[RBW] Re: BikeSnobNYC, 2022 Five Boro NYC Bike tour promo video on Platypus. Reviews of prior tours requested.

2022-02-08 Thread Alex Wirth- Owner, Yellow Haus Bicycles
+1 on all the advice given so far.  It's definitely worth it.

I would add that if you're like me and don't really feel comfortable in big 
crowds, don't hesitate to stop at bars/coffee shops for a 
refreshment/rest.  The rest stops were overwhelming-ish for me and stopping 
at a cafe with outdoor seating was more relaxing (while watching all the 
riders go by :-)

DIY snacking is better than waiting in big lineups.

DON'T take the ferry back at the end, absolutely park at the finish.  

Done with a friend is great.  Done with a small group is great.  Trying to 
do it with a big group was challenging according to friends of mine.

ADVENTURE!

Alex in Rochester, NY

On Monday, February 7, 2022 at 11:14:20 PM UTC-5 Minh wrote:

> not sure if it was intentional or the angle of the camera, but that bit at 
> the beginning where he's squeezing thru traffic gave me so much anxiety.  
> i'm living in NYC now and i've always wanted to do this but the crowds and 
> logistics.  i feel a little too old for that much adventure
>
> On Monday, February 7, 2022 at 9:20:15 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Me too, Pam! Rivendells only. I have no idea how I’d get the logistics to 
>> work, but If I’m riding the Five Borough Tour, it’s going to be astride a 
>> Platypus!
>> Leah
>>
>> On Sunday, February 6, 2022 at 10:37:39 AM UTC-5 Pam Bikes wrote:
>>
>>> My friend has signed up for this year.  Maybe we should all plan on 
>>> going one year.  I'll give you her report afterwards.  She's renting a bike 
>>> but I'd only want to do it on mine.  
>>>
>>> On Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 7:58:22 AM UTC-5 Steve Cole wrote:
>>>
 I still think of the time I did the 5-borough ride as the most fun I've 
 had on a bike.  It was not hot the day I rode.  When we reached the 
 Verrazano Narrows Bridge, we rode on the lower deck in the shade and, 
 honestly, I was very cold.  We arrived the day before, stayed in Manhattan 
 and rode around the city all day -- fun!!!  At the end of the ride on 
 Staten Island, I met another rider who cycled the 50 miles on an Atlantis. 
  Years later, I purchased my own Atlantis, recalling how beautiful I 
 thought the Atlantis I saw that day was.  If you love cities, don't love 
 cars, what better thing to do than ride carless NYC streets.  There were 
 loads of cyclists on all types of bikes.  Still, I never felt crowded.  If 
 you have the time, go for this.  And, be prepared to smile at your great 
 good fortune.

 Steve Cole
 Arlington, Virginia

 On Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 5:25:45 AM UTC-7 ascpgh wrote:

> Roberta,
>
> Do it and take a friend. 
>
> Arrive early-ish to the start, that was the basis of my only 
> hesitations of doing it again, we had trouble finding the rental outfit 
> we 
> had arranged for a bike m wife wanted to use. Ride with amazement and awe 
> through streets of a city you'd never seen like this before and respect 
> the 
> limitations of being amongst so many other cyclists (no sudden stops or 
> turns). Riders will begin to be stretched out by the time you're out of 
> Manhattan. There are multiple facets of this ride to appreciate besides 
> the 
> strictly cycling part. Have those on you day's bucket list and you'll be 
> hooked. I'm good riding very slowly, I think that's a Rivendell handling 
> check box and it was useful in the beginning.
>
> As Dave points out, Drive to and park in Staten island at the terminal 
> lots and take the ferry over to Battery Park first thing in the morning 
> and 
> be ready to queue up at the start area. We stayed in Newark the night 
> before, just made things easier with included on-site included parking 
> and 
> restaurants. An easy trip to the ferry terminal in the morning, a very 
> simple exit for our departure (I had a longer drive that you will). the 
> convenience of proximity to the start of this event is only the sweet 
> song 
> of Lorelei and those staying in town longer.
>
> I reported previously that during the ride my orange Rambouillet was 
> called out repeatedly. I was told how well it fit me and how nice it was 
> that my wife (*and many proximate riders of much more expensive 
> "modern" bikes*) seemed irked by the repetitive attention. "Are these 
> the people you email on those bike lists?" my wife asked. It was 
> enlightening to see how many normal riders participated, very few 
> displayed 
> the "I'm going to crush this" attitude, or were bent on trying to set a 
> fastest known time imprinting the fun event with their minority raciness. 
>
> Take advantage of every organized rest stop. We did not and as it 
> became hotter and the route merged onto the Gowanus Parkway, an elevated 
> limited access roadway, going south toward the Verrazano 

