Five Borough Bicycle Club - New York

These were rides in November-December 2010. Click here for upcoming rides.

These are upcoming rides. Click here for rides archive.

Please note that helmets are required on all 5BBC rides.

Indicates relaxed pace, easy ride

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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

A NON-PARTISAN SPIN

10 AM, Eleanor Roosevelt Statue, West 72nd st. and Riverside Drive, Manhattan. 38 mostly level miles at 12 mph pace

Vote early and then go for an easygoing non-partisan spin through Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens while the rest of the nation casts their ballots. Ride on a mix of city streets, bike lanes and greenways, with a spin around the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Park. Lunch at a kosher restaurant on Main St. in Queens before returning via the Flushing Bay promenade and Queensboro Bridge. Back at 3:30 PM. Bring lock and $ for lunch. Leaders: Dana Hudes & Mike Moses

Saturday, November 6, 2010

THE GREATEST TURKEY RIDE: CHARLIE'S TURKEY AND OPEN HOUSE

10 AM, Kew Gardens, Statue of Civic Virtue (Union Turnpike & Queens Boulevard), Queens. 25-30 mostly flat miles

Join Ed and Liz as we eat Charlie's turkey, the best turkey in Queens. We can say that we've been eating it for years. This is an easy 25- 30 mile mostly flat ride. Usual weather conditions apply. Bring $10 for lunch. Ride will end at Ed & Liz's apartment. There will be an open house at our place. Please call us at 718 487 4992 if you would like to meet us for lunch but are not riding. Leaders: Ed Pino & Liz Baum

JONES BEACH OFF-SEASON

9:30 AM, Cunningham Park, Queens, 50 mostly flat miles, fast pace

The beach is an inviting destination on a brisk fall day just like it is during the dog days of summer. Bring $ for lunch or a bag lunch. We'll dine on the boardwalk. Note: 16 mph average pace. Caution: bikes not permitted on LIRR this weekend due to major construction. Leaders: Dennis Griffin and Ira Najowitz.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

PHANTOM OF THE NORTH

8:30 AM, Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road (SE corner), Bronx. Up to 40 miles at 15 mph pace

Visit Westchester County, Connecticut, or other scenic locales at a brisk pace. Bring MTA bike permit just in case. Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

ROCK AROUND THE ROCK

8:45 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 40 miles, moderate pace

What would be if the Revolutionary War never happened? Well, on Staten Island, that almost happened. And, we're going to that spot. Mostly flat with one very steep hill. Moderate pace. Bring or buy lunch. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA.

NORTHVALE WITH SOME EXTRA ZZZ's

9AM, HI-AYH (West 103rd St & Amsterdam Ave), Manhattan, 40 miles

Each spring we ride to Northvale for Montauk Training. Why not in the fall? The Northvale Diner will still be serving up banana nut pancakes and the like. Churchill Road will still be serving up leg cramps. But to remind you that we're not on a training ride, we'll start from the AYH. And while the sun will set an hour earlier today, you'll have an extra hour of sleep to enjoy first. Bring lightweight lock and $ for lunch. Leaders: Brian Hoberman & George Banks.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

GREEN QUILTS RIDE

11:30 A.M. Plaza Hotel and Apartments, 15 leisurely miles

It's getting chilly out there and you're probably pulling out your comforter as you read this. Does your comforter make a statement? If it were a quilt it would! Find out about quilt making and even how the craft is ``going green.'' Join us for this delightfully free exhibit and demo at the Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park. Lunch at a local Brooklyn eatery. Rain, snow or icy conditions at start cancels. Leaders: Richard Sanford and TBA.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

PHANTOM OF THE NORTH

8:30 AM, Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road (SE corner), Bronx. Up to 40 miles at 15 mph pace

Visit Westchester County, Connecticut, or other scenic locales at a brisk pace. Bring MTA bike permit just in case. Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

PRESIDENT'S SHADOWS

10 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 15-20 miles

We all know where Washington slept. But, is that all there is? Does New have other intertwinings with other presidents? Where did the first Vice President live? Did George decide the better part of valor was retreat in the face of sure defeat? Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA

