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Yorktown Heights

6/28/2015

What are the ingredients for a great ride? Is it the weather? The destination? The company?

Today, I'm out with the 5BBC on a promising route. Several times during the Summer, the Bronx River Parkway is closed to cars. I rode it last year on Lucille.* Today, we will be taking it as part of a longer trip to Yorktown Heights to see a display of antique cars, and farm implements. That is the plan at least.

I know right away the company will be great because most of us have named our bikes, one of the signatures of the Slow Bicycle Manifesto.** There are four of us, a Point, a Sweep, R and me (we could alternate being Drop if we felt like bossing each other around).

We begin the ride an hour late to give rainy weather a chance to blow over. But just as we start off (from the Metro North Wakefield stop), it begins to mist.

We proceed along Bronx River Road, crossing the Parkway and riding onto Pondfield Road. This is Bronxville, a community of rank and privilege, of calm and beauty, where people grow hydrangeas just because.

I haven't been here in years, and the views of the town catapult me back to my childhood where I spent countless vacations with my cousins.

There's something about rain, particularly Summer rain. It makes everything hyper-real. And today, Bronxville's beauty stands in technicolor contrast to the gray City we have left behind. And just as I am wondering where on Pondfield Road my cousins lived, we take a sudden turn onto a place I've never visited before:

Woah, what is this? It's the Bronx River Trail.

I have yet to be on a bike trip where I didn't have at least one moment where I felt life couldn't get any better. Riding the Bronx River Trail is one of those moments. It's heavenly. The path is beautiful and varied, the smells are of wet earth. And because of the rain, the Bronx River, recently more of a quiet flow, roils next to us providing a liquid sound track to our ride.

We cross the River.

And traverse the occasional road.

Until we reach the Bronx River Parkway, where we experience our first surprise: it isn't closed to cars today. You'd think they would have posted this on their website… And yet it turns out to be a blessing. Instead, our Point takes us further up the Bronx River Trail. How great is that? Last year, I thought riding the Bronx River Parkway was super fun.

But where would you rather be riding?

Much as the rain brings out the greenness of the trail, it makes the wooden bridges really slippery.

No sudden moves. I try not to shift or even pedal.

There is the occasional impediment.

But our timing is just right. If we'd waited 20 more minutes to start this ride, we wouldn't have made it through this…

(we duck and steer our bikes through)

Then there's this bridge. I'll just be silent here.

All the more surprising to discover how close to civilization we are. Just off the trail, we find ourselves...

It's a dirty secret, but it's the rest stops that keep this trail so lovely. We make use of it.

Then the rain really hits. This is what my fellow riders look like from my camera.

It's too bad cameras don't have eyebrows. It's too bad they can't blink. If they did, they'd see this.

As we ride from trail to wide-shouldered highway and back, encountering a pretty spectacular bridge.

Must be catnip for bungee jumpers...

Finally with rain pelting down, we arrive in Yorktown Heights. But guess what?

No car show today. What - does nobody know how to update a website without a 16-year-old?
Yet our Point remains resourceful. After a brief ride through Yorktown Heights, we coast into here:

So let's count it up: late start, constant rain, Bronx River Parkway not closed, No antique car show (or farm implements). And yet how is the Trailside Cafe***any different from the Runcible Spoon? For riders from Manhattan to Nyack, The Runcible Spoon's half-way point is enough to make the journey worthwhile. And so it is for us in Yorktown Heights. The food is healthy (and the gf options mean I can eat everything on the menu). And they clearly love bikes.

Hooray!

And Lola is happy because the petunias match her bar tape.

We spend a good hour, ordering, ordering more, talking and resting. Even the rain is taking a break. Until we start up again.

By this time, we've paid our rainy day dues: we decide for the shorter trip option, cycling back to Pleasantville to catch the train. Except for R, who is working up to his Century Ride in September. He peels off to ride back to the City. Brave R.

Soon, Lola and I are back in Manhattan.

