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TD Five Boro Bike Tour 2013

Old 01-22-13, 12:00 PM
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TD Five Boro Bike Tour 2013

Who else registered?!?

-Ed
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Old 01-22-13, 08:23 PM
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I just registered for myself and my daughter. Her twin sister said "no way". My son wants to do it but won't be around.

At least registration lasted the entire day so far. Last year it was gone by the time I realized it was happening.
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Old 01-22-13, 09:03 PM
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I'll volunteer as a safety marshal again, I had fun last year.













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Old 01-23-13, 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by zacster
I just registered for myself and my daughter. Her twin sister said "no way". My son wants to do it but won't be around.

At least registration lasted the entire day so far. Last year it was gone by the time I realized it was happening.
From what I know, 2012 registration was a 'lottery' thing, where you paid $5, non refundable, for a CHANCE to actually register. The official website makes a point to say that 2013 sign-ups will be like 2011 and NOT 2012. I guess it didn't work out well. For various reasons, it seemed doomed from the start.

The ride price of $86 seems super excessive, especially since they no longer mail the registrants their packets and everyone is forced to attend the NY Bicycle Show to pick it up. The ride organizers also no longer send bike shops registration flier forms, so they save there also. Still, the ride keeps getting more expensive. If the money allocations were ever made public, there would be an outrage.
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Old 01-23-13, 02:10 PM
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I missed it again...That sucks! I hope my job gets some tickets to go for free (and i can get one)
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Old 01-23-13, 04:22 PM
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I wouldn't have done the ride if it were just myself, but my daughter wanted to go. I was shocked at the price. For the almost $200 I paid I could have bought something else for the bike and I could take her on a tour myself.
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Old 01-25-13, 03:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Cyclerock
From what I know, 2012 registration was a 'lottery' thing, where you paid $5, non refundable, for a CHANCE to actually register. The official website makes a point to say that 2013 sign-ups will be like 2011 and NOT 2012. I guess it didn't work out well. For various reasons, it seemed doomed from the start.

The ride price of $86 seems super excessive, especially since they no longer mail the registrants their packets and everyone is forced to attend the NY Bicycle Show to pick it up. The ride organizers also no longer send bike shops registration flier forms, so they save there also. Still, the ride keeps getting more expensive. If the money allocations were ever made public, there would be an outrage.
Yup, someone is making alot of money from this ride. I stopped going last year.

Seriously, most of the ride can be done for free with the exception of highway portion in Brooklyn and going over the bridge to Staten Island. There's nothing new about this ride at all and it barely touches the Bronx. I'm doing the Tour of Brooklyn and Bronx this year.

Ride safe.
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Old 01-25-13, 05:10 PM
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I signed up for it, and have a few friends doing it too. It is expensive, but living near Philadelphia means I'm not likely to ride around NYC unless it's an event like this.
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Old 01-25-13, 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by dave1442397
I signed up for it, and have a few friends doing it too. It is expensive, but living near Philadelphia means I'm not likely to ride around NYC unless it's an event like this.
Hey, you're in Cherry Hill too?!?

-Ed
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Old 01-25-13, 07:18 PM
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NYC Century in September is a more enjoyable ride!
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Old 01-25-13, 07:35 PM
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I've did both rides last year, it was both fun.
And just a reminder to folks complaining about
the fees; Bike New York is a non profit organization
promoting cycling. I have attended some of their
classes and they are well presented and useful.

