Gran Fondo New York
#2
Senior Member
I did it last year. It was my first century. I did complete it, but was hard. Over 8000 feet of climbing on last years course. Took me just under 9 hours of riding time, and around 11 hours all together. I might sign up again.
#4
Senior Member
I'm a local so I don't have the travel expense. You do get a nice Jersey included in the $200 entry fee. Also if you're local they run a series of training rides on Sundays. I was able to do them last year, but this year I'm afraid I might be working Sundays. If I am on a Sunday work schedule this year it will definitely affect my decision.
#6
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First of all, the only part of NYC that you see on the ride is the NYC side of the George Washington Bridge. Otherwise, the course takes you through New Jersey and Rockland County NY.
The Good:
1. The course itself is beautiful, but if you think that the course takes you around Central Park and/or Manhattan, you'll be disappointed (although you can choose to ride through NYC on your way to the GWB for the start of the ride).
2.Almost all of the intersections are blocked off by the local police so you just ride on through which is great.
3. Rest areas are well organized and well stocked.
4. The Jerseys are great (tip: order a size larger than what you normally wear-Europeans I guess are smaller folk or they like tighter clothing)
The Bad:
Last year, the ride ended on the NJ side of the Hudson River with no transportation back to NYC- so you had to ride your bike back. Midtown Manhattan was where the post ride buffet/party/awards ceremony was. I hope they change this for 2012.
The Good:
1. The course itself is beautiful, but if you think that the course takes you around Central Park and/or Manhattan, you'll be disappointed (although you can choose to ride through NYC on your way to the GWB for the start of the ride).
2.Almost all of the intersections are blocked off by the local police so you just ride on through which is great.
3. Rest areas are well organized and well stocked.
4. The Jerseys are great (tip: order a size larger than what you normally wear-Europeans I guess are smaller folk or they like tighter clothing)
The Bad:
Last year, the ride ended on the NJ side of the Hudson River with no transportation back to NYC- so you had to ride your bike back. Midtown Manhattan was where the post ride buffet/party/awards ceremony was. I hope they change this for 2012.
#8
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I wanted to do this so badly after doing my first century last fall however with how awful our winter was, I just didn't have any time to put in training and I really wasn't looking forward to suffering and getting my ass totally kicked. I wish it was a little bit later in the year so some training could be done. I'm in fantastic cycling shape now and would take on the challenge in a heartbeat if it were now.
IF you want a GREAT ride around the city, you should consider doing the NYC Century. It's coming up on the 18th of this month and it's a great ride through 4 of the 5 boroughs. its virtually flat except for the times you go over some bridges but it's awesome the way you go through all the different neighborhoods of the city. I really enjoyed it last year and am doing it this year. Another good ride similar to Gran Fondo is New York Cycle Clubs Escape New York. It's only about $40 which is nice and goes from 125th street into NJ and back up into new york looping around and coming back down along the hudson. there are some climbs but nothing too major. That ride is the week after the NYC century on the 25th. I plan to do both.
IF you want a GREAT ride around the city, you should consider doing the NYC Century. It's coming up on the 18th of this month and it's a great ride through 4 of the 5 boroughs. its virtually flat except for the times you go over some bridges but it's awesome the way you go through all the different neighborhoods of the city. I really enjoyed it last year and am doing it this year. Another good ride similar to Gran Fondo is New York Cycle Clubs Escape New York. It's only about $40 which is nice and goes from 125th street into NJ and back up into new york looping around and coming back down along the hudson. there are some climbs but nothing too major. That ride is the week after the NYC century on the 25th. I plan to do both.
#9
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcxAIsLnzPc
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Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling
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04-03-12 11:49 AM