[RBW] Re: BikeSnobNYC, 2022 Five Boro NYC Bike tour promo video on Platypus. Reviews of prior tours requested.

2022-02-07 Thread Minh
not sure if it was intentional or the angle of the camera, but that bit at 
the beginning where he's squeezing thru traffic gave me so much anxiety.  
i'm living in NYC now and i've always wanted to do this but the crowds and 
logistics.  i feel a little too old for that much adventure

On Monday, February 7, 2022 at 9:20:15 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> Me too, Pam! Rivendells only. I have no idea how I’d get the logistics to 
> work, but If I’m riding the Five Borough Tour, it’s going to be astride a 
> Platypus!
> Leah
>
> On Sunday, February 6, 2022 at 10:37:39 AM UTC-5 Pam Bikes wrote:
>
>> My friend has signed up for this year.  Maybe we should all plan on going 
>> one year.  I'll give you her report afterwards.  She's renting a bike but 
>> I'd only want to do it on mine.  
>>
>> On Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 7:58:22 AM UTC-5 Steve Cole wrote:
>>
>>> I still think of the time I did the 5-borough ride as the most fun I've 
>>> had on a bike.  It was not hot the day I rode.  When we reached the 
>>> Verrazano Narrows Bridge, we rode on the lower deck in the shade and, 
>>> honestly, I was very cold.  We arrived the day before, stayed in Manhattan 
>>> and rode around the city all day -- fun!!!  At the end of the ride on 
>>> Staten Island, I met another rider who cycled the 50 miles on an Atlantis. 
>>>  Years later, I purchased my own Atlantis, recalling how beautiful I 
>>> thought the Atlantis I saw that day was.  If you love cities, don't love 
>>> cars, what better thing to do than ride carless NYC streets.  There were 
>>> loads of cyclists on all types of bikes.  Still, I never felt crowded.  If 
>>> you have the time, go for this.  And, be prepared to smile at your great 
>>> good fortune.
>>>
>>> Steve Cole
>>> Arlington, Virginia
>>>
>>> On Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 5:25:45 AM UTC-7 ascpgh wrote:
>>>
 Roberta,

 Do it and take a friend. 

 Arrive early-ish to the start, that was the basis of my only 
 hesitations of doing it again, we had trouble finding the rental outfit we 
 had arranged for a bike m wife wanted to use. Ride with amazement and awe 
 through streets of a city you'd never seen like this before and respect 
 the 
 limitations of being amongst so many other cyclists (no sudden stops or 
 turns). Riders will begin to be stretched out by the time you're out of 
 Manhattan. There are multiple facets of this ride to appreciate besides 
 the 
 strictly cycling part. Have those on you day's bucket list and you'll be 
 hooked. I'm good riding very slowly, I think that's a Rivendell handling 
 check box and it was useful in the beginning.

 As Dave points out, Drive to and park in Staten island at the terminal 
 lots and take the ferry over to Battery Park first thing in the morning 
 and 
 be ready to queue up at the start area. We stayed in Newark the night 
 before, just made things easier with included on-site included parking and 
 restaurants. An easy trip to the ferry terminal in the morning, a very 
 simple exit for our departure (I had a longer drive that you will). the 
 convenience of proximity to the start of this event is only the sweet song 
 of Lorelei and those staying in town longer.

