Thoughts/feelings/advice for this ride coming up this Sunday?

http://www.transalt.org/calendar/century/register.html

Thoughts/feelings/advice for this ride coming up this Sunday?

http://www.transalt.org/calendar/century/register.html

Done it twice.

I really do love riding in the city, part of the route's my bike commute and it's a real treat the way the route planners get you to some places you never knew existed. I thought they were routing down to the Rockaway's this year, there's a green "C" road marking that goes down the bike lane on Flatbush Ave, over the Marine Parkway Bridge, then returning via the Cross Bay Bridge. The on-line map at the TransAlt site doesn't show it though. It's a welcome addition if so, as it takes you thru Jacob Riis park, right alongside the ocean. You may have to walk the mile over the Marine Parkway bridge, which would suck.

It's about the toughest century I've done, mostly as it's a lot of stop and start, stop and start at countless lights and stop signs. Best solution is to try not to make good time.

It's crowded at the start and for a bit down 5th Ave. I had a crash 2 years ago, didn't realize I broke a rib when a novice made a left across my path and I endo'd. The crowds eventually ease, except at the first food stop, which was Prospect Park and which was also jammed with people, after that it was OK, especially Van Cortlandt Park, which by then was century only.

The Bronx and upper Manhatten were surprisingly tough, hilly after a long day.

They route you as much as possible, on city bike paths, some of which I had no clue existed, so that was enjoyable. In general, I greatly respect the planners for the variety of the route, making terrific use of all the cities assorted paths and bike lanes, whenever possible.

The cons ?. It's expensive, especially day of event - $60 or so. They don't let you start early, I believe they corral everyone till 7AM at the Central Park start. Find way around it.

I found the logistics of getting to the start a pain, not wanting to have to catch a 4AM LIRR train, driving instead and spending 45 minutes searching for on-street parking. Not a great choice.

Thus, I'll skip it this year.

SB

Thanks for the info. Just registered and looking forward to it.

Probably will do the 75 miler. Its opening day for football, you know....gotta have priorities. ;)