[Rich Wong]

This ride is great!
I’ve been doing it off and on with myself or groups since 1979. Get here early, find parking on the streets or in a lot, hang out and eat breakfast.
My inside secret is to go a couple of blocks just north of the starting line and get a nice breakfast sandwich with coffee and site in a park and enjoy the quiet. When the event starts at 8AM the wave of people will past by me (which took over an hour this time). When I'm finished with my breakfast I just hop on my bike and join everyone else.

This event is the best way to see NYC by bike for "outdoor" type of people. They shut down pretty much the whole city for you. Most people that are in decent shape can finish the 42 mile ride. The pace is moderate to slow (because of the large crowd). There are many rest stations with snacks, water and port-a-potties on the route. I you have a problem with your bike, guarantee, someone will stop to help.

I always meet a lot of European riders who came to NYC just for this ride.
The mood is festive and fun. You have your individual riders, family riders and team rides that are all decorated in a “theme.” It's like a FIRST competition!

This is also a great team building event, all the riders from one team must finish together and no one gets left behind. I get to learn a lot about people when they are faced with a challenge and realized that they are only as strong as their weakest member.
I hope to see you next year.

http://www.bikenewyork.org/BNY-TOUR.htm