 I reported previously that during the ride my orange Rambouillet was 
 called out repeatedly. I was told how well it fit me and how nice it was 
 that my wife (*and many proximate riders of much more expensive 
 "modern" bikes*) seemed irked by the repetitive attention. "Are these 
 the people you email on those bike lists?" my wife asked. It was 
 enlightening to see how many normal riders participated, very few 
 displayed 
 the "I'm going to crush this" attitude, or were bent on trying to set a 
 fastest known time imprinting the fun event with their minority raciness. 

 Take advantage of every organized rest stop. We did not and as it 
 became hotter and the route merged onto the Gowanus Parkway, an elevated 
 limited access roadway, going south toward the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, 
 my 
 wife was out of water, snacks and bonked (*too casual with event prep, 
 "It's only 40 miles"*). Plan to have some goodies and extra water in 
 your bag as well as necessary weather preps be it sunscreen or rain gear 
 and insulating layers. It's a day and things happen.

 We couldn't hang around for the post ride entertainment too long since 
 I had to work in the morning so we loaded up and had an easy exit from 
 Staten Island and the five and a half hour trip home. 

 Sorry none of these are high quality, but you get the idea. From a 
 folder recovered as thumbnails only.

 https://photos.app.goo.gl/Uo5FPXmHE2wsTRhZA

 Andy Cheatham
 Pittsburgh
 On Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 1:14:23 PM UTC-5 Roberta wrote:

> Here's a promotion 

[RBW] Re: BikeSnobNYC, 2022 Five Boro NYC Bike tour promo video on Platypus. Reviews of prior tours requested.

2022-02-07 Thread Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!
Me too, Pam! Rivendells only. I have no idea how I’d get the logistics to 
work, but If I’m riding the Five Borough Tour, it’s going to be astride a 
Platypus!
Leah

On Sunday, February 6, 2022 at 10:37:39 AM UTC-5 Pam Bikes wrote:

> My friend has signed up for this year.  Maybe we should all plan on going 
> one year.  I'll give you her report afterwards.  She's renting a bike but 
> I'd only want to do it on mine.  
>
> On Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 7:58:22 AM UTC-5 Steve Cole wrote:
>
>> I still think of the time I did the 5-borough ride as the most fun I've 
>> had on a bike.  It was not hot the day I rode.  When we reached the 
>> Verrazano Narrows Bridge, we rode on the lower deck in the shade and, 
>> honestly, I was very cold.  We arrived the day before, stayed in Manhattan 
>> and rode around the city all day -- fun!!!  At the end of the ride on 
>> Staten Island, I met another rider who cycled the 50 miles on an Atlantis. 
>>  Years later, I purchased my own Atlantis, recalling how beautiful I 
>> thought the Atlantis I saw that day was.  If you love cities, don't love 
>> cars, what better thing to do than ride carless NYC streets.  There were 
>> loads of cyclists on all types of bikes.  Still, I never felt crowded.  If 
>> you have the time, go for this.  And, be prepared to smile at your great 
>> good fortune.
>>
>> Steve Cole
>> Arlington, Virginia
>>
>> On Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 5:25:45 AM UTC-7 ascpgh wrote:
>>
>>> Roberta,
>>>
>>> Do it and take a friend. 
>>>
>>> Arrive early-ish to the start, that was the basis of my only hesitations 
>>> of doing it again, we had trouble finding the rental outfit we had arranged 
>>> for a bike m wife wanted to use. Ride with amazement and awe through 
>>> streets of a city you'd never seen like this before and respect the 
>>> limitations of being amongst so many other cyclists (no sudden stops or 
>>> turns). Riders will begin to be stretched out by the time you're out of 
>>> Manhattan. There are multiple facets of this ride to appreciate besides the 
>>> strictly cycling part. Have those on you day's bucket list and you'll be 
>>> hooked. I'm good riding very slowly, I think that's a Rivendell handling 
>>> check box and it was useful in the beginning.
>>>
>>> As Dave points out, Drive to and park in Staten island at the terminal 
>>> lots and take the ferry over to Battery Park first thing in the morning and 
>>> be ready to queue up at the start area. We stayed in Newark the night 
>>> before, just made things easier with included on-site included parking and 
>>> restaurants. An easy trip to the ferry terminal in the morning, a very 
>>> simple exit for our departure (I had a longer drive that you will). the 
>>> convenience of proximity to the start of this event is only the sweet song 
>>> of Lorelei and those staying in town longer.
>>>
>>> I reported previously that during the ride my orange Rambouillet was 
>>> called out repeatedly. I was told how well it fit me and how nice it was 
>>> that my wife (*and many proximate riders of much more expensive 
>>> "modern" bikes*) seemed irked by the repetitive attention. "Are these 
>>> the people you email on those bike lists?" my wife asked. It was 
>>> enlightening to see how many normal riders participated, very few displayed 
>>> the "I'm going to crush this" attitude, or were bent on trying to set a 
>>> fastest known time imprinting the fun event with their minority raciness. 
>>>
>>> Take advantage of every organized rest stop. We did not and as it became 
>>> hotter and the route merged onto the Gowanus Parkway, an elevated limited 
>>> access roadway, going south toward the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, my wife 
>>> was out of water, snacks and bonked (*too casual with event prep, "It's 
>>> only 40 miles"*). Plan to have some goodies and extra water in your bag 
>>> as well as necessary weather preps be it sunscreen or rain gear and 
>>> insulating layers. It's a day and things happen.
>>>
>>> We couldn't hang around for the post ride entertainment too long since I 
>>> had to work in the morning so we loaded up and had an easy exit from Staten 
>>> Island and the five and a half hour trip home. 
>>>
>>> Sorry none of these are high quality, but you get the idea. From a 
>>> folder recovered as thumbnails only.
>>>
>>> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Uo5FPXmHE2wsTRhZA
>>>
>>> Andy Cheatham
>>> Pittsburgh
>>> On Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 1:14:23 PM UTC-5 Roberta wrote:
>>>
 Here's a promotion that Bike Snob NYC did with Terry Barentsen.  Looks 
 like fun.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as_9Pj_AD3A

 Is it worth it?  Most reviews I've heard basically say it's fun one 
 time, but wouldn't do it again.  

 Roberta

>>>

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW 
Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to 

[RBW] Re: BikeSnobNYC, 2022 Five Boro NYC Bike tour promo video on Platypus. Reviews of prior tours requested.

2022-02-07 Thread Roberta
I was all set to sign up (my first big group ride years ago was so much 
fun), but I realized I won't be able to make it this year.  Sad...  Pam--I 
love the idea of a bunch of us meeting up to do this together.  I've done 
bike tours in San Francisco and NY's Central Park, but this would have been 
the next level.  Perhaps next year for me.  In the meantime, I hoping that 
many of you share your pictures and ride reports.

On Monday, February 7, 2022 at 4:40:28 PM UTC-5 Bob Ehrenbeck wrote:

> Hi Roberta,
>
> It's a load of fun (I've done it twice, many years ago). The ride through 
> Manhattan is amazing, but since it's right after the mass start, it's super 
> packed and you need to be on guard against collisions from 
> inexperienced/distracted riders. But after the pack spreads out, it becomes 
> really enjoyable -- and one gets to ride on roads that would be either 
> illegal or suicidal otherwise!
>
> Also recommend leaving your car at or near the Staten Island ferry 
> terminal.
>
> Bob E
> Cranford, NJ
>

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW 
Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/0e3622eb-c4dc-45ca-9327-cc4a58d86ec1n%40googlegroups.com.