Saturday, November 20, 2010

CROTON AQUEDUCT ADVENTURE

9 AM, Van Cortlandt Park (W. 242nd St & Broadway), Bronx, 35 mostly off-road miles

Back in 1835, fifty acres of Manhattan were burned to a crisp in "The Great Fire". Prompted by the loss of valuable real estate, New York politicians were finally inspired to build a decent water supply system for the city. The water tunnel they built, the Croton Aqueduct, now hosts an off-road trail that will take you through the scenic parks, woods, and backyards of Westchester County to a spectacular waterfall at the Croton Dam. The dirt trail is easy riding - no previous off-road experience needed. Fat-tire or hybrid bike required. Return is via Metro-North - bring $10 for fare and MTA bike permit. Bring or buy lunch. Mostly flat with several very steep hills. Leaders: Ed Ravin & Steven Levine.
Note: #1 train not running to the Bronx this weekend, nearest alternate subways are #4 to Mosholu Parkway, A to 207th St, D to Bedford Park Boulevard

QUEENS FOR A DAY

10 AM, Kew Gardens, Statue of Civic Virtue (Union Turnpike & Queens Boulevard), Queens. 25 easy miles

The Historic House Trust operates 23 sites in NYC - let's visit one of them. The Lewis H. Latimer house in Flushing was home to the pioneering African-American inventor and helper to Thomas Edison for over 20 years. Lunch at a local eatery. Leaders: Phil Goldberg & Bob Castro

Sunday, November 21, 2010

PHANTOM OF THE NORTH

8:30 AM, Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road (SE corner), Bronx. Up to 40 miles at 15 mph pace

Visit Westchester County, Connecticut, or other scenic locales at a brisk pace. Bring MTA bike permit just in case. Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

CROTON RESERVOIR TRIPLE-CROSS

9:00 AM, Van Cortlandt Park (West 242nd St & Broadway), Bronx, 35 miles

You can have your water and drink it too. Get your fill of Westchester's Croton Reservoir with three lake crossings -- the "Old Put" railroad bridge, Old Croton Dam (Gate House) Bridge, and New Croton Dam -- plus a splendiferous (although slightly bumpy) ride along the lake shore. Ride ends at Croton-Harmon Metro-North station. Bring $ for lunch, $8.25 train fare for return ride, MTA permit. Leaders: Jim Zisfein & Carolyn Jacobs.
Note: #1 train not running to the Bronx this weekend, nearest alternate subways are #4 to Mosholu Parkway, A to 207th St, D to Bedford Park Boulevard

A DAY AT THE (CHAMPIONSHIP CYCLECROSS) RACES

7:30 AM sharp at Bridgemarket, or 7:50 AM sharp Kew Gardens, 60 miles at 16 MPH quick spin pace (or 27 miles with LIRR return), no point/drop/sweep

Take a ride out to the 2010 Super Cross Championships at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, Long Island. We'll cycle a nice, flat 60 mile route along the Bethpage bike path to the park. There we'll see the Womens' Elite races at 1:30 PM and the Mens' Elite at 2:30 PM. Options for return include the LIRR or a 27 mile ride back to the Jamaica subway station. Bring two spare tubes, $ for lunch and carfare, bike lock, and MTA bike permit. This is a quick-spin 16 mph ride - no point/drop/sweep. Contact leaders via email for more specifics. Colisted with NYCC. Leaders: Susan Rodetis (srodetis@earthlink.net) and Dennis Griffin (nyc2dag@yahoo.com)

NEAR BROOKLYN

10 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 25 miles

The twin cities of New York & Brooklyn danced with each other for fifty years before the wedding. We'll get some snapshots of that time & others. Then, maybe, end up at a bike friendly pizzeria near Bowling Greene. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & Bill Mastro

Thursday, November 25, 2010

MAKE ROOM FOR THANKSGIVING

10 AM, City Hall, 20 miles, back by 12:30 PM

Thanksgiving Dinner often ends with the debate: "Who's more stuffed, you or the turkey?". You're not going to work that off after dinner, so eliminate your guilt ahead of time by climbing to the tops of the four oldest large NYC bridges. It's a beautiful city - get some fresh air, take in the views - and stir up your appetite. Back by 12:30 PM. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & Geoff Cohen

