Howdy Boys and Girls,
Glen here, your tour director and humble servant since 1997. We are very proud of the events that we run:
May 5
June 16
July 27-29
August 26
September 29th @ 11:59 p.m.
October 14
BUT... there are lots of other cool local rides too, put on by other people.
Here’s a list of some of my favorite rides in the NY/NJ/CT area for 2012, plus a few legendary rides located out of town. If you prefer you can download a copy as a PDF file by clicking here. (But if you download a copy think twice before you hit the Print button -- it’s about 15 pages long!)
Please note:
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•This is NOT a complete list of every ride everywhere -- these are just some of my personal favorites.
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•MOST of these rides are NOT run by me -- my own rides are highlighted below in red.
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That means that if you want info on someone else’s ride, give them a shout (contact info below) -- I’m sure they’ll be glad to hear from you.
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(This is the most polite way I can think of to state, “Please don’t call me at home at 5 a.m. to ask me what time The Seagull Century starts, since I don’t run that ride!”)
OK? OK!
Glen
BIKE RIDE CALENDAR 2012
MAY
May 5
The 14th Annual Blessing of the Bikes -- FREE
May 6
BIKE NEW YORK/The Five Boro Bicycle Tour
May 12
2nd Annual Tour de Staten Island
http://tourdestatenisland.org
events@transalt.org
Bringing the T.A. message to NYC's most suburban borough, the Tour de Staten Island is an 18 mile, self-guided, "ride at your own pace" tour, beginning and ending close to the SI Ferry, and with a rest stop.
May 20
The Bloomin’ Metric
http://www.soundcyclists.com/BloominMetric.htm
May 20
Bike MS: Traffic Free Ride
Phone: 631-864-8337
Email: natale.raimo@nmss.org
Bike MS: Traffic Free Ride is a 13 mile ride that starts and ends at Bethpage State Park and rides through the Massapequa Preserve. Check-in and begin riding at 8:00 a.m.
This traffic-free ride is a great chance to do something for MS now. Register today as an individual, join a team, or create a team - and help to support the fight against MS. Children must be at least 12 to ride. Participants between 12-17 years of age need to have a parent/guardian sign waiver and accompany them on ride.
JUNE
June 3
8th Annual Tour de Brooklyn
http://tourdebrooklyn.org/
events@transalt.org
A proud Brooklyn institution, the Tour de Brooklyn showcases a different corner of the borough every year, beginning and ending in bucolic Prospect Park. An 18 to 20 mile, police-escorted, family-friendly ride, with one fully stocked rest stop. In 2012 we go to Bay Ridge!
June 3
6th Annual Ride the Ridge Bike Challenge
On Sunday, June 3, 2012 the High Meadow School, located in Stone Ridge, New York, will hold its 6th Annual Ride The Ridge Bike Challenge to raise funds to benefit the new High Meadow Performing Arts Center. Bicycling Magazine has identified Ride the Ridge to its nationwide readership as one of the best cycling events in the month of June! The Ride the Ridge Bike Challenge invites riders of all ages to participate in one of four road rides: 50-mile Shawangunk Ridge Ride, 30-mile Countryside Ride, 11-mile Bud Clarke Memorial Ride, 5-mile Family Ride.
June 3
Bike Boat Bike
SBRA invites you to cycle Long Island's East End. Tour through the woodlands, fields, and shoreline of the North and South Forks. Take the ferry to Shelter Island. Cycle through the scenic coves and byways of beautiful Shelter Island. Ride with friends, family or join a group and make new friends. Whether your preference is social, scenic viewing, or fast recreational cycling, we are sure you will enjoy the tour.
June 3
Tour de Cure NYC
June 8
Bike to the Beach NY
Bike to the Beach NY is a fast growing century ride benefiting Autism, taking you on a diverse route from Union Square, Manhattan out to Westhampton Beach, Long Island. The highlights of the ride include riding through the empty streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn in the predawn hours, arriving at the shoreline in the Rockaways in time to see the sunrise, and nothing beats that crisp dip in the ocean following a 100 mile ride! Lined with well staffed rest stops, and competent support, this ride is great for all levels of riders, and we are hoping for over 150 riders in our 3rd year.
Bike to the Beach is a vibrant, fun, energetic community whose passion for cycling is coupled with fundraising and awareness for the developmental disease, Autism. Please help us by joining our 2012 campaign and registering for our 2012 Bike to the Beach Century Ride!