[RBW] Re: BikeSnobNYC, 2022 Five Boro NYC Bike tour promo video on Platypus. Reviews of prior tours requested.

2022-02-07 Thread Bob Ehrenbeck
Hi Roberta,

It's a load of fun (I've done it twice, many years ago). The ride through 
Manhattan is amazing, but since it's right after the mass start, it's super 
packed and you need to be on guard against collisions from 
inexperienced/distracted riders. But after the pack spreads out, it becomes 
really enjoyable -- and one gets to ride on roads that would be either 
illegal or suicidal otherwise!

Also recommend leaving your car at or near the Staten Island ferry terminal.

Bob E
Cranford, NJ

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW 
Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/066c3315-1e8e-47d7-9450-41e96e79dd58n%40googlegroups.com.


[RBW] Re: BikeSnobNYC, 2022 Five Boro NYC Bike tour promo video on Platypus. Reviews of prior tours requested.

2022-02-06 Thread Pam Bikes
My friend has signed up for this year.  Maybe we should all plan on going 
one year.  I'll give you her report afterwards.  She's renting a bike but 
I'd only want to do it on mine.  

On Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 7:58:22 AM UTC-5 Steve Cole wrote:

> I still think of the time I did the 5-borough ride as the most fun I've 
> had on a bike.  It was not hot the day I rode.  When we reached the 
> Verrazano Narrows Bridge, we rode on the lower deck in the shade and, 
> honestly, I was very cold.  We arrived the day before, stayed in Manhattan 
> and rode around the city all day -- fun!!!  At the end of the ride on 
> Staten Island, I met another rider who cycled the 50 miles on an Atlantis. 
>  Years later, I purchased my own Atlantis, recalling how beautiful I 
> thought the Atlantis I saw that day was.  If you love cities, don't love 
> cars, what better thing to do than ride carless NYC streets.  There were 
> loads of cyclists on all types of bikes.  Still, I never felt crowded.  If 
> you have the time, go for this.  And, be prepared to smile at your great 
> good fortune.
>
> Steve Cole
> Arlington, Virginia
>
> On Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 5:25:45 AM UTC-7 ascpgh wrote:
>
>> Roberta,
>>
>> Do it and take a friend. 
>>
>> Arrive early-ish to the start, that was the basis of my only hesitations 
>> of doing it again, we had trouble finding the rental outfit we had arranged 
>> for a bike m wife wanted to use. Ride with amazement and awe through 
>> streets of a city you'd never seen like this before and respect the 
>> limitations of being amongst so many other cyclists (no sudden stops or 
>> turns). Riders will begin to be stretched out by the time you're out of 
>> Manhattan. There are multiple facets of this ride to appreciate besides the 
>> strictly cycling part. Have those on you day's bucket list and you'll be 
>> hooked. I'm good riding very slowly, I think that's a Rivendell handling 
>> check box and it was useful in the beginning.
>>
>> As Dave points out, Drive to and park in Staten island at the terminal 
>> lots and take the ferry over to Battery Park first thing in the morning and 
>> be ready to queue up at the start area. We stayed in Newark the night 
>> before, just made things easier with included on-site included parking and 
>> restaurants. An easy trip to the ferry terminal in the morning, a very 
>> simple exit for our departure (I had a longer drive that you will). the 
>> convenience of proximity to the start of this event is only the sweet song 
>> of Lorelei and those staying in town longer.
>>
>> I reported previously that during the ride my orange Rambouillet was 
>> called out repeatedly. I was told how well it fit me and how nice it was 
>> that my wife (*and many proximate riders of much more expensive "modern" 
>> bikes*) seemed irked by the repetitive attention. "Are these the people 
>> you email on those bike lists?" my wife asked. It was enlightening to see 
>> how many normal riders participated, very few displayed the "I'm going to 
>> crush this" attitude, or were bent on trying to set a fastest known time 
>> imprinting the fun event with their minority raciness. 
>>
>> Take advantage of every organized rest stop. We did not and as it became 
>> hotter and the route merged onto the Gowanus Parkway, an elevated limited 
>> access roadway, going south toward the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, my wife 
>> was out of water, snacks and bonked (*too casual with event prep, "It's 
>> only 40 miles"*). Plan to have some goodies and extra water in your bag 
>> as well as necessary weather preps be it sunscreen or rain gear and 
>> insulating layers. It's a day and things happen.
>>
>> We couldn't hang around for the post ride entertainment too long since I 
>> had to work in the morning so we loaded up and had an easy exit from Staten 
>> Island and the five and a half hour trip home. 
>>
>> Sorry none of these are high quality, but you get the idea. From a folder 
>> recovered as thumbnails only.
>>
>> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Uo5FPXmHE2wsTRhZA
>>
>> Andy Cheatham
>> Pittsburgh
>> On Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 1:14:23 PM UTC-5 Roberta wrote:
>>
>>> Here's a promotion that Bike Snob NYC did with Terry Barentsen.  Looks 
>>> like fun.
>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as_9Pj_AD3A
>>>
>>> Is it worth it?  Most reviews I've heard basically say it's fun one 
>>> time, but wouldn't do it again.  
>>>
>>> Roberta
>>>
>>

