, you can see it's very flat, only about 3000 feet of climbing over the span of 70+miles. http://runkeeper.com/user/cpfitness/activity/16312683

We also overstate those hills because they come at the *end* of the century, when some of us have started to bonk ;)

I did the 75m one last year, my first year, on a single speed road bike. That was the most I'd ridden in 1 day at that point. It was a lot of fun and it's a bummer that I'm out of the country for the 2011 ride. I was looking forward to doing the century this time.

That said, I recommend starting in Central Park. I started in Brooklyn and was supposed to end in Brooklyn, but getting to the Brooklyn finish line proved to be too much of a challenge for me. The directions got really confusing at this point and I got lost. I rode around an extra 10 miles or so trying to find the finish line. I never did. I didn't see any other riders there and I rode by myself (no cycling friends) and didn't have a smartphone at the time, and the directions and markers kept me going in the same circle over and over. So after I clocked in at 85 miles after riding around Prospect Park for a while I called it a day and went home. There was no big fanfare finish line in Brooklyn anyway (that was in Central Park) but it was still an anti-climactic ending to an otherwise fun day.

So, unless you have the necessary navigational tools or you know the area well enough, I'd recommend starting in Central Park regardless of convenience.

Another reason I think starting there is better is because you get most of the Manhattan riding out of the way early in the morning when there's less traffic. It would have improved my timing.

Since then while riding around Rockaway I've come across the Century markers and I follow the same route sometimes - it's a really nice ride. The riding surfaces vary from very good to very bad.

I was thinking of starting in Prospect Park and Ending in CP to make it an 85 mile ride. When I did the full 100(+) from CP I was too tired to get back on from CP and ride home to Brooklyn and took the subway, and I think I'd feel the same way after stopping in CP if I started in PP.

bump

Less than a month to go.
Anyone interested in a CP meet up for the 100 start?
Not sure if I'll do the full 100, but I plan to ride at least 75.

Wish I could go, but I have an 11AM wedding to get to out on LI. That & the North Fork Century this weekend is looking like a bike-through-hurricane-irene catastrophe. I think there's something on the calendar during the Tour de Bronx, too this year. WEAK!!

I started the Escape NY century a few years ago when there were forecasts of heavy rain from hurricane Hugo. The ride started at 122nd & Riverside, and I was at the other side of the viaduct over 125th St when the skies just opened up. I made it to 168th St & Bway, where I waited under an awning for about a half an hour before I made a dash to the subway. At some point while waiting a lightning bolt came down and they cancelled the ride, but not before a lot of people were already in NJ. I was totally soaked and when I sat down on the A train the water squished out of my riding shorts. Ewwwww.

Few years ago when I did the Northfork Century I heard thunder just a couple of miles past the first rest stop. I should've turned back because by the time I reached the second rest stop I was drenched. There was no shelter -- not even tents to shade the food and volunteers -- and despite the invention of cell phones, no could give a straight answer as to when the sag bus might arrive. After hanging out in the only shelter available, a toilet, I finally decided to take the short cut back to the start. Not surprisingly the roads were flooded and many of the markings were either under water or under cars that had stopped at intersections. After about 40 miles I finally got picked up by a SAG van that took me back to the start. The hot shower and veggie burger turned out to be the most appreciated I've had in years.

Since we're telling "war stories", my favorite is when I did the Harlem Valley Ride (one of my favorite rides).
It was a beautiful day until the skies turned black in the distance when we were stopped at a rest stop.
Everyone mounted up a rode thinking we were headed AWAY from the storm.
But the road turned and we ended up heading right into it.
We were in the middle of corn fields when it hit. Lightning strikes all around us, thunder and then hail.
It continued like that for about 15 miles when we reached the next rest stop, cold and wet.
Our bikes were put on a truck and we were about to be SAGed and the sun came out.
Most kept their bikes on the truck, but a few of us die hards rode to the finish.

As I mentioned before, I'm bummed out not to be able to do the ride this year. While I have followed part of the route while riding since last year thanks to the markers on the street, I'd like to try the 100mile route on another day. Does anyone still have the cue sheet, or could someone post it afterwards?

I've seen cue sheets for old rides posted up on bikely, or mapmyride, or other similar sites. I bet a quick google would turn up some cue sheets for you. Have fun recreating the ride!

There are variations in the route each year, but you'll get the idea. I think the biggest variation is whether it goes to Rockaway or not. The Cross Bay Bridge was closed for a few years and you wouldn't go to Rockaway when it was.

According to the NYC Century Route Page, and the map (http://www.nyccentury.org/map) this year's 75 and 100 mile routes include the Rockaways.

It must get crowded going over the Marine Park Bridge. It's so narrow. I guess this ride isn't as big as the 5BBT where it would be a 2 hour wait...

Not as big. Only 6 or 7 thousand, and the start is staggered and from two different locations (Central Park and Prospect Park). At most you'll have a few dozen riders around you.

It must get crowded going over the Marine Park Bridge. It's so narrow. I guess this ride isn't as big as the 5BBT where it would be a 2 hour wait...

You would think so, but the ride is so spread out that the ride over the bridge is not crowded at all.
One of the bottlenecks used to be the bridge on the belt parkway from Sheepshead Bay to Flatbush Ave.
but the bike path has washed away and they've eliminated that bridge.

virtually no bottlenecks on this ride last year, it was great. an absolute blast, i'm really looking forward to it.