June 8
Get Your Guts In Gear (Day 1)
Join us for a 150-mile ride through the scenic Hudson River Valley to raise funds and awareness for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This empowering ride begins with check-in at camp on Friday afternoon. Pedaling begins on Saturday and continues through Sunday where a closing ceremony will mark the end of a spectacular weekend of community support and fun. This ride offers frequent rest stops and road support to make it a great event for people of various experience levels. For cyclists looking for an extra adventure, an optional century loop on Saturday will be offered. Come participate as a rider or crew member in 2012 and find out for yourself why it really is more than a ride.
June 9
Get Your Guts In Gear (Day 2)
Join us for a 150-mile ride through the scenic Hudson River Valley to raise funds and awareness for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This empowering ride begins with check-in at camp on Friday afternoon. Pedaling begins on Saturday and continues through Sunday where a closing ceremony will mark the end of a spectacular weekend of community support and fun. This ride offers frequent rest stops and road support to make it a great event for people of various experience levels. For cyclists looking for an extra adventure, an optional century loop on Saturday will be offered. Come participate as a rider or crew member in 2012 and find out for yourself why it really is more than a ride.
June 10
American Cancer Society's George Washington Bridge Challenge
E-mail: gwbchallenge610@gmail.com
Web: community.acsevents.org/gwbchallenge
Twitter (more frequent updates): @ACSEvents
A fundraising event to benefit the American Cancer Society-- The 25th Anniversary GWB Challenge is a competitive event for runners, walkers, and cyclists who accept the challenge of fighting cancer. Participants can choose one of our many new courses. For runners/walkers there are 5K/10K routes, which are timed for competitive runners. For cyclists there are four routes: 4 miles, 15 miles, 33 miles, 63 miles. All
participants receive finishing medals, t-shirts, and a swag bag. Join
us in supporting an important cause!
June 10
Get Your Guts In Gear (Day 3)
Join us for a 150-mile ride through the scenic Hudson River Valley to raise funds and awareness for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This empowering ride begins with check-in at camp on Friday afternoon. Pedaling begins on Saturday and continues through Sunday where a closing ceremony will mark the end of a spectacular weekend of community support and fun. This ride offers frequent rest stops and road support to make it a great event for people of various experience levels. For cyclists looking for an extra adventure, an optional century loop on Saturday will be offered. Come participate as a rider or crew member in 2012 and find out for yourself why it really is more than a ride.
June 16
Ride to Montauk
Presented by Blue Point Brewery
Glen here, your tour director and humble servant since 1997. Pedal from the city through the Hamptons to the ocean. This ride is flat, Flat, FLAT, with superb rest stops, the best support, a wonderful back-roads route, free hot showers at the finish line, free massage, free post-ride meal, AND free beer from our friends at Blue Point Brewery.
June 24
Discover Hudson Valley
In June, Bike New York offers its first regional ride after the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. The Discover Hudson Valley Ride provides incredible ride through beautiful Hudson Valley. The ride includes routes from 15 to 100 miles, with stunning views of Hyde Park and Rhinebeck mansions, county parklands, and the majestic river.
June 24.
Nassau to Suffolk Bicycle Challenge
www.facebook.com/events/204098926336309
Well marked courses through the coastal roads of North Shore's Western Long Island. Food, water, and free bike inspections at the start. Four well stocked rest stops. Roving sag wagon. Raffle at the end of the ride.
JULY
July 8
5th Annual Tour de Queens
http://www.tourdequeens.org/
events@transalt.org
Our second most popular "borough" tour, showcases the sights, sounds, tastes and colors of the most ethnically diverse county in the U.S.! An 18 to 20 mile, police-escorted, family-friendly ride, with one fully stocked rest stop. In 2012 we are exploring northeastern Queens.
July 15
Mansion Ride for Autism
16/40/62 miles. 11th Anniversary Autism Charity Event. Famous Public Mansions on Long Island's North Shore Gold Coast serve as our well-stocked, well-spaced rest areas. Ride caps at 1,000 riders. Early registration just $65. Fundraising optional.
July 22
Harlem Valley Rail Ride
http://Harlemvalleyrailride.com
Mother Natures Gym - This gorgeous ride begins and ends in Millerton, NY. It features 25/50/75/100 mile options. All you can eat BBQ and swimming at the finish. Bus transportation is available from NYC.
July 22- 28
RAGBRAI
Ragbrai.org
Glen says, “Believe the hype. The granddaddy of all multi-day rides. Everyone should do this one at least once.”
