Five Boro Bike Tour
Monday, May 05, 2008 at 08:54amYesterday was Bike New York (the Five Boro Bike tour). I’ve done this ride several times with different groups of people, but I almost always ride with Beth. This year, Lisa decided to join us. Considering she only recently started cycling, she not only did great but she rocked it. Absolutely kick ass, and didn’t complain one bit (whereas I never stop bitching). You’d think that Lisa, being less experienced than the rest of us, would be the most likely to end up sprawled on the asphalt with her own bike on top of her. You’d be wrong.
For those who don’t know, BNY is a bike tour through all five boroughs of New York City, beginning in Manhattan and ending in Staten Island. Roads are closed to cars and more than 30,000 people ride together. From beginning to end, it’s about 47-48 miles, ending with an endurance climb up and over the Verazzano Bridge (the largest suspension bridge in the United States, bitches).
We got to the start much earlier than usual and, as Beth will attest, that extra thirty minutes or so changed the entire Tour for us. We waited in shorter lines, we were much closer to the front of the pack and enjoyed an overall better experience than in the past. Here I am, waiting for Cousin Brucie to officially start the Tour. I look crazy because I’d been up since 4:00am.
The weather was cold in the morning, brrrrrr, but did end up warming to around 70F, which was great. Having forgotten sunscreen, I kept my long-sleeved jacket on, a move that would later prove to be quite fortuitous. The first thirty miles or so were uneventful. As we cruised through Brooklyn, I was feeling great. I took a drink from my water bottle and was placing it back into its cage when some people in front of me unexpectedly and quickly braked. My instinct, of course, was to brake as well. However, I forgot that I only had one hand on the brake. Which means I only braked on one tire. My brain flashed, “O SHIT” and from what I can figure out, I went over the handlebars. Or, possibly, flipped over the entire bike while I was still clutching the brake. I do know that I ended up UNDER the bike, tangled in it to the extent that my right knee was up by my ear. Lisa told me later that I looked like a turtle on its back. Probably accurate. Thanks to the quick thinking of the group of cyclists behind me, who quickly and safely stopped, nobody ran me over or crashed into me (I was terrified I would get really hurt or, worse, cause someone else to crash). An NYPD officer happened to be standing right on the sidewalk and ran over, yelling, “Are you okay? Are you okay?” I was totally hopped up on adrenaline and started screaming, “I AM FINE GET THIS FUCKING BIKE OFF ME RIGHT NOW!”
He did, and we brought the bike to the sidewalk and then the officer said to me, “I have never seen anything like that before.” I said, “Thanks!” and then Lisa and I began patching up my abrasions (the long-sleeved jacket saved my arms and elbows from terrible road rash, I think). We checked the bike for damage and it looked relatively fine, although it’s scraped up and the brakes actually ended up rotating around the handlebar. Lisa and her freakish strength pried them back into place. Later, my thigh began to ache. We kept riding and the pain did keep getting worse, but it was totally tolerable and we finished the Tour, all of us within a few minutes of each other. The bridge was a BEAR, as my leg felt dead (not to mention that something is wrong with my gears and I couldn’t use first, which was a tragedy), but I did it! The bruise that finally did appear is in the shape of a pedal; I think I landed on it with some force. My knee is also bruised up and a bit swollen, and I have bruises on my palms. Never have I been so grateful for my biking gloves.
Some photos!
Lisa and I in Brooklyn. About 10 minutes after my crash. This is where she fixed my brakes.
Lisa, me and Beth gearing up for the long ride over the Bridge and to the finish line.
My bruise (actually looks better on the photo than real life). Excuse my pasty skin, yes?
All things considered, a great day. I’m having some mobility issues today (going up the stairs suuuuuuuuuuuucks) but I’ll be fine in a couple days, I’m sure. I consider myself lucky, especially after reading this story this morning.
Beth also has a wonderful photo recap up on her blog. Check it out.
Michael on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 9:16 am
Congrats on not ending up road kill!
That picture of you and Lisa in Brooklyn is fantastic.
Susie on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 9:19 am
WOW. I cannot believe you managed to a) not be seriously maimed and b) finish the ride. You are Iron Woman.
(I suddenly feel like an ass for complaining about how sore I am from two days of laying flooring in the back of the shop. Who knew that would make me sore? Pathetic. Every time I move I say “Ow. Ow.” My family has taken to walking around saying “Ow. Ow.” just for kicks. They’re so nice.)
Anyway, you are officially Awesome. Oh, and Lisa? I’m totally impressed. I can’t believe you did that entire thing as a novice cycler. Kudos to all three of you!
freakgirl on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 9:24 am
If I had to spend two days laying flooring, you would never hear the end of it from me. I’m sure every muscle in your body is screaming!
