Amy-Lynn & John and everyone else,
I did the 107-mile route and it was great, although challenging. For a change, the route went from Manhattan, the Bronx, Randall's Island, Queens, Brooklyn, back to Queens and returned to Manhattan.
The ride started at 6 a.m., but I just got up at that time. Fortunately, I was able to recoup and got to the park by 6:45. I got underway by 7 a.m.
Even though I had no accompanying rider, there were two or more cyclists who stayed with me during various stretches. From past experience, when I go "solo" century riding, cyclists I see often ask if they can ride with me for company. They are usually first-timers or seek encouragement.
At the start, I bumped into my 5BBC comrades, like Freddy Miller, Mary Martinez, Ed DeFreitas, Eugene Attenborough, Glen Goldstein, Elly Spagenberg, Terry Chin. Some were official ride marshalls. Sorry Danny, I did see you but from a distance.
The Bronx was something, especially during the narrow lane uphill portion. I am a capable climber, but I didn't want to collide or hurt other cyclists, I was content to walking the bike some. The breathtaking view of the Hudson was worth it. Never knew that a downhill road tunnel at Kappock St. ever existed. Neither did my bike as the brakes squealed loudly.
About the Bronx Zoo stop. It was a bit trying, since there was no water-replenishing or restrooms. Didn't have time to complain. Got away with a bagel or two. But TA had the wisdom of marking the Mosholu Pkwy bike path into a rest\water stop. Salvation!
I didn't mind walking the bike on the stairs of the Triborough bridge. I had no intention of setting a speed record. I plainly wanted to complete the ride in one piece, even if I did have to slow down. Spoke to several cyclists either admiring the views or lamenting the wait.
I was struck by a small rock (by a jerk from an apartment building) and two fused and mating (?) honeybees that clung on my white long sleeve undershirt. On several occasions, I trailed a female rider who had a ringing cellular phone. She deccelerated or stopped to take a call. What a way to keep in touch.
And I took pity for a young guy dressed in red, riding a red bike, whom I met at the Unisphere at Flushing Meadow Park. Apparently, he didn't ride up with his brother, who has his provisions. It was a long way between water stops and he was a bit "green" as an inexperienced rider after two near
