By Patrick Palugod
EBC New York Bureau
NEW YORK (Eagle News) – One of the worst days of traffic in New York City was the absolute best day of the year for cyclists – the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. Approximately 32,000 participants at North America’s largest cycling event got to pedal their way through all five boroughs of NYC on a 40-mile route, completely free of traffic. The usual scene of cars, buses, and taxi cabs blaring their horns in bumper to bumper, stop-and-go movement was replaced with chimes of ringing bells and constant cheering and laughter from cyclists of every age, as bikes of all kinds flew through Central Park and all the way down to the Gowanus Expressway.
Despite the gloomy weather and cloudy skies, riders embraced the chilly 55℉ weather and were not deterred from the event, just hoping that the rain would hold off. Other than a few early morning sprinkles on the first wave of riders, the rest of the tour managed to stay completely dry. When it came to a few of the more challenging climbs of the ride, many participants began shedding their layers and instead welcomed the cool breeze that awaited them just on the other side of the hill.
This amazing tour, which wasn’t a race, offered riders the opportunity to take in scenic views of New York City from a whole new perspective. The picturesque cityscapes are often short-lived from the
inside of a moving vehicle, but this casual tour offered the convenience for some epic selfies and once in a lifetime, or better yet, once a year photo opportunities. Especially at any of the four rest areas with backdrops and overlooks of the East River, Astoria Park, and of course, the Manhattan skyline. Here, riders were also given the chance to hop off their bikes for a few minutes and stretch their legs, refill water bottles and refuel with bananas, bagels, pretzels, Clif bars and energy gels.
And as if the clear roads and beautiful scenic views weren’t already enough, the tour also displayed numerous local bands and performance groups along the sides of the route and at rest areas. From rock bands to cheer groups, and string instrumentalists to electronic DJ’s, there was always a background soundtrack playing to keep everyone motivated and inspired to keep going, or maybe even slow down and dance a little bit in their seat.
Signaling the last five miles of the tour is the dreaded, yet beloved Verrazano Bridge at mile #35. As cyclists approached the entryway, they were first greeted with a huge banner that read “Time to climb, riders! You’ve got this!” From there, riders lowered their heads and shifted gears as they prepared to ascend the first half of the bridge, knowing that just beyond the descent they’d cross the finish line and finally gain entrance into the Finish Festival. The thought of proudly wearing that hard-earned medal and rewarding themselves at the numerous food trucks was all the motivation they needed to get up that bridge as quickly as possible. But then again, seeing the stunning panoramic sights overlooking the Hudson River was the perfect excuse to stop and take a little break to catch your breath. After all, it’s not a race. Though the tour may come to an end, the memories and feelings of excitement will last a lifetime. Or at least until next year, when we do it all again.
(Eagle News Service)