July 27
The Farm Ride (Day 1)
Presented by Harpoon Brewery
Three days of riding through farmland in beautiful Amherst, MA. Sign up for one day, two days, or all three -- your choice. Full S.A.G. support. Beer from Harpoon Brewery all weekend.
FRIDAY: Optional arrival. We'll have a short escorted ride in to beautiful Northampton in the afternoon. In the evening is a VERY short spin to Amherst for dinner.
Stay on the University of Massachusetts campus. (Dorm rooms or hotel). Transportation available from NYC.
July 28
The Farm Ride (Day 2)
Presented by Harpoon Brewery
Three days of riding through farmland in beautiful Amherst, MA. Sign up for one day, two days, or all three -- your choice. Full S.A.G. support. Beer from Harpoon Brewery all weekend.
FRIDAY: Optional arrival. We'll have a short escorted ride in to beautiful Northampton in the afternoon. In the evening is a VERY short spin to Amherst for dinner.
Stay on the University of Massachusetts campus. (Dorm rooms or hotel). Transportation available from NYC.
July 29
The Farm Ride (Day 3)
Presented by Harpoon Brewery
Three days of riding through farmland in beautiful Amherst, MA. Sign up for one day, two days, or all three -- your choice. Full S.A.G. support. Beer from Harpoon Brewery all weekend.
FRIDAY: Optional arrival. We'll have a short escorted ride in to beautiful Northampton in the afternoon. In the evening is a VERY short spin to Amherst for dinner.
Stay on the University of Massachusetts campus. (Dorm rooms or hotel). Transportation available from NYC.
AUGUST
August 26
The Ninth Annual North Fork Century
Presented by Greenport Harbor Brewing Company
Pedal along the beautiful north fork of Long Island past farmland, vineyards, Orient Point, and Long Island Sound. The 25- and 50-mile routes are flat, flat, FLAT! The 70 has one hill that any class B rider can handle. The 100-mile route has a couple hills but nothing that will change your life. Fresh corn, Briermere Farms pie with whipped cream made on the spot, wine tasting, ice cream, FREE custom Sockguy CUSHY socks for early sign-up, post-ride meal, hot showers, AND free beer from Greenport Harbor Brewing Company. Transportation available from NYC.
SEPTEMBER
September 2
The Golden Apple
Multi-level supported ride from Somers, NY.
http://www.westchestercycleclub.org
Just north of the Big Apple is Westchester- New York's Golden Apple. Join us for a glorious ride around quiet suburban neighborhoods, horse farms and reservoirs. Rest stops at historic buildings, stocked with local goodies, make this a ride to remember. A festive lunch on the beautiful campus of Best Plumbing awaits at the end of the ride. Eat premium gelato, get a massage, visit bike shop booths and listen to music by the pond. Plus, you can feel really good that part of your entry fee goes to helping sick kids through Friends of Karen. We also support bike advocacy organizations, such as Westchester Bike Walk Alliance.
September 9
23rd Annual NYC Century Bike Tour
contact@nyccentury.org
The only "urban" century tour in the U.S., the NYC Century is T.A.'s premier annual bike-event. Bringing together riders from across the tri-state area and beyond, we showcase the greatest city in the world, from the greatest vantage point possible: a bike! Five self-guided routes ranging from 15 to 100 miles, seven fully-stocked rest stops in signature NYC Parks and all the amenities riders have come to expect from a world-class event, all to support T.A.'s bicycle-advocacy programs.
September 9
Bike MS: East End Ride
631-864-8337
Email: natale.raimo@nmss.org
You can bring us closer to a world free of MS by participating in the Bike MS: East End Ride on Sunday, September 9, 2012. This incredible one day ride offers 25, 50, 75 and 100 mile route options ending with a finish line celebration at the Elks Club in Southampton, NY. There is a registration fee of $50.00, which is non-refundable, non-transferable and not applicable to the minimum pledge amount. Each cyclist is required to raise a minimum of $250.00 by September 9, 2012. Cyclists must bet at least 18 years old to participate in the Bike MS: East End Ride.
September 22
ESCAPE NEW YORK
Join the New York Cycle Club for the 18th Annual Escape New York! Start in Manhattan, cross the George Washington Bridge, and enjoy scenic riding on some of the best roads in Bergen and Rockland counties. Choose any one of three fantastic routes - 50, 65 or 100 miles. The day begins with coffee, scones, muffins and more at the start. Each rest stop is abundantly stock and cheerfully hosted by volunteers from the New York Cycle Club. And then enjoy the fun and festivities after the ride - heroes, music and a raffle await you. See you in September!
