ENY 2012 : FAQs

What if it rains?

We ride rain or shine.

Where can I park my car?

On Riverside Drive north of Sakura Park.

Proceed north on Riverside Drive past Sakura Park with Grant’s Tomb on your left. There will be ample parking as you hit the long overpass that runs above 125th Street.

What time does the ride start?

Sign-in for the century opens at 7am. Riders must depart by 8am.

Sign-in for the 65-miler opens at 8am. Riders depart by 9am.

Sign-in for the 50-miler opens at 9am. Riders depart by 10am.

Sign-in for the 25-miler opens at 10am. Riders depart by 11am.

The sign-in/registration area closes at 11am.

What do I need to bring?

A helmet, a spare tube, tire irons, a portable pump, sunscreen, 2 water bottles.

A lightweight windbreaker that stuffs into a pocket is always good to have.

When will we receive ride material?

Look for an email with all ride day details on the Thursday before the ride

Do we need to bring our own snacks or other food?

No! On route we will provide peanut butter and jelly on the world’s best bagels (H & H), as well as fruit, cookies, salty snacks, water and energy drinks. Delicious sandwiches will be waiting for you at the finish.

Are there hills?

The four routes are not flat! Be prepared for some climbing; 1,700’ vertical on the 25-mile route; 2,800′ vertical on the 50-mile route; 3,900′ on the 65-mile route; and 6,000′ on the century. Choose your route accordingly and be sure to leave time on the back end to linger at our festive finish! The routes close at 6pm.

I’m a slower rider. Should I attempt the century?

The century is a challenge with plenty of hills! Ambitious slower riders must check-in at 7 am. You need to keep moving. A rider who averages 11mph rolling speed between rest stops can afford only 10 minutes at check-in and rest stops. That's not much!

If in doubt, opt for the metric century (65 miles) … a beautiful route with its own challenges. Doing so will leave you time to enjoy the festivities back at the finish.

I’m a newer rider. Should I attempt the 50?

If you have previously done 35 miles with some uphill, then you should be able to handle the 50 miler if you take your time and take it easy.

Will directions be provided and will there be leaders or guides?

Cue sheets with distances and all turns will be available at the start. All routes will be well marked, but it's advisable to carry a cue sheet in case you miss a turn.

There are no formally led groups. Grab a cue sheet, some friends and head out together!

Our competent marshals ride the 50- and 65-mile routes and will gladly answer your questions.

Is there a place to stash my belongings at the start?

What if I can’t finish?

It’s the responsibility of each rider to be sure he or she is fit enough to finish Escape New York. The best way to prevent problems is to prepare ahead of time by training and also picking the route that is right for you! (50, 65 or 100 miles). The routes are by no means flat! Be prepared for some hills.

If you have serious mechanical or health problems, a SAG vehicle will be availableto help. An emergency phone number will be printed on all cue sheets.

Are there refunds if I change my mind?

Sorry, there are no refunds once you’ve signed up.

I’m flying in from out of town for the ride. Can I rent a road bike?

Yes. Bike and Roll has the largest fleet of rental bikes in the city, including lightweight road bikes. 212-260-0400

Other shops that rent bikes are listed here: http://www.bikenewyork.org/advice/nyc-info/rental-bike-shops/

Will the roads be closed to traffic?

No. You will be sharing the road with cars, so you must ride safely and respectfully. But we will try to keep you off of the busy roads as much as possible.

I’ve never ridden my bike outside the park. Should I attempt the 25-mile route?

If you are preparing for the 25-mile route, try to work up to riding 3 loops in Central Park, including the hills! And you should have the skills to be safe and comfortable riding your bike on roads with cars. Follow us on Facebook for training tips throughout the summer!

Are there any training rides to help me prepare for the ride?

Yes! Join the New York Cycle Club, and you will have access to rides at all levels that are led by volunteer ride leaders from the Club. Find your pace and join a ride. No matter what your pace, there will be a ride available almost every weekend. And . . . a membership discount is offered to all riders who join the Club when they register for Escape New York! Go to the Escape New York registration page, and click "Register Now" for more details.

Are there New Jersey Transit options that will get me to Manhattan on September 22?

New Jersey Transit has recently overhauled their Bicycle Policy.

Read about NJTransit's Bike Aboard Program >