Hi,
I'm new to cycling and recently purchased a Cannondale Road Warrior since I'm not too confident on a road bike yet. (The only clipping in I do is on a spin bike, where the likelihood of me falling over is nil). I have been riding up and down the Hudson River Park Drive, but I'm looking to increase my skills as a rider and try cycling in Central Park or elsewhere. I'm terrified of the faster cyclists and I also don't know the rules of riding in the park (passing, direction,etc).
Is there someone who would be willing to ride with me and help me get into this sport? Thank you!
Beginner cyclist seeks experienced (and patient) cycling buddy
Mon, 07/17/2006 - 7:26am
Mon, 07/17/2006 - 11:49am
#1
Ride counter clockwise in the park. They're giving tickets for running lights/speeding, but basically there are no rule in CP. The road, outside NYC, is safer.
Mon, 07/17/2006 - 1:34pm
#2
"Thank you! This is most helpful as I would not want to hear the words ""Hey! Wrong way!"" screamed at me by irate cyclists."
Mon, 07/17/2006 - 7:19pm
#3
CP cycling rules
Mon, 07/17/2006 - 12:19pm
#4
July 22, 2006 B16 Pascack Group Training Ride
This should be just the ride for you. Look in our monthly Bulletin for the details. I am supposed to be co-leading this ride but am off the bike for a while due to a crash on our NYCC July 4th weekend at West Point (I don't mean to scare you; it was due to a defect in my bike). You also should check out the early morning Tuesday and Thursday 5:45 A.M. B17 Central park rides by my co-leader of the July 22 ride, Linda Wintner (if you can get up early enough) where she gives instructions to people who join her on her rides and who want that help. Good luck with your joining the wonderful world of cycling!
Mon, 07/17/2006 - 1:43pm
#5
"If you've only been riding on the bike path, a 50 mile ride on the road at 16mph is probably the worst thing you could do. Try riding in the park and do a 4 lap test as listed on the web site. Check your time and see where you fit in. Probably prudent to underestimate your ability at least for the first time and try a level ""C"" ride. If you find it too slow you could always move up. You'll find riders with similar abilities who would probably make you feel more like you fit in."
Mon, 07/17/2006 - 1:49pm
#6
Hello and thank you for the information! I did check out the Bulletin but thought that I might be a C level rider. In fact, since I haven't done laps around the park at all, I can't be sure how fast (or slow) I really ride. Doesn't it make sense to err on the side of caution? I would definitely be interested in the regular 5:45a rides since I am a morning person. Would I find this info on the Bulletin as well?
Tue, 07/18/2006 - 6:56pm
#7
Ride with Linda
Yes, Rick's suggestion that you get in touch and join Linda Wintner, esp if you are motivated for early rides. She's a good bike mentor.
Tue, 07/18/2006 - 7:27pm
#8
for solo rides
"For solo rides, consider Liberty State Park It's a short PATH or ferry ride from the city. The park is way less congested than Central Park, it's pancake flat and has great views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline.
The ferry ride will drop you right into the park. If you take the PATH train there's a waterfront bike path/esplanad, similar to Battery Park city, that will lead you to the back entrance of the park.
"
Wed, 07/19/2006 - 7:14am
#9
for solo rides
Thank you, Peter. The ride sounds ideal and beautiful. Will have to check it out this summer.
Mon, 07/17/2006 - 5:26pm
#10
If you are starting out, a good place to look for rides is the Five Boro Bike Club (www.5bbc.org). They have smiley face rides which have leaders and sweeps to keep people together. They have rides at this level every week-end. As you gain confidence, you can go on 5bbc moderate rides or any C rides the NYCC offers.
Wed, 07/19/2006 - 7:16am
#11
Smiley face rides?
"(Dare I ask)? What is a ""smiley face ride?"" I'm thinking it means fun and easy?"
Wed, 07/19/2006 - 9:14am
#12
"A smiley face ride means ""easy pace, relaxed ride,"" according to the 5BBC's web site. Go here.
I recommend starting with the 5BBC. The people on those rides tend to be more of the ""smell the roses"" type of riders, not so keen on getting to their destination quickly. I did that for a couple years, and then started doing NYCC B rides."
Wed, 07/19/2006 - 9:25am
#13
I'd also recommend 5BBC
If only because the NYCC seems to have so few C rides once the C-SIG is over.