September 23
Cycle For Life
http://manhattan.cff.org/cycleforlife
Cycle for Life is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s new initiative that is expected to raise over $125,000 in the Greater New York area!
Participants will have a choice between a half metric ride (32 miles) or a metric century option (62 miles). You will experience NYC like never before; the routes are carefully designed to allow you to view Brooklyn and other parts of NYC in a way that you could never dream of on foot or inside a vehicle. The ride will feature rare views of the Statue of Liberty, NYC Skyline, Verrazano Bridge, Rockaway Beach and much more. This amazing journey will end in the historic Brooklyn Brewery, where you'll be treated to valet bike parking, lunch and of course some freshly brewed Brooklyn Lager.
This unique event empowers participants to take action and demonstrate their fight in finding a cure in a tangible and powerful way while enjoying this fun and amazing ride. Please join us!
September 23
Tour of the Hamptons
The Tour of the Hamptons begins in Southampton and travels through mostly flat terrain and rolling hills on the south fork of Long Island,
passing farmlands, beaches, mansions and historic towns such as East Hampton, Amagansett and Montauk before returning to Southampton.
The tour has routes of 25, 50, 70, 100 miles and two 25 mile Guided Rides. Proceeds from the tour fund a generous contribution to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, to Maureen’s Haven and to the Scholarship Funds of Easthampton High School, Southampton High School, and Massapequa High School. Registration may be done online at www.active.com, www.massparkbikeclub.org or by mail.
Day of event raffle, NOTE: * * * REGISTRATION OPENS AT 7:00AM * * * THE TOUR CLOSES AT 5:00PM * * * HELMETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RIDERS REGARDLESS OF AGE
September 28 (Day 1)
Braking the Cycle
Boston to New York
212.989.1111
Join the 10th anniversary of BRAKING THE CYCLE™, benefiting Housing Works. We are a gorgeous, fully-supported, 3-day ride from Boston to New York City. Limited to 150 well-spoiled riders.
September 29 @ 11:59 p.m.
Bike the Night -- The Night Ride
Pedal under a full moon along the Sound, past wineries and lighthouses, through the marsh grass, to pancake breakfast at the beach at dawn.
September 29 (Day 2)
Braking the Cycle
Boston to New York
212.989.1111
Join the 10th anniversary of BRAKING THE CYCLE™, benefiting Housing Works. We are a gorgeous, fully-supported, 3-day ride from Boston to New York City. Limited to 150 well-spoiled riders.
September 30
Bike New York Twin Lights Rides
The Bike New York Twin Lights Ride in September is one of two Bike New York regional rides. Biking in NYC is great, but sometimes we crave getting away and pedaling through beautiful areas just outside our urban oasis. Just a short ferry ride from the city, this tour through the back roads of Monmouth County, NJ, offers stunning views, including acres and acres of horse farms, gorgeous woodlands on all routes, plus ocean views on longer routes. With mileage choices for every level—from 30 to 100 miles—and a relatively gentle terrain, the Twin Lights Ride also makes a fantastic family ride or a smart choice for a first century. This is one of the fall’s best rides.
September 30
Bike MS New York City
212-463-9791
Bike MS New York City features the only route allowing participants to circle Manhattan on roads closed to traffic, including the FDR and West Side Highway. Cyclists can choose to ride 30, 50 or 100 miles. Extended routes will include 20 miles of the traffic-free route around Manhattan! For cyclists and all those seeking a personal challenge and a world free of MS, Bike MS is the premier fundraising cycling series in the nation.
September 30 (Day 3)
Braking the Cycle
Boston to New York
212.989.1111
Join the 10th anniversary of BRAKING THE CYCLE™, benefiting Housing Works. We are a gorgeous, fully-supported, 3-day ride from Boston to New York City. Limited to 150 well-spoiled riders.
OCTOBER
October 5
Seagull Century
October 14
Bike the River Valley
See the fall leaves change color along the beautiful Hudson River Valley. We're We'll start next to the Frank Gehry-designed theater at Bard College. Our new 30-mile route is flat, Flat, FLAT! For those who want a longer route we'll offer a 70- and a 100-mile ride. Of course along the way we'll have amazing rest stops, pie and more pie, and free hot showers at the finish line. Optional transportation available from NYC to the ride and back for your bike and you.
October 21
Tour de Bronx