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW 
Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/7ea26cfc-a258-4176-9e8f-b6c21c3096f4n%40googlegroups.com.


[RBW] Re: BikeSnobNYC, 2022 Five Boro NYC Bike tour promo video on Platypus. Reviews of prior tours requested.

2022-02-05 Thread Steve Cole
I still think of the time I did the 5-borough ride as the most fun I've had 
on a bike.  It was not hot the day I rode.  When we reached the Verrazano 
Narrows Bridge, we rode on the lower deck in the shade and, honestly, I was 
very cold.  We arrived the day before, stayed in Manhattan and rode around 
the city all day -- fun!!!  At the end of the ride on Staten Island, I met 
another rider who cycled the 50 miles on an Atlantis.  Years later, I 
purchased my own Atlantis, recalling how beautiful I thought the Atlantis I 
saw that day was.  If you love cities, don't love cars, what better thing 
to do than ride carless NYC streets.  There were loads of cyclists on all 
types of bikes.  Still, I never felt crowded.  If you have the time, go for 
this.  And, be prepared to smile at your great good fortune.

Steve Cole
Arlington, Virginia

On Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 5:25:45 AM UTC-7 ascpgh wrote:

> Roberta,
>
> Do it and take a friend. 
>
> Arrive early-ish to the start, that was the basis of my only hesitations 
> of doing it again, we had trouble finding the rental outfit we had arranged 
> for a bike m wife wanted to use. Ride with amazement and awe through 
> streets of a city you'd never seen like this before and respect the 
> limitations of being amongst so many other cyclists (no sudden stops or 
> turns). Riders will begin to be stretched out by the time you're out of 
> Manhattan. There are multiple facets of this ride to appreciate besides the 
> strictly cycling part. Have those on you day's bucket list and you'll be 
> hooked. I'm good riding very slowly, I think that's a Rivendell handling 
> check box and it was useful in the beginning.
>
> As Dave points out, Drive to and park in Staten island at the terminal 
> lots and take the ferry over to Battery Park first thing in the morning and 
> be ready to queue up at the start area. We stayed in Newark the night 
> before, just made things easier with included on-site included parking and 
> restaurants. An easy trip to the ferry terminal in the morning, a very 
> simple exit for our departure (I had a longer drive that you will). the 
> convenience of proximity to the start of this event is only the sweet song 
> of Lorelei and those staying in town longer.
>
> I reported previously that during the ride my orange Rambouillet was 
> called out repeatedly. I was told how well it fit me and how nice it was 
> that my wife (*and many proximate riders of much more expensive "modern" 
> bikes*) seemed irked by the repetitive attention. "Are these the people 
> you email on those bike lists?" my wife asked. It was enlightening to see 
> how many normal riders participated, very few displayed the "I'm going to 
> crush this" attitude, or were bent on trying to set a fastest known time 
> imprinting the fun event with their minority raciness. 
>
> Take advantage of every organized rest stop. We did not and as it became 
> hotter and the route merged onto the Gowanus Parkway, an elevated limited 
> access roadway, going south toward the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, my wife 
> was out of water, snacks and bonked (*too casual with event prep, "It's 
> only 40 miles"*). Plan to have some goodies and extra water in your bag 
