I will be participating in the C-SIG, but do not live in Manhattan. I live in Bayside, Queens. I'm trying to figure out the best way to transport my bike to the C-SIG meeting place, Central Park at 5th Avenue & 72nd Street. I could take the LIRR from Bayside to Penn Station, which is a 25-minute ride, assuming that the LIRR allows bicycles. Then from Penn Station, I could take the subway. However, it would be more convenient to just throw my bike in the back of my Honda CRV and drive in since the ride from my apartment to Central Park can take just 20 minutes with no traffic (it's only 11 miles away). The problem then becomes where to park. Based on experience, I know that finding a parking spot on the Upper East Side can be next to impossible. As such, I might just have to 'bite the bullet' and park in a garage. Does anybody know of a parking garage on the Upper East Side that is reasonably priced relative to the other garages in the area? Thanks.
Parking Near C-SIG Ride Start (5th Ave, 72nd Street)
"Street parking. No need to pay the meter on Sundays in NYC. You can park 2nd- 3rd etc all have meters.
Robert ""Not The Slowest"" Marcus"
C-sig's happening Saturday, unless of course it rains, is icy, is freezing, etc....
When I was living in Floral Park (about 4 miles past you) I used to bike to the city for work, to run in Central Park or meet others for bike rides. This meant that I'd have 30+ miles under my belt before a road race or even a century. It sounds like a lot but if you take it easy going in you won't have any problem riding whatever the Sig throws at you.
I will admit that I did once take the train home, but that was after a trip around Bear Mountain and back.
Paul, I am not yet ready to cycle from Bayside to Central Park vs. taking the subway or driving. Hopefully, at some point, I will be, but not now. I am impressed with your cycling abilities!
Barbara
You could also ride your bike a few miles to the last F train stop in Queens and take the subway (no permit necessary, unlike the LIRR). Get off at 57th St; there's a 24-hour service gate there and only one set of stairs to climb. I live in Forest Hills and I find it's generally easier and faster to take the subway than to drive and search for a parking spot.
Susan,
Hi, I was not aware that in order to take your bike on the LIRR, you need a permit. What a pain! Thanks for your advice.
Barbara
"One day when you have 5 minutes to kill get the Train Pass at Penn Station.
Cost $5.00, One time, Good for life, unless lost.
It is also good for Metro North.
All the above work, think what you can do with $20-30 that the parking lot will get.
Robert ""NTS"" Marcus"
I park on Riverside every Saturday. Usually in the 90's. Some Saturdays are better than others. Just don't take my spot.
