hehe whoops when we came upon the first hill I was in high gear and my chain started skipping and at least a few other people had some trouble making it up that hill. sorry 'bout that.

Yeah - I've only seen one person fall (unfortunately with a dog - puppy was fine though) in the past but I saw I think three this time. Very bunched up, there were also a lot of little (younger than 10) kids who were being kids (swerving back and forth, not paying attention, etc...) that didn't help matters much. Also some people not used to the walking paths (not designed for bikes and have things that jut out here and there) and no lights hit some stuff and took a spill.

It was also the first night night ride of the year besides January - the others have been cold or rainy so lots of people were out. Will probably be a bunch for July and August too.

It's cool; I had the wrong bike for the ride; but I thoroughly enjoyed the downhill at the end...

What were you riding?

Hey all, kinda new to BF but I've been wanting to check out this critical mass thing. I'm guessing this friday is one of their rides and wanted to ask a few Q's but don't know where. Maybe some of you can help. So like I get the concept and sounds fun, but what should I expect? Just a heap full of bikes taking over the streets? Anything I should bring other then the usual? What's the route they take and the duration of the ride?

Critical Mass is supposed to be an unorganized, leaderless bike ride whereby many bikers just decide to ride together for a bit, thus forming a critical mass. It's morphed into an occasion for people to loudly declare their political leanings. Check Times Up's website for info on critical mass, where and when. Have fun.

Also - enjoy but don't do anything like cork or go through red lights (or forget your lights, bell, etc...). The police like to ticket and arrest as many as possible to stop it from happening.

The Brooklyn version however has a police escort and is supported by the NYPD.

so I definitely should have a tail blinker on and a helmet? I could get a ticket if I don't? What is "cork"? Sorry still new to this and just simply enjoying riding around so I'm a miss on the terms.

I know to throw caution to red lights and abide normal traffic laws but helmet and blinker are these absolute necessities? I have a helmet, don't get me wrong, just others who are planning to go with me don't so I'd like to make sure they know before anything.

Your bike needs certain equipment to be legally operated in NY. You need front, rear and side reflectors. You need active lighting, front and rear when it's dark out. You need a bell. You don't need a helmet unless you're 14 and under. And you need to obey all traffic laws. That means no riding on the sidewalk, no running reds, riding to the right unless a bike lane is available, riding single file and no corking (blocking traffic). Obvioiusly, some of what I wrote is debatable, but some cops tend to make up laws, like you have to ride in the bike lane if it's available. Before the RNC, cops didn't bother with CM. When CM went political, the city came down hard to discourage people from riding it.

Ok, so your making this out to be less fun then I thought it would be. Granted I know a few people who have gotten cited for cruising through a few hudson river parks. I was under the impression that CM rides are just a massive loads of bikes rolling through the streets in all lanes. The above seems like general knowledge though, I just don't want some bike-cop pedaling next to me saying "pull over" and write me a ticket for not having a blinkie. Then again, I don't do much night riding so the whole thing to me is purely recreational.

Check this out instead - more of what you're thinking of.

Yea I will probably do the brooklyn one as well, there is just something about hogging up an avenue in manhattan with a group of bikers that is appealing to me, it's more for the novelty I guess so along with that, I just wanted to know the guidelines that they follow (blinkie, helmet, traffic lights, etc)

You're more than welcome to try it - just wanted you to have a heads up that you also may get a ticket if they feel ornery.

i got snatched off my bike by a motorcycle cop and slapped with a $200 ticket at the May Critical Mass in Manhattan... not worth it at all.

i'm still interested in going to the Brooklyn CM though, as I heard it was a lot less aggressive.

Prospect Park tonight - anyone in?

I might, but very sleep deprived (and waking up early tomorrow for another ride).

I just came back from Brooklyn and I'm beat. Have fun Air!

Catnap, I also got a ticket at the Manhattan CM in may, which I am fighting tomorrow, actually. I don't think i'm ever going to the Manhattan CM again.

Brooklyn CM, on the other hand, which I went to for the first time on Friday, was incredible. Cops were corking for us. I couldn't believe it. What a difference. Even with all the red lights and stop signs run, zero tickets were given, and the cops were really friendly. It was strange to see after going to the Manhattan ride.

I had the same experience (sans ticket) of Manhattan CM vs. Brooklyn CM. A Times Up! member I spoke with claims that the NYPD is trying to send the message that CM is welcome and supported in Brooklyn (where it's out of the way) but not in Manhattan.

I think the NYPD succeeded in sending that message. at least, i got it loud and clear. Good luck fighting that ticket, thehum - i respect that you're taking the effort to stand up for your rights.

I ran into some folks who went to the Brooklyn CM, while I was on the Times Up Coney Island ride which was at the same time. They had similar things to say, and I will definitely be there for the next one!

Times-Up ride this Friday, Central Park. Any takers?

This is the moonlight ride! Cmon peoples...go to this ride. It is so much fun!!!

It would be a bit challenging for me being about 2K miles away :(

Details....details...

There's an outside chance I can do it, but I won't know for sure until later.

Steve, did you get my email?

Excellent - hope you can!

This has got to be the most relaxing ride I ever do. I come back and usually just feel like there could be explosions all around me and I wouldn't care. Looking forward to it tonight!

Scheduling is my big hassle. No matter how late I stay out tonight, my twin alarm clocks go off at 6AM (and often at 2:30, 3:30, or 5:00)--and tomorrow we're riding down to River Run Park with the trailer at 10AM.

So I'll just have to see how things are looking at 9PM tonight. If I'm going to make it, is there a BF Northeast meeting place or anything?