5 BoroBikeNY

This part of what I call my cycling weekend. It starts with my clubs annual event called the Farmlands. It is held the 1st Saturday in May and hosts nearly 1000 cyclists. This year I road to the start at Brookdale college and finished with a whopping 76mi. The most I have done all yr. The next part of my cycling weekend is the 5 Boro Bike NY, held the 1st Suday in May. 30,000 cyclist ride through all 5 Boros of NYC. Traffic is closed to cars. It starts at Battery Park and ends at the foot of the Staten Island bridge, totalling 45 miles. This is just a fun ride that should be experienced at least once in your life. The following are some raw footage of the 5 Boro. Unfortunately video quality is lost when down loading to Blog spot, but you will get the idea. Please, no jokes on my singing. I tend to get over exuberant on this event. Enjoy and KEEP RIDING!!!

New Flag added

Here are photos of a new Flag I just received from Devil Women Flags. I am very impressed with her work. Flags are $20 and are embroidered on heavy duty silk type material. They also have a very ingenious type of clamp mechanism to keep from flying off without being glued.

Just in time for my Bike Weekend. Saturday is my Central Jersey Bike Club main annual event. The Farmlands. I should do a metric century. Sunday is the 5 Boro NY Bike Tour. 30,000 cyclist riding thru the 5 boros of NYC. A very cool event and roads are closed to Cars. Videos to follow.

KEEP RIDING!!!

Clipless Pedals or Not

For me NOT. I prefer the ease of using regular shoes or sandals that I find comfortable. My favorite cycling shoes are Sketcher sneakers and now their sandals. They have a very hard long wearing sole that sticks like Gorilla Glue to the pedals and the shoes are light. I had a pair of Lake sandals and with the cleats were surprisingly heavy. I suffer from numb foot especially on high BB bikes and like to be able to move my foot around. Being locked in makes the situation worse. It seems that most cycling shoes are made for very narrow feet. I guess to fit the pedal better. My favorite clipless pedals were Look with it's wide platform, but not suitable for walking. I do many utility miles like to the store and such. With gas prices what they are and being more Eco conscious I find myself using my car less and less when possible.

Now for the pedals. My 1st bent was a Bikee in 1999 and I was not comfortable using my Look pedals for that type of ride. My LBS showed me Odyssey pedals with their big wide platform and not ultra sharp but gripping teeth and they matched the bike. For $25 I was sold. I have not looked back and have those same pedals on my Stratus now 8 yrs old. I bought 2 more pair. One for my SWB Rocket and one for my trike. I have never had leg suck or had my feet accidentally slip off. The 4X3.5 in platform works for flip flops and hiking boots and durability is outstanding.

As I get older, I find myself doing shorter distances(no more than 66 mi), but riding more days in the yr. The ability to jump on my bike without specific cycling wear prompts me to use my bike more for local errands and visits.

With that,

I KEEP RIDING!!!

A Marty Day

For those of you who do not know me, A Marty Day is an endearing term used by my close cycling friends. I suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and tend to get over exuberant over a great ride in great weather to the point my cycling friends now refer to a great cycling day as A Marty Day. Today was such a day. It will probably be one of the ten best Marty Days of the year. Temps in the 70's to low 80's, almost no wind, no humidity and pure sunshine. Shorts, T shirt and sandles. My favorite cycling outfit.



I set out to do 50 miles and decided to make it an adventure and let the roads lead me as they may. As it turned out I found myself in Allentown. It is a quaint town with antique and quilt shops and a great small town coffee shop called Woody's. They make great inexpensive sandwiches and have outside tables and chairs, so you can keep an eye on your bike. Also up the road is a great small park overlooking a beautiful pond with benches. Another great place to stop and relax. Allentown is a hub for motorcyclists and bicyclists as it is surounded by rural roads.

The day was so beautifull I decided to put on a few extra miles, by taking the long way home. It was 56 miles. Taking a short break, I later went to the store making my total for the day 61 mi.

Truly A Marty Day

Beautiful Spring Day

I was finally able to get out and do a 50 miler on this beautiful spring day. Temps in the mid to upper 50's and light winds. New computer, wife, kids, and work set on the back burner. Just me and my bike to enjoy life's splendor and beauty. A gift.

My New Flag

I just finalized the proof for my new personalized flag. I purchased it from Gettysburg Flag Works. I did it online. It was an unusual request so it took them 2 weeks to get back to me with price and proof. Minor changes where made and finalized in less than 24 hrs. Lead time is 2-3 weeks. I should have it in time for the 5 Boro BikeNY ride.

Loving everything about the ride!!

Dog and his best friend Donald

I 1st met these guys on my 1st self contained tour in 2003 with my son. Both dog and duck ran to the fence barking and quaking. It was obvious the duck thought it was a dog. My son and I just laughed. 5 years later they are still best friends only more sedate. I hope you enjoy this short video.