https://www.bikenewyork.org/about/mission/

Working with the New York City Department of Transportation and other City agencies, Bike New York provides access to cycling for New Yorkers by providing free bicycle education classes in all five boroughs. Classes cover a wide range of subjects for both youth and adults of all skill levels including: Bike New Yorkalso holds year round classes on “How to Buy a Bike,” “Winter Riding 101,” “Commuting 101,” “Bike Maintenance” and “Street Skills.” Classes operate out of satellite Bicycle Education Centers around the City (see below for a list of bicycle education centers). Each center is equipped with a fleet of bicycles as well as helmets and other safety equipment.
In addition to free weekend classes, Bike New York offers informational school assemblies and after-school programs during the academic year as well as a summer program to youth enrolled in organized camp groups. Since 2011, Bike New York’s Education Programs have reached more than 17,500 New Yorkers with free classes.
These free classes are funded through public events, most notably the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, America’s largest cycling event. With more than 32,000 cyclists, this ride brings bike enthusiasts from all over the world to enjoy 40 miles of traffic-free streets in New York City. The Tour is co-produced by the Department of Transportation.
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Old 01-25-13, 08:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Cyclerock
The ride price of $86 seems super excessive, especially since they no longer mail the registrants their packets and everyone is forced to attend the NY Bicycle Show to pick it up. The ride organizers also no longer send bike shops registration flier forms, so they save there also. Still, the ride keeps getting more expensive. If the money allocations were ever made public, there would be an outrage.
Last summer NYPD decided they were going to start charging the organizers, Bike New York, a one million dollar fee similar to what they charge New York Road Runners for the NYC Marathon. In that case it's not surprising BNY would have to raise their fee to cover increased operating costs. They also had a number of bikes stolen last summer, that were used to educate new riders, and had to be replaced. Still, it's a ridiculous amount if money.

https://www.crainsnewyork.com/article...TION/120619856

Last edited by Stacy; 01-25-13 at 09:01 PM.
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Old 01-25-13, 10:32 PM
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I do both rides as well. The NYC Century is definitely a better ride for more serious riders, but even that has its drawbacks. It isn't a fast ride, but at least there aren't the choke points. I would only do the full 100 miles on it as I don't think it is worth it for anything less. I can skip Staten Island too. Sometimes I wish the century was done in reverse, with The Bronx first because by that point in the ride it just seems like miles to make up the difference. If I knew I had 25 more miles through Brooklyn (my home borough btw) I'd be more enthused. The worst part in any case is the long slog through Queens, I'd gladly do more miles in either the Bronx or Brooklyn if we could cut out the miles in Queens.

The 5 Boro is still fun as it is early season and gets a lot of riders out that don't usually do group rides. Just lower your expectations.
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Old 01-28-13, 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by zacster
I do both rides as well. The NYC Century is definitely a better ride for more serious riders, but even that has its drawbacks. It isn't a fast ride, but at least there aren't the choke points. I would only do the full 100 miles on it as I don't think it is worth it for anything less. I can skip Staten Island too. Sometimes I wish the century was done in reverse, with The Bronx first because by that point in the ride it just seems like miles to make up the difference. If I knew I had 25 more miles through Brooklyn (my home borough btw) I'd be more enthused. The worst part in any case is the long slog through Queens, I'd gladly do more miles in either the Bronx or Brooklyn if we could cut out the miles in Queens.

The 5 Boro is still fun as it is early season and gets a lot of riders out that don't usually do group rides. Just lower your expectations.
Zac, The NYC Cent. used to be as you said. A long time ago, the Bronx was the first borough you rode in when you left Manhattan. (The Bronx Zoo was the first rest stop). However, since most everyone had to walk their bikes on the Triborough Bridge staircase, it took a painful amount of time to get through there. I forgot about the 15 milers, but the 35,55,75, and 100 groups all endured the Triborough. Now, only the 75 and 100ers walk the bikes on the Triborough and it isnt as bad.
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Old 01-28-13, 11:45 AM
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Stacy, The ride always went up a ton of money every year. If what you said about the NYPD charging the city, that would only explain the recent increase. I may be wrong here, but I believe it was $72 two years ago. It may have been $55 for the early fee. Now that there is no 'early fee', Bike New York does the increase off of the highest amount.
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Old 01-28-13, 11:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Dahon.Steve
Yup, someone is making alot of money from this ride. I stopped going last year.

