Bikes On Trains: MUST READ!
We use the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) extensively on ride day (along with some charter buses and vans too).
The LIRR has gone out of its way to help us -- we've asked them to do a LOT, and they have come through above and beyond the call -- they've added extra train cars for us, changed schedules... We just couldn't do this amazing ride without their help.
The Short Version: In exchange for all this generous help from the LIRR, I have personally guaranteed them that there will be ABSOLUTELY NO BICYCLES ON ANY TRAINS ON THIS WEEKEND -- SATURDAY OR SUNDAY. (Of course we are referring to the LIRR train lines between NYC and Montauk. You want to take your bike on Metro-North to Connecticut? Live it up!)
The Full Story:
All you have to do is show up at the right time in the right place with your bike. We'll take care of all the transportation for your bike and for you all day long so you can have a fantastic time.
You see, it's not just that you CAN'T take your bike on the LIRR train on ride day; it's that we've worked very hard to make sure that you don't NEED to bring your bike on the train! All you have to do is stand there and smile -- we'll do the rest.
We ain't joking, son! I once winked as people sneaked on the train with their bikes. THOSE DAYS ARE OVER. In exchange for the LIRR stepping up and helping us keep this ride great, I have personally guaranteed that there will be ZERO bicycles on the LIRR this weekend. I know for a fact that LIRR security will be out enforcing this rule, and I will be helping them. If you try to sneak your bike on a train you will be asked to leave. NO REFUNDS.
Bicycles ARE still allowed on the New York City subway on ride day, of course.
Now friends, please don't think too hard here. Whenever we put out info like this, I always get a lot of email that states, "I know you said no bikes on the train, but I need to bring my bike on the train between Manhattan and Babylon, right?"
Wrong.
Ugh.
Refunds
Minors
Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Bike Riding Is An Adventure
This is an absolutely delightful ride with superb support services, but fair warning:
If it’s hot out, you may be hot. If it’s cold out, you may be cold.
If it rains, you may get wet.
There are... I dunno... maybe three short hills in the whole ride. During those uphill portions, you will have to pedal uphill.
If the wind is at your back, it will make the pedaling easier. If the wind is in your face, it will make the pedaling harder.
ALL bicycles get flat tires occasionally. If you get a flat, you will have to fix it yourself, get help from a friendly passing cyclist (we have an ample supply of friendly passing cyclists), or wait for our S.A.G. rescue crew.
If your bike breaks down, we will send help your way ASAP. But if we get two phone calls at our ride headquarters at the same time -- one call from a cyclist with a broken spoke and another call from a cyclist with a broken leg, we’re going to help the person with the broken leg first.
If you are waiting in line to use the toilet and someone is in front of you, you will probably have to wait until they are done before it is your turn.
Love is good.
Service to others is good.
Compassion is good.
Coddling is bad.
I know this must all seem obvious to 99 percent of you, but every year we get emails after the ride from people who were shocked -- SHOCKED -- to discover that...
Whiners
Whiners will be dealt with in the harshest possible manner.
Mean People Suck
With few exceptions, the people you will see working the ride are unpaid volunteers. (Those who are not volunteers are grossly underpaid instead.)
They would much rather be cycling, but they've given up a great day of riding so you can have fun. Please be nice to them. And volunteer next year so they can have a chance to ride too.
Glen
Your tour director and humble servant
House Rules
Photo By Debbie Eisenberg