Where I'm told it's been mostly dry. It's nice to be back. It's nice to be dry. It'll be nice to clean up. But would I have missed this ride?

What do you think?

*Bronx River Parkway (time lapse): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2m4rpi-6Ds&feature=youtu.be
**Slow Bicycle Manifesto: http://theslowbicycle.blogspot.com/2008/09/vote-for-manifesto.html
*** The Trailside Cafe: http://www.trailside-cafe.com

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Maintenance (for cyclists only)

6/25/2015

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"If you ride a bike, you will be fixing a bike." This is a quote from a Facebook friend, and it's one I didn't want to hear. But a year into my cycling life, I'm realizing he's right; and the sooner I learn good bike maintenance, the more confident I'll be on my rides.

So it is that I find myself at Ride Brooklyn* which is hosting a clinic by Angela Azzolino on bike maintenance. Angela, a former bike builder, is now a mechanic. She is also the creator of Get Women Cycling, a program focusing on bike gear, maintenance etc. for women (more below **). But anyone can benefit from this clinic.

Ride Brooklyn is right off the Bergen Street subway stop (for those coming from Manhattan).

And has a generous inventory - I find the interior design instantly appealing.

As most people reading this will know, there are two kinds of valves: Presta (the skinny one) and Shrader (the wider one).

Angela tells us the most important thing she's learned as a mechanic is patience. I like her approach, because what she's saying is: adopt the right measures, but don't limit yourself if they don't work right away; noodle around until you get it right. It's an art as well as a science.

We start with the basics:

TIRES

First we look at tire pressure. The correct pressure can be found on the tire itself.

Later, I find there's a whole conversation about this*** but basically, Shraders are thought of as more versatile - they're the ones you can use at any gas station. There are adaptors which can make a Presta into a Shrader if you want.

When your tire is inflated to the correct Pound per Square Inch (PSI), feel it on the sides and get a sense of what that means, in the event you need to inflate and have no tire gauge. Generally under-inflating is safer (if you have to choose), though you need to watch out for pinch flats, where the tube becomes pinched between the tire and rim. Over-inflating can result in the tire leaving the frame, or even a blow out.

QUESTION: One day at Zen, two different people came in having snapped the top of their Presta valve off. I have also bent mine. How to avoid this?

ANSWER: Be sure the pump is down securely enough on the valve that there is no wiggle. And once again, patience in removing.

QUESTION: which is better, CO2 cartridges or bike pump for a flat?

ANSWER: Cartridges are more compact (there is no talk of the difficulties of using CO2 cartridges which I've read about), but generally a pump is more cost effective. Have a big one at home and a light, versatile one for the road. I have a portable pump with a tube which reaches to the tire and it has a small foot pedal, so you can pump standing and use some real torque. It also has a gauge. May I never have to use it.

CHAINS

Lube them! Angela said she's had people come in using WD-40. We all cringe. Tri-Flow is the best all around.

Unless you live in Portland or Seattle, in which case you should use a wet lube. Or if in Arizona, a dry lube. Angela uses a small bottle with an extended nozzle. You can use a spray if you need a little power.

The lube goes onto the chain rollers (the middle of the chain), not the plates (sides). Many chains have a master link (see below) if you can find it.

This is a good way to keep track of where you are when you started lubing. You can also lube the chain while it's on the cassette if you want. And don't forget to wipe off the excess.

QUESTION: When to lube? Twice a month or so - and definitely if you've been riding in rain. Check the chain periodically, once or twice a month. When the chain is very dry, you will know it because it will start to creak and make sounds while you pedal. The goal is to not let it get to that point.

PEDALS

Make sure your pedals are on tight. All of the parts on a bike take punishment, especially on NYC streets, and they can loosen. Most pedals tighten with a pedal wrench (mine use an allen wrench).

THE CRANK

Check the pedal crank with an 8mm arm tool. The leverage of a longer handled tool will allow for greater torque and is recommended for those who do not have a lot of hand strength (ladies?). To tighten it, make sure chain is on large chain ring and push the wrench and the pedal towards each other.

BRAKES

If your brake pads don't have enough grab, it may be as simple as cleaning your rims for schmutz or grease. I do this after almost every ride. A dry rag is fine. If your brakes stick, you can use Tri-Flow at the brake joints above the calipers (not on the brake!). If your brakes aren't braking fast enough, you can adjust barrel adjuster to tighten or loosen the cable.

To remove: Reverse Rear (turn towards the back). To tighten, tighten to front.

Or use a tri-tool.

This goes for both front and rear brakes. Front brake barrel adjusters are near the handlebars.

On the nut of the caliper. Make sure that nut is tight.

QUESTION: What if your brakes are squeaking?
ANSWER: If cleaning the rims doesn't do it, try pivoting/toe-ing your brakes. Loosen the allen nut. Place a small piece of paper at either the back or front of the brake pad to help toe them in...

Then carefully tighten (patience once again).

Brakes also wear out. Initially, brake pads will come with teeth. Their wearing down is an indicator you may need to replace them. You may want to remove the wheel first.

REMOVING THE WHEEL

Hey wait a minute, how did we get to this so fast? Do we really have to do this? But I was recently on a ride where we did have to do it. And since most flats occur on the rear wheel...A tri-tool will have all the sizes you need to remove a wheel. Make sure the chain is on the smallest cog in the back. First open up the brake's quick releases.

On some bikes it will look like this one below (in which case I've found you might want to deflate the tire somewhat to make it easier. I know...)

Then open up the wheel's quick release lever.

And remove the wheel (hahaha, is that all?) making sure the chain stays on the lower chain ring.

Oh no, what happened to my bike?! It was just a squeaky brake! Yes, you can just take it to a tech and let them do it. But now you know how to remove a wheel - and soon you will learn how to put it back again. Which would you rather have on a deserted highway? Hoping for a kind stranger (there are a lot of creeps out there), or getting up and running fast on your own? Now let's get back to those brakes.

Most brakes have an allen nut where you can loosen them, and the brake will slide right off.

Your brakes may still be good but gunky. If so, you can use a file...

To remove the dreck. Or you can just get new brake pads, which will cost about $10.

And now for replacing the wheel (it's not as bad as it looks):

Slide it into place, making sure the chain stays on the smallest cog in the back.

Tighten the wheel quick release.

NOTE: Turn the quick release lever so that when it is closed, it is parallel with either the seat or chain stay to prevent it from catching on something and opening up unexpectedly.

Rotate the pedals and shift gears as you go.

ADJUSTING THE GEARS

To adjust the highest and lowest gears, you'll need a phillips head screw driver. You'll find two limit screws which will adjust the chain either closer to, or farther from the frame. You will be glad to be able to identify these, because they are easy to adjust - and the result is really important.

There could be skipping if it's not aligned just right. Stand behind the rear wheel and make sure the chain is aligned.

Sometimes they are labeled H (high/hard gear) and L (low/lazy gear), but in either case with patience, you will see which does which. Begin on smaller chain ring and highest gear, and shift the derailleur. If the tension is wrong, the chain will rub against the spokes. You'll want the chain position to look like this one above - right in the center of the derailleur. The front derailleur limit screws will be the same. Bring to the front of the cassette and shift - don't touch the derailleur. If the front derailleur is badly adjusted the chain will fall off - or won't even drop to a small gear. Shift the gears as you go and see how the chain switches from one to another.

For the mid-level gears - the ones we use the most - there is another barrel adjuster (I'm beginning to love barrel adjusters).

Rotate the pedals, while moving the derailleur so it is straight.

FINALLY, since this was all about the brakes to begin with, don't forget to close the brake quick release.

There is nothing like hands-on experience and Get Women Cycling has lots of clinics all over the five boroughs listed in their newsletter (address below).

Thanks to Ride Brooklyn for hosting this