Seriously, most of the ride can be done for free with the exception of highway portion in Brooklyn and going over the bridge to Staten Island. There's nothing new about this ride at all and it barely touches the Bronx. I'm doing the Tour of Brooklyn and Bronx this year.

Ride safe.
Dahon Steve, Don't forget about the Tour de Staten Island or the Tour de Queens!
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Old 01-29-13, 03:31 PM
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I just signed up. This is going to be one last awesome thing I'll get to do before going to USMC boot camp the following month.
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Old 01-29-13, 11:10 PM
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They reopened the reg. for it so i sign up. Still hoping my job get some tickets for free then i can give or sell my reg to someone that may want to go at the last min.
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Old 01-30-13, 09:22 AM
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Fees do go up every year, but they definitely jumped in 2012 because of the NYPD charges.

$86 is actually not that bad. The NY Century cost $60 in 2012. ING NYC Marathon cost $255.

If they collect $86 from 30,000 people, that's around $2.5 million. Nearly $1 million goes to the NYPD. They need insurance, they need food, portable bathrooms, salaries....

Another reason for the price going up is because of demand.

IIRC they offer 30,000 spots, and demand has been very high for years. So they can charge $86, and it'll still sell out.
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Old 02-02-13, 11:47 PM
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I signed up, but im biking through one of the partner charities called kids of courage, instead of the $86 i have to pay a $100 registration and I have to raise an additional $1000, but im happy to do its for a good cause, and i definitely have to complete it, because i cant disappoint my sponsors
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Old 02-03-13, 06:55 AM
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Unless it rains, it's pretty easy to complete.
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Old 02-04-13, 06:51 PM
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We joined up with a charity again this year. Last year was our first time, and it was nice to start near the front. Not sure my GF could handle starting in the middle of 32,000 riders. Fun ride.
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Old 02-04-13, 06:59 PM
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I got in! Also convinced my girlfriend to ride with me by buying an old purple Bianchi for her.. now she has to go!
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Old 02-07-13, 09:50 AM
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I signed up. But I have to admit that I am not excited about it. I signed up because a friend who is just getting into riding said that she'd do it only if I did. For her, 40 miles is a big ride; so she will be working up to it until then. So, I'm sort of "taking one for the team", because I want to encourage her to ride. And, unlike me, she doesn't live in the City; so I will be able to wax rhapsodic about the joys of New York City riding.

I've never done an organised tour; honestly, I really don't see the attraction of it. I prefer to ride alone. Riding with a huge pack of bicyclists along specially-designated streets is not something that attracts me. I like normal street riding. (Though Summer Streets along Park Ave. is enjoyable. But you can come and go on that one.) I suppose that the only good thing about the designated set-aside route is that this will be my only chance to ride on the Verrazano Bridge.

Also, it's strange to think of doing an exact, planned route. While I, when riding for pleasure, do tend to have a route in mind, that is more of a general guide than a plan. I almost always wind up deviating from what I though I would do, based on some last-minute whim. So the idea of being compelled to do an exact route is not so alluring. (Which, I suppose, is why I am pre-kvetching here.)

But, I'm helping someone get into riding. I'll just keep telling myself that. Still, I wish I could send a clone to the Five Boro Bike Tour, and enjoy my typical weekend ride elsewhere.
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Old 02-07-13, 10:20 AM
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I used to feel the same way. When it's not freezing I ride my bike 4 days a week to work.
35 miles roundtrip. For a few years I was happy with this setup. Then I decided to see what
the fuss was about riding events. In 2010 I volunteered as a marshal for the Tour de Bronx.
There's a certain energy riding with a big crowd, there's camraderie(sp?) and you get to ride
in a new route that perhaps you've never taken before. After that I was hooked, volunteered
for Tour de Queens, Tour de Staten Island, NYC Century, NY MS Ride, Five Boro Bike Tour, etc.
Now that I did most of the local rides, I'm looking into going a bit farther. Maybe PA, MA, DC, etc.
















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