Saturday, November 27, 2010

WEST ENGLEWOOD NON-TRAINING RIDE

9:00AM, HI-AYH (West 103rd St & Amsterdam Ave), Manhattan, 35 miles

Like we did a few weeks ago, we'll do a Montauk Training ride in November. This time, we're going to West Englewood and the Royal Cliffs Diner for lunch. But to remind you that we're not on a training ride, we'll start from the AYH hostel. Bring lightweight lock and $ for lunch. Leaders Brian Hoberman and TBA.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

PHANTOM OF THE NORTH

8:30 AM, Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road (SE corner), Bronx. Up to 40 miles at 15 mph pace

Visit Westchester County, Connecticut, or other scenic locales at a brisk pace. Bring MTA bike permit just in case. Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM

10 AM, Plaza Hotel (E. 59th St & 5th Ave), Manhattan, 30 miles, 12-15 mph pace

Ride up the center spine of Manhattan, cross the Harlem River into The Bronx, follow Broadway through Yonkers and spend a little time on the Old Croton Aqueduct til we reach the Hudson River Museum. This is not just a museum. It's also a mansion, planetarium, an ecological display of the entire Hudson River and lunch with a view of the Palisades. If you didn't love the river before....well. So, bring your inquisitiveness, $ for admission, lunch or money to buy it, lock, and MTA bike permit in case you have to bag-it. Some hills. Road bikes OK. More info at http://www.hrm.org/. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA.

Saturday, December 4th, 2010

AVOIDING JUNK MILES IN QUEENS

9:00 AM, Bridgemarket (E 60th St & 1st Ave), Manhattan, 40 miles, quick spin

The roads are clear. The fallen trees from September's macro-burst have been "chipped away". We'll avoid Queens Blvd & head out to eastern Queens without travelling on the traditional "junk" roads that many cyclists are familiar with. Quick-spin 15mhp pace - no point/drop/sweep. Dress appropriately for the weather, bring water, spare tubes. Metrocard and/or MTA bike permit are optional. Bring lunch $ in case we stop for lunch. Leaders: Dennis Griffin & Dalah Del Prado

WORLD SERIES / GIL HODGES RIDE

10 AM, Brooklyn Borough Hall (by fountain), 30 mostly flat miles, moderate pace

The World Series is over, but we can still warm up with the ghosts of the Brooklyn Dodgers. 55 years ago, Brooklyn was in the grips of joy when the "wait 'til next year" Dodgers won their only World Series. We'll commemorate that singular event by visiting the former stomping grounds of the Dodgers and their star hitter, Gil Hodges. Bring lock and $ for lunch in Mill Basin. Rain, snow, or icy conditions at start cancels. NOTE: ride ends at Grand Army Plaza / Prospect Park. Leaders: Bill Mastro & Fritz Van Orden

Sunday, December 5, 2010

FROSTBITE #1 - RIDE TO BAYONNE FOR THE WORLD'S GREATEST PANCAKES

Meet 10 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 25 miles

This is the traditional start to our clubs answer to the pending winter blahs. The "Frost Bites" series asks the question, if winter is too cold to bike, how come it's not too cold for skiing? We start at City Hall, take the ferry to S.I., follow the west coast, cross the Bayonne Bridge for those deelicious pancakes. We'll give our respects to the Lady in the Harbor and end up in Hoboken for the trip across the Hudson and home. NOTE: there's an alternate plan if the weather is bad. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas, Jesse Brown, & Rodney Millard

Saturday, December 11, 2010

FILLMORE'S - A MEDIOCRE RIDE FOR A MEDIOCRE PRESIDENT

10 AM, Kew Gardens, Statue of Civic Virtue (Union Turnpike & Queens Boulevard), Queens. 25-30 easy flat miles

Take an easy, flat ride through the borough of Queens, circle the globe, and settle down for a great lunch at Fillmore's Tavern, a bike-friendly restaurant with a pub-like atmosphere. Bring $10 lunch money and a bike lock for this warm winter journey. Leaders: Ed Pino & Liz Baum

Sunday, December 12, 2010

PHANTOM OF THE NORTH

8:30 AM, Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road (SE corner), Bronx. Up to 40 miles at 15 mph pace

Visit Westchester County, Connecticut, or other scenic locales at a brisk pace. Bring MTA bike permit just in case. Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

