Mike and I survived the century ride today. That is a feat, because some of the roads can be dicey. We always do this ride on our mountain bikes due to poor road conditions and frequent stopping. In fact, my hands probably hurt the most from braking. The funny thing is that we keep up or pass road bikes on this tour, which is totally opposite of what should happen. Whenever we ride our mountain bikes after using our road bikes for awhile, I always think I have a flat at first. I then realize that the mountain bike is just pretty damn heavy!
Usually we get to ride right down 5th ave with no traffic, but they changed the route this year. The beginning sucked 'cause it was a mob scene in Mahattan with traffic and slooowww riders. It took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to do the first 15 miles!! We could not have safely been able to ride faster than that. Ouch. We did get to enjoy the Brooklyn Bridge since we were going so slow. The rest of the ride was a blast. We rode along NY harbor by the Verranzono bridge to Coney Island. We got a Nathan's hotdog (which made Mike very, very happy!) and I have to say it was the best hot dog I have ever had (this coming from a person who never eats them!!). Every neighborhood had different people. From Hasidic people to Carribean, everyone was represented. The ride takes you through areas you would never see otherwise, and they are little gems. It was more like mountain biking today. We carried our bikes to bridge tops all over, and enjoyed the city from nearly every angle.
Of course, the New Yorkers allow me to be very vocal out there, since none of them mince words. Here are the best quotes of the day.
"If you keep honkin and swearin', I'm gonna send even mowr bikes across"--ride volunteer to people sitting in traffic while the police allowed riders off the Brooklyn Bridge.
"I think dat's good for your health"-- woman crossing street with thick NY accent.
"Stop g#$%damnit"--Ride volunteer who was trying to stop traffic in a busy intersection and some guy ignored him.
Despite their harsh words in public, I still love New Yorkers and the city. The city is going strong!
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