I'm in my first year of NYCC membership after a bunch of years of riding my Vespa scooter all over the northeast.  My favorite type of motorcycle/scooter rides have always been on very narrow and winding backroads, way off the beaten path,and I've done a bit of bicycle riding on some of those roads. 

So far, though, my take has been that they don't necesarily translate into great cycling roads.  I would imagine that there are going to be some safety concerns on bicycles with respect to the narrower and windier roads that might be less of an issue with a motorized vehicle, particularly when a group is involved.  Is tha pretty much the way it works?

Brendan

There are still openings in our 5 day cycling camp in Carlsbad, CA (just outside of San Diego).  The dates are Monday, Feb 1 through Friday, Feb 5.  This is a great way to break out of the winter blues,  get in some great riding, and get a head start on the Spring --and SIG -- riding season.  And it's pretty inexpensive for a cycling vacation. More information here:  http://www.ccsd.com/nycc-camp

Email me for further information. 

Fred Leffel

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/29/nyregion/queens-bike-shop-offers-repairs-and-camaraderie.html

Link to 2010 ABC News Report, but it's new to me.

Forecast is 100% probability of rain tomorrow morning at 5:00 and 6:00 AM

...  a bike made of silicon carbide-infused magnesium.

As I was leaving Henry Hudson Dr this morning (about noonish) after a very peaceful ride, a buck goes flying past me, onto the sidewalk/bikepath up to the bridge.  I have never prayed so hard in my life...the cars were flying up and down River Rd, and if he couldn't get back to the woods he was doomed.  I stopped two other cyclists from proceeding, so as not to spook him.  He was body-slamming the fence, trying to knock it down.  Thank God, he squeezed himself through the gate and made it back into the woods, restoring my faith that sometimes there is a happy ending.  Had it gone the other way, it would have devastated the other riders, myself, and a number of construction workers who stopped what they were doing to watch the scene unfold.

Any idea what stores might be open between the G.W. and Bear on Friday. Planning on doing a ride. I already know the Tompkins cove deli will be closed.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=ec0_1450651678

Nice short essay in the business section of today's Times about buying a bespoke bike. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/22/your-money/the-financial-benefits-of-buying-what-you-love.html   (thanks Roger)