FROSTBITE #2 - FLAT ROCK NATURE PRESERVE

10 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 30 miles

Aah Naturale in Joisey! This privately owned natural preserve lets us bike to their Nature Center but, only hike their trails. Lunch at a pond. Bring or buy lunch, bring a lightweight lock. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

RIVER ROAD AT THE WINTER SOLSTICE

10AM, GWB Bus Terminal (Ft Washington Ave & W 178th St), 30 hilly miles

The leaves may be gone, but the beauty of Henry Hudson Drive ("River Road") remains. In the winter months you can enjoy unobstructed views of the palisade cliffs and across the Hudson River. Best of all, most of the road will be closed to cars. There will be no road maintenance, so you do need to watch for rocks and branches, and the occasional massive landslide. Lunch and hot chocolate at State Line Lookout Inn. Bring bag lunch or $ for it, and a lightweight lock. Leaders Jim Zisfein & Rudy Paulich.

DYKER HEIGHTS, DYKER LIGHTS

4:30 PM City Hall, Manhattan, 25 leisurely miles

When people in Dyker Heights talk about "Current Events," they're talking about houses decked out in lights, robotic Santa Clauses and Rudolphs with noses that light up the sky like signals from outer-space. Take this unforgettable evening ride to where people from all over the world come to experience this Brooklyn holiday enclave. We'll stop off at a local Italian bakery on the way out and top off the evening with hero sandwiches and a slice or two of great pizza before heading back. Bring lock and money for food. Rain, snow or icy conditions at start cancels. All bikes must have lights and bright or reflective clothing is suggested. Optional return via subway. Leaders: Richard Sanford and Bill Mastro.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

PHANTOM OF THE NORTH

8:30 AM, Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road (SE corner), Bronx. Up to 40 miles at 15 mph pace

Visit Westchester County, Connecticut, or other scenic locales at a brisk pace. Bring MTA bike permit just in case. Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

FROSTBITE #3 - CHRISTMAS IN THE CLOISTERS

10 AM, City Hall, Manhattan, 25 miles

You don't have to be rich as Rockefeller to enjoy medieval art in a monastery setting atop Fort Tryon Park. Bring lunch for Al Fresco or dine indoors (a little pricey but good). Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

PHANTOM OF THE NORTH

8:30 AM, Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road (SE corner), Bronx. Up to 40 miles at 15 mph pace

Visit Westchester County, Connecticut, or other scenic locales at a brisk pace. Bring MTA bike permit just in case. Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

TEANECK LUNCH

9:30 AM, Eleanor Roosevelt Statue, (W 72nd Street & Riverside Drive), Manhattan, 30 miles, 12-14 mph pace

Ride down tree-lined suburban streets to Teaneck for for the 4th annual December lunch at a tasty glatt kosher restaurant. We'll keep a 12-14 mph pace and on the way back we'll break the climb up over the ridge to the bridge into shorter pieces to make it easier. Bring lock, money for lunch and a good appetite. co-listed with NYCC. If possible, please RSVP to dhudes@hudes.org. Leaders: Dana Hudes, Jim Zisfein

FROSTBITE #4 - XMAS LITES IN DYKER HEIGHTS & DIM SUM

12:30 PM, City Hall, Manhattan, 20 miles

Brooklyn's Chinatown is no longer a secret. But it's still a great destination when Dim Sum is desired. We'll check out the Xmas lights atop Dyker Hts. But first, it's Eighth Ave. for lunch. On the way back, we'll take in the Manhattan skyline from Sunset Park, in the dark. Did we say dark? Yes, be sure to bring lights, front and back. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

THE WINTER PHANTOM RIDES AGAIN

8:30 AM, Pelham Parkway & White Plains Road (SE corner), Bronx. 25 or so miles at a brisk 15 mph pace.

Ride fast and stay warm this winter! Each ride in this Sunday series features a special edible treat. Leaders: Jesse Brown & Rodney Millard

FROSTBITE #5 NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDENS

10 AM, Plaza Hotel & Apartments, Manhattan, 30 miles

Elly Spangenberg's perennial ride. Smell fresh roses at one of the foremost American public gardens. Take a look at the Holiday Train Show. Go to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory for "A World of Plants" in a warm environment. For more info, see http://nybg.org/ Bring a camera, lock, $ for lunch and $6 admission. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA

Click here for next month's ride schedule