> as well as necessary weather preps be it sunscreen or rain gear and 
> insulating layers. It's a day and things happen.
>
> We couldn't hang around for the post ride entertainment too long since I 
> had to work in the morning so we loaded up and had an easy exit from Staten 
> Island and the five and a half hour trip home. 
>
> Sorry none of these are high quality, but you get the idea. From a folder 
> recovered as thumbnails only.
>
> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Uo5FPXmHE2wsTRhZA
>
> Andy Cheatham
> Pittsburgh
> On Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 1:14:23 PM UTC-5 Roberta wrote:
>
>> Here's a promotion that Bike Snob NYC did with Terry Barentsen.  Looks 
>> like fun.
>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as_9Pj_AD3A
>>
>> Is it worth it?  Most reviews I've heard basically say it's fun one time, 
>> but wouldn't do it again.  
>>
>> Roberta
>>
>

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW 
Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/5cc15580-7065-4e87-9094-366d4791198dn%40googlegroups.com.


[RBW] Re: BikeSnobNYC, 2022 Five Boro NYC Bike tour promo video on Platypus. Reviews of prior tours requested.

2022-02-05 Thread ascpgh
Roberta,

Do it and take a friend. 

Arrive early-ish to the start, that was the basis of my only hesitations of 
doing it again, we had trouble finding the rental outfit we had arranged 
for a bike m wife wanted to use. Ride with amazement and awe through 
streets of a city you'd never seen like this before and respect the 
limitations of being amongst so many other cyclists (no sudden stops or 
turns). Riders will begin to be stretched out by the time you're out of 
Manhattan. There are multiple facets of this ride to appreciate besides the 
strictly cycling part. Have those on you day's bucket list and you'll be 
hooked. I'm good riding very slowly, I think that's a Rivendell handling 
check box and it was useful in the beginning.

As Dave points out, Drive to and park in Staten island at the terminal lots 
and take the ferry over to Battery Park first thing in the morning and be 
ready to queue up at the start area. We stayed in Newark the night before, 
just made things easier with included on-site included parking and 
restaurants. An easy trip to the ferry terminal in the morning, a very 
simple exit for our departure (I had a longer drive that you will). the 
convenience of proximity to the start of this event is only the sweet song 
of Lorelei and those staying in town longer.

I reported previously that during the ride my orange Rambouillet was called 
out repeatedly. I was told how well it fit me and how nice it was that my 
wife (*and many proximate riders of much more expensive "modern" bikes*) 
seemed irked by the repetitive attention. "Are these the people you email 
on those bike lists?" my wife asked. It was enlightening to see how many 
normal riders participated, very few displayed the "I'm going to crush 
this" attitude, or were bent on trying to set a fastest known time 
imprinting the fun event with their minority raciness. 

Take advantage of every organized rest stop. We did not and as it became 
hotter and the route merged onto the Gowanus Parkway, an elevated limited 
access roadway, going south toward the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, my wife 
was out of water, snacks and bonked (*too casual with event prep, "It's 
only 40 miles"*). Plan to have some goodies and extra water in your bag as 
well as necessary weather preps be it sunscreen or rain gear and insulating 
layers. It's a day and things happen.