Shannon on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 9:35 am
Love it! Lisa, you animal!!! I am so proud of you! That has got to be the bloodiest race around and I’m proud to know someone who added to the carnage. I can not WAIT until my kids are old enough that I can do it with you guys.
BTW, seeing Robert Downey Jr. on your blog is a really nice way to start the day. Thanks for the candy. Yummy!
maddie on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 10:11 am
Thank goodness you’re ok, and that’s awesome you were able to finish!
I was in NYC also this past Friday - walked for blocks and blocks, went to the MOMA, saw Mary Poppins, which was great, and thanks to your recommendation, ate at Pomaire - LOVED. Great food and atmosphere!
Wanted to see Iron Man BADLY…but didn’t have time.
freakgirl on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 10:13 am
So glad you enjoyed NYC and Pomaire - yum, right?
ivon on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 11:14 am
Oh, ouch!
And well done, Lisa!
maddie on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 11:17 am
Oh my god, yum. We couldn’t stop repeating how yummy the food was. I had the roasted beef, it was so delicious. That stuff they serve with the bread? To die for. The owner was so nice! I will definitely go back.
Michael on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Maddie,
Ashley Brown, who is Mary Poppins on Broadway, will be performing with the Cincinnati Symphony this weekend…..all Disney songs. Hmmmm, wonder if I’ll attend?
Maggie on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 12:13 pm
AAAGGHH! That must have been so scary, falling down. Glad you’re okay! And glad you could continue the ride.
One of these days I’m going to get back on my bike. I won’t Bike NY but I might Bike My Street.
Marjon on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Lisa, I applaud you! Woohoo!
And ouch. OUCH!
I still want to ride it. Some day…
freakgirl on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Marjon, my friend Anthony was flying from Germany to NYC the other day, and encountered a group of Dutch cyclists (about 20 or 30, I think!). They were all on their way to New York to do the Bike Tour. Apparently they were all going to wear orange helmets, but I never saw them.
freakgirl on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 1:05 pm
p.s. can you believe the ass on me in that photo of us in Brooklyn? Kim Kardashian can suck it; I am awesome.
maddie on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Michael -
That sounds awesome! She has a fantastic voice and was great in the role.
Gavin Lee, who played Bert, was phenomenal. He originated the role when it was started on the West End. If you are in NYC again, I would definitely see that.
Michael on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Maddie, I have! My sister knows her.
Freakgirl, kapow!
maddie on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Michael - Duh. I knew both of those things. Wasn’t it awesome?? When he walked up walls and hung upside-down?
Jen in OH! on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Great pix, you all look faboo, even the bruise.
Bike My Street
That made me snort gatorade. (Which I would NOT recommend, as it kinda stung.)
Bianca on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 2:49 pm
WOW - congrats on finishing. I don’t know if I’d have made it. I get tired just driving over the Verazzano!
This is going to sound a little Dear Abbey but I gotta ask - i love bike riding but don’t do it often anymore because I end up somewhat paralyzed and it discourages me from wanting to get back on any time soon haha. Do i just need to suck it up and I’ll eventually get used to not being able to walk properly? haha
freakgirl on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Every year when I first start riding again (also, do not get me wrong - I am not an expert - it’s just a hobby and I’m not a long-distance cyclist, really), my ass and legs KILL. After a few rides you get used to it.
Also, maybe look into some padded bike shorts.
thenextstopwillbe on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 5:09 pm
found your blog through google. just wanted to let you know you weren’t alone in the crash dept. my co-rider took a header over the handlebars in harlem. he stood up on the pedals to get a better view of the bikers ahead then overreacted with the front brake when someone pulled into his line of travel. it was not pretty to see but thankfully he wasn’t injured and we continued on. anyway, enjoyed reading your experience of the ride. cheers!
freakgirl on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 5:24 pm
“Overreacted with the front brake” is the perfect description!
Soosan on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 7:01 pm
My cousin did this as well! She said it was harder than she thought (especially the bridges), but biking with 30,000 others was very cool.
They should do something like this in Toronto! I have a bike and love to ride it.. but am terrified of city biking.
flaminggobs on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 11:28 pm
I suggest Giordana if you want the best padded bike shorts!
Lisa on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 at 9:51 am
Sorry I’m a bit late to the comments, but I slept ALL DAY yesterday. Thanks to all for your kudos. And the biggest thanks go out to my girl, FG. Who would’ve thought that a silly bar bet would have turned out to be one of my most memorable and significant life experiences (and in a good way, no less.) I also want to add that even though FG was injured AND her bicycle gears weren’t working properly, she STILL smoked me on all of the hills. You are a rockstar, my dear.
Lara on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 at 5:24 pm
You ladies ROCK! Maybe I’ll join you next year. Question is, can I wear a cowboy hat instead of a helmut? and I only ride in full length dresses on my 3-speed cruiser with a coaster brake….don’t know if that qualifies.