Good Thread, had a lot of fun reading the post...Here's my take on a couple things written about here. I think that MPH as a reliable training barometer is relatively meaningless, interesting to see but, useless overall. Wattage is the real metric and no i don't own a power meter. Maybe one day but not now. Secondly, riding fast in CP, PP, Hudson Greenway, etc. is relatively safe for most people's fitness level. However, since the recent death of a CBS executive's wife, the NYPD is cracking down on cyclist which can make any kind of riding a drag. I ride everywhere I can in the city and it's a fact! Cycling in NYC is dangerous for so many reasons. But, road cycling is a brutal sport anyway you cut it. I don't care where you live but, yes NYC has it own unique dangers and obstacles. Personally, I love cycling, training in the city. I love seeing people, passing them, some passing me even the crazy cabbies on 1st.ave. Yes, I ride in the street at over 20MPH sometimes 
to get to where i need to go. If you go slower, it can be more dangerous. For me it's not a problem. The city pushes you on a bike and I like that. It's my therapy. Could the paths be better hell yeah! but, join the club motorist say same thing. The winters in the NE on the pavement are harsh. I like 9w but, it's a bit boring by yourself. The same with South/North county trail nice scenery but, gets lonely after awhile. JMO!
I recently rode from VCP in the Bronx around Shore Rd. path in Brooklyn to Far Rockaway Beach and the JB loop.
It was a killer but Hella fun! The cool thing about cycling in the city for a guy like me who's not "Macgyver" with a bike is that, there's always a train station within reasonable distance if you have a breakdown. I'm no Tony Martin or in "training" for a pro tour etc. just a regular guy who loves riding a bike. But, if I were, living in the NE let alone the city would put me at a disadvantage. IMO training to finish 300 out 400 is a waste of energy. I just have fun and know my limitations on a bike wherever i ride and the fitness comes naturally.
Last edited by NYCannondale; 10-01-14 at 04:24 PM.