We couldn't hang around for the post ride entertainment too long since I 
had to work in the morning so we loaded up and had an easy exit from Staten 
Island and the five and a half hour trip home. 

Sorry none of these are high quality, but you get the idea. From a folder 
recovered as thumbnails only.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Uo5FPXmHE2wsTRhZA

Andy Cheatham
Pittsburgh
On Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 1:14:23 PM UTC-5 Roberta wrote:

> Here's a promotion that Bike Snob NYC did with Terry Barentsen.  Looks 
> like fun.
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as_9Pj_AD3A
>
> Is it worth it?  Most reviews I've heard basically say it's fun one time, 
> but wouldn't do it again.  
>
> Roberta
>

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW 
Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/d16f4eb5-5eeb-457b-836b-0fcfb1469ff1n%40googlegroups.com.


[RBW] Re: BikeSnobNYC, 2022 Five Boro NYC Bike tour promo video on Platypus. Reviews of prior tours requested.

2022-02-04 Thread Robert Hakim
I was lucky that a bike shop employer took me on a Five Borough Ride, and 
it was absolutely fantastic. It was years ago, and I still cherish the 
memories and the tour bib. I would absolutely do it again! I don't know if 
I would do it in consecutive years but it is a unique experience and highly 
recommended. The Verrazano Narrows bridge is steeper than it looks! 

-Robert 

On Friday, February 4, 2022 at 11:34:01 AM UTC-8 Dave S wrote:

> Yes, absolutely do it... once.  It's a great way to experience the city 
> that you'll always remember.  He's spot on regarding all the cool places 
> you get to ride on with your bike that is soul-crushing in a car.  
>
> That said, there are SO many people that depending on where you are in the 
> pack, it's unrideable at times (mostly sharp turns and the approaches to 
> bridges).  Getting to the start is a bit of a hassle.  There are special 
> path trains and ferries.  I recommend parking/starting at the finish 
> (Staten Island) and taking the ferry in the morning instead of dealing with 
> it afterward.
>
> I've recommended it to a few folks who then made me do it with them again 
> and those times the PITA factor outweighed the magic that only exists the 
> first time.
>
> Dave
>
> On Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 1:14:23 PM UTC-5 Roberta wrote:
>
>> Here's a promotion that Bike Snob NYC did with Terry Barentsen.  Looks 
>> like fun.
>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as_9Pj_AD3A
>>
>> Is it worth it?  Most reviews I've heard basically say it's fun one time, 
>> but wouldn't do it again.  
>>
>> Roberta
>>
>

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW 
Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/0bfa6e4d-4237-4a1a-b62c-d87ba5cf99cen%40googlegroups.com.


[RBW] Re: BikeSnobNYC, 2022 Five Boro NYC Bike tour promo video on Platypus. Reviews of prior tours requested.

2022-02-04 Thread Dave S
Yes, absolutely do it... once.  It's a great way to experience the city 
that you'll always remember.  He's spot on regarding all the cool places 
you get to ride on with your bike that is soul-crushing in a car.  

That said, there are SO many people that depending on where you are in the 
pack, it's unrideable at times (mostly sharp turns and the approaches to 
bridges).  Getting to the start is a bit of a hassle.  There are special 
path trains and ferries.  I recommend parking/starting at the finish 
(Staten Island) and taking the ferry in the morning instead of dealing with 
it afterward.

I've recommended it to a few folks who then made me do it with them again 
and those times the PITA factor outweighed the magic that only exists the 
first time.

Dave

On Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 1:14:23 PM UTC-5 Roberta wrote:

> Here's a promotion that Bike Snob NYC did with Terry Barentsen.  Looks 
> like fun.
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as_9Pj_AD3A
>
> Is it worth it?  Most reviews I've heard basically say it's fun one time, 
> but wouldn't do it again.  
>
> Roberta
>

-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW 
Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/22fb4b3f-c835-47f9-bf75-de1a5b4b3818n%40googlegroups.com.