Does anyone know if the Shore Parkway bike path (along the water) from Howard Beach to Floyd Bennett Field, and then to Sheepshead Bay is ride-able?

Like many here, I take Metro North to access start points north of the city on the weekends.

It's perfectly fine, and only occasionally frustrating due to crowds of overnighters who are sobering up (or suffering from the consequences of) the evening before, or weekenders like myself escaping the city.

For my next ride — up toward New Paltz, Rosendale, and points east and north — I'm considering starting from Penn Station and taking NJ Transit, just to see how the other half lives.

My question: do riders here have a strong opinion on Metro North vs. NJ Transit from the train point-of-view only? Based on: a) Experience of ticketing-to platform; b) Level of crowds; and c) Ease of maneuvering onto and off the train? 

http://nos.nl/tour/video/2048387-nos-camera-ziet-contador-opkrabbelen.html

I love how "ordinary" the event captured in this video is (during Stage 17). Sure, some of the best riders in the world here but it happens to us all.

There is no cheering, indeed no crowd at all.

Sagan coming back to help and ending up just standing by watching, Majka helping out his buddy with the chain, Contador standing by watching someone else work on his drive train.

Some nervous energy seen as Contador paces but very calm, no yelling, no talking from what I can tell. 

http://greenwichfreepress.com/around-town/healthy-exercise-or-menace-to-the-roads-bicycle-clubs-in-greenwich-45215/

"We have met the enemy, and he is us."

Check out the photos; the ride looks like a swarm of bees. What ever happened to keeping right?

If we want to be welcomed on the roads in which we ride, we need to maintain good community relations. 

I'm looking for a new rear wheel for my errand bike (steel China Motobecane). It sees a lot of use and miles and frequently carries loads of 60 pounds, plus me, whose weight I will not disclose.

Bike needs a 700c track wheel, or fixed/free. (I also posted in the Marketplace, if you happen to have one to get rid of.)

A single wheel with unsealed bearings can be had for less than $65 and up. Sealed bearings for $79 and up. (Prices on craigslist are ridiculous for anything decent and clearly not stolen.)

Is it worth it for me to spend an extra $15 or more for a hub with sealed bearings? I keep my bikes for years upon years, and they do get a lot of use. So I don't want to buy something that won't last long.

See article NY Times Sports Section Page 2 - today July 26, 2015:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/26/sports/cycling/move-to-disc-brakes-on-...

Interesting piece about the use of disc brakes on road bikes!

The program was how to raise a champion cyclist. The parents of two local national champions, Jessica Grieco and George Hincapie, were invited. Rich came with his father.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/26/business/how-sorry-saved-the-family-business.html?&moduleDetail=section-news-0&action=click&contentCollection=Sports&region=Footer&module=MoreInSection&version=WhatsNext&contentID=WhatsNext&pgtype=article

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/cycling/33661977

I have yet to learn how to paste a link here.  However, if you're on FB, go to Strictly Bicycles and you'll see the link.  While there are many good shops around the tristate area, this club avails itself of SB on many rides.  I personally think they rock, go out of their way to treat me as family, and have crack mechanics.  Vote SB!

I'm posting this for Karen. The link for the Groupon discount for the Seastreak ferry in the ride listing has expired. Here's the up-to-date link.