Transportation Alternatives New York Century Bicycle Tour

On Sunday September 8th, 2013, I will be riding in the New York Century Bicycle Tour for the 5th consecutive year. There are different routes available: 15, 35, 55, 75, or 100 miles. I completed the 55 mile route twice, and attempted the 75 mile and 100 mile routes. My longest ride to date is 86 miles.
For my first ride in 2009, I chose the 55 mile route to ride with my friend Ira Cogan. I remember riding over bridges and doing laps in Central Park all summer long. I rode my bike practically everywhere. I built a summer wardrobe that was not only day-to-night, but also appropriate for the streets of Williamsburg and the wine bars of Chelsea. My training paid off. The ride was difficult, but we finished, and was probably the biggest bonding moment Ira and I have had in the 10 years that I've known him.

In May of 2010 I rode in the Five Burroughs Bicycle Tour, which is 42 miles plus additional miles biked to and from the event. In 2010 and 2011, I attempted the 75 mile and 100 mile routes of the New York Century. Both valiant attempts were cut short by weather and technical difficulties. I made new friends along the way, and I still enjoyed a victory beer or two. My body did not ache as much as you would think, but the run down feeling and recovery can last for DAYS.
Last year (2012), I decided that I had lost sight of why I was really doing this. To be honest, I was not putting in as much mileage regularly because bicycling did not fit into my life with the same ease that it once had. Izzy and I bought our first scooter, so I was having fun learning to ride and it was something that we enjoyed together. So I opted for the 55 mile bicycle route, so I could ride with friends, stop at Nathan's in Coney Island, have a beer if i feel like it, and relax a bit.
In less than 2 weeks I will be riding the 55 mile route once again. I did very little bicycle riding this year, BUT I am happy to report that I ran my first half marathon this year. This past year was my break out year for running, I really fell in love and I broke past my 5 mile wall. And now when I ride a bike, I can tell how my muscles have changed and become even stronger from running.
And one day I will ride 100 miles. I think I probably only need to do it once in my life, but who knows. For me, it's not just about that 1 day when I get to ride all day long. It's about the training that goes into it, and the learning process. Setting a goal and accomplishing said goal takes a lot of effort, but the pay-off of finishing feels good. Setting a goal, investing large amounts of time and money, then having to admit defeat is a learning process and a valuable lesson. Finishing despite all costs is not always the best choice, this I definitely did not know in my 20s, but learned later in my 30s.
One of the best parts of living in NYC is having alternate methods of transportation available. I would not feel the same level of affection for this city had I not rode my bike over all of the bridges countless times. And now our Vespa provides a faster (and less sweaty) method of getting around on 2 wheels. I also have the option to take the bus, the subway, the ferry or even a Citibike. And of course, my own two feet!

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