Ride package arrived. Packing this afternoon and heading for NJ Friday morning.

Go for the 100. If you feel tired, hop on a subway, or cut your ride short and bike back with the help of the NYC bike map, which is usually given out at the start.

100 milers who want to bail can also take the short cut on Randall's Island, over the Pedestrian Bridge, skipping the Bronx entirely.

100 milers who want to bail can also take the short cut on Randall's Island, over the Pedestrian Bridge, skipping the Bronx entirely.

yep, thats the reason why I don't do the full century, I've ridden all those routes in the bronx a million times so there really isn't anything new for me. plus it's football season, 75 miles lets me get back in time to watch football!

Can you still register?

I had a conflict, that is now cleared.

FrankieV, I think I was on that year's Harlem Valley Ride. That was the most intense downpour I've ever ridden in. I really questioned my sanity finishing the 100 in the rain & lightning.

As for as the NYC Century goes, if anyone is concerned about distance or conditioning, I wouldn't think about it too much. The ride is very relaxed with all the stopping and starting. The rest stops are well stocked & frequent. I've ridden the 100 & 75 & if the route is similar to recent years would definitely recommend the 75. It cuts out some junk miles over lots of mangled industrial roads that the 100 includes. Still, if you've never done it before, go for the full route just to see it...

Have a great ride, all!

Just received some last minute email this morning:

Registration for the New York City Century Bike Tour expires at midnight on Friday, September 16th. Sign-up today to guarantee your spot! (http://nyccentury.org/register?utm_source=streetbeat-regtodayimg-sept15&utm_medium=email&utm_content=version1&utm_campaign=century2011)

Tomorrow, time runs out to get a $10 discount on the New York City Century Bike Tour. On September 18th, thousands of bicyclists will ride from Central and Prospect parks. Sign up by midnight tomorrow to take part in New York City's greatest bicycle tour.

There also seems to be Day Of Registration.

Total bummer, but I can't do it. I have a family thing that I need to do. Instead, I've signed up to volunteer to man the Prospect Park start. I'll have to see what response I get from TA, since I just did it now. I'll show up in any case. Their email said they need volunteers for PP. I need to be done by 9:30 or so, but that won't be a problem.

FrankieV, I think I was on that year's Harlem Valley Ride. That was the most intense downpour I've ever ridden in. I really questioned my sanity finishing the 100 in the rain & lightning.

As for as the NYC Century goes, if anyone is concerned about distance or conditioning, I wouldn't think about it too much. The ride is very relaxed with all the stopping and starting. The rest stops are well stocked & frequent. I've ridden the 100 & 75 & if the route is similar to recent years would definitely recommend the 75. It cuts out some junk miles over lots of mangled industrial roads that the 100 includes. Still, if you've never done it before, go for the full route just to see it...

Have a great ride, all!

I don't know what mangled roads your talking about. most of the route in the bronx is fine. People whine about the hills in the bronx late in the ride but if not for the whole ride being so flat, you wouldn't really qualify them as hills. It's an easy ride that you go hard on or cruise easy on. it's as flat as can be. only hills are on the bridges.

I don't know what mangled roads your talking about. most of the route in the bronx is fine. People whine about the hills in the bronx late in the ride but if not for the whole ride being so flat, you wouldn't really qualify them as hills. It's an easy ride that you go hard on or cruise easy on. it's as flat as can be. only hills are on the bridges.

I agree with Frankie that The Bronx has the worst roads in the century. especially coming off the Trib....oops the R Kennedy. One of the reasons I tend to skip and head over to Manhattan

The one time I attempted the 100 mile route I must've left the Astoria Rest Stop around 3 pm. By the time I got over the TriBoro there wasn't another cyclist in sight. I immediately went off the route and wound up bailing over the 145th street bridge. Even so, I wound up clocking just over 100 miles for the day counting mileage to and from the start.

This century is like the NYC Marathon. Anyone willing to put in the time can finish the entire route but if you're not all that fast you might be the last one out there ;)

Well, I survived with only one flat. Thank you NYC streets :mad:

Overall it went pretty well. I would've preferred slightly different food choices, but overall I felt it was well-run, the marshalls were excellent and the volunteers worked hard.

I probably won't do it again any time soon, but am inclined to volunteer next year.

I thought the tour was great.
I marshalled the 55.
I signed up to marshal the 100 but a rough week at work changed my mind.
Everyone seemed to be having a good ride and not many crashes or flats along the way.

I manned the registration desk in Prospect Park as I had to be home by 9am. The timing was perfect as the last registration was at about 8:05, with a few questions thrown our way after. I saw riders again on Knapp St & Emmons Ave, then again I saw a few in Queens. All this to get a scary bright orange t-shirt.;)

I manned the registration desk in Prospect Park as I had to be home by 9am. The timing was perfect as the last registration was at about 8:05, with a few questions thrown our way after. I saw riders again on Knapp St & Emmons Ave, then again I saw a few in Queens. All this to get a scary bright orange t-shirt.;)
I actually like that t-shirt. Wish they would have given them to the marshals!

I did the 75 mile route being I'm just out of the hospital 6 days ago.Wasn't it lovely!!My first time.And ya know I'm a native new yorker and went over bridges I didn't know existed!Sheer scope of it was amazing.I could of done with a little less wind and maybe a couple degree higher temp.Whay about you?

Less wind, slightly warmer, but at least it didn't rain :)

I've been a 100 miles marshal for like 6 years, it's always a great experience.