Monstertrack 2006
 

[A new thread for this because it didn't seem like New Yorkers and locals were checking the MT transportation thread, and I have tons o' questions.]

My first: I came across the excellent PDF NYC cycling maps on Transalt.org, which are great, but really too detailed and ungainly to print. The only way to get a printed copy that I could find was to become a member (which would almost be worth it if I could use the Kryptonite discount locally, because I'm paranoid as **** about locking my bike up in NY). Does anyone know where we out-of-towners could procure printed versions of these or similar maps?

you can study these before you get here..
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/bike/cwbm.shtml
FRONT: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/bike/mapfront.pdf
BACK: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/bike/mapback.pdf

and then get a hard copy from any bike shop..

Thanks turd...Tstar's right on the way from Penn Station to the Williamsburg Bridge anyway, which seems to be the route to take.

if you call 311 they will mail one to your house
so for you that would be 1-212-311 i believe

enjoy

one word of caution re: these maps. the transalt map doesn't show the area on the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. The new one is better than the old ones (which actually didn't show the key area) but it is still a headscratcher. I'd look for a map that showed downtown Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn in an unbroken way.

That said I don't know that Monster Track is going to have any checkpoints down there... I just know that when I first moved here I found getting off the bridges and into the downtown Brooklyn area pretty confusing.

Monstertrack is pretty new to me. Are checkpoints, routes or anything announced beforehand? I assume there'll be some update to the website before March.

From what HawkWheels has implied, there will be some clues released the week of. I don't know if they'll be disclosed on the website? HW? What's up?
Also, cad- if you need a krypto chain and long shackle am. lock for the weekend, I have one for you.

Thanks, I might take you up on it. The usual Krypto-Mini and cable just seem like they might be a little too "naive Midwesterner" for this weekend.

having never biked in NY, that's what i was planning on bringing.. not beefy enough?

Opinions, Yanks?

When "working," my bike is never outside for longer than a couple of minutes (I know, I know, that's all it takes) so I feel relatively comfortable using my mini. However, if one is planning on being inside someplace for longer and you can't keep your eye on your baby, I'd recommend using nothing less than a hefty chain just for the peace of mind afforded.

i leave mine outside all day everyday with a really fancy wheelset. i usually throw a NY chain/lock around the seat tube and rear wheel and a mini on the frame/front wheel OR a NY3000 U around the seat tube and rear wheel and the chain thru the frame and front wheel.

i wouldn't just use a mini if yr not gonna be around the bike for a while. i also wouldn't use a cable--unless it's just for the front wheel and the wheel's not likely to get jacked.

edit: however... i leave the chain locked at my lockup spot every night, so i only lug around the 3000
(which i also sometimes leave locked up) and/or the mini.

I use a mini and a cheap cable around the front and I leave it outside all day, but I have a newpaper guy that watches my bike for me.

Usually a mini is fine for the most part, but if it's overnight I wouldn't recommend it.

thanks for the tips... i don't plan on leaving it outside overnite.. but it sounds like a little more metal might not be a bad idea.

I know last year the checkpoints were announced friday night in some bar where did the roller races.

how many people raced last year?

a ****load. they have a photo of the beginning (group photo). it was the biggest monster track I have seen in years..

ok, i think i'm going to go as a photographer, as opposed to a racer.

this year will probably be bigger since the 'scene' has grown since last year by quite a bit. It'll be interesting to see non-regulars or virgins there... they picked hell of a race to be their first, just like my dumbass picked calavera to be mine and it kicked my ass.

you guys from chicago, before procuring myself transportation I need a place to crash, Anyone know if where they are going has extra room & who else is taking the train?

I don't think anyone answered your original question, but the PDF map on transalt is available for free in just about any bike shop.

i'm riding the chinatown bus up from virginia. would somebody like to offer me some couchspace/floorspace please? i've got references.

The Kryptonite chains are called the New York Bike Lock...for a reason.


Spud, you're gonna photograph? Anyone else (that's super good) planning on doing the same? I'd like to coordinate with you + Amy for the website.

i'm most likely hoppin the train. crashspace is as yet TBD.

"Present." I would have had no idea what any of this was a year ago. I've done several races since, and performed with stunning mediocrity in all. I fully expect to get my ass handed to me, and will consider the trip a success if I don't break any bones zipping around a huge city I don't really know, full of pastrami.

I'm taking the train. I'm pretty sure I won't have extra space where I'm staying but I'll check.