hey folks,

I'm a Chicago resident and bike enthusiast in PA with the family for the holidays. I'm going to NYC for a couple days starting on Friday, and I was hoping to explore the city, as seen over my handlebars, for the duration of my 5-day stay. I have my Amtrak tickets and bike box all ready, but when I called Amtrak to see if my train had bike racks or if I would have to box up my bike, the rep said neither was an option! Some trains have bike racks where you can roll your bike on, and some have baggage cars where you can put your boxed bike on, but my train has neither. Gah! There is no way Amtrak will take my bicycle on my train to NYC. Sucks.

The rep suggested I rent a bicycle, and I've found some places with decent ($30ish) daily rates. My budget is pretty limited, though, and I'd rather spend my money on museum admissions than renting some mountain bike I don't like. (No offense to mtn fans, I'm just more of a city/road biker.)

I'm hoping I can find someone who would be willing to lend me a bicycle for a couple days. I would obviously be happy to leave the owner collateral, pay some amount of money, buy beer, give backrubs, clean the bicycle meticulously, give BikeWinter.org stickers, award karma points, host you if you're ever in Chicago, etc. PLEASE let me know if you can help at all.

I'm 5-foot-7, and my frame size is 54cm. I prefer a geared road bike, but would be happy (I promise!) to ride a mountain bike. Fixed is OK, too, as long as there are brakes (I have no skidding skills). I will bring a U-lock, and will certainly use additional locks if you are paranoid and provide them.

I would also love to participate in the NYC Critical Mass, as I've been to CMs in 3 cities and would like to compare and contrast some more. I hear the cops are into confiscating bikes, though, and I'll be super-careful and lawful, but if you prefer I didn't ride NYCCM with your bike, I would still love to borrow something from Saturday on.

thanks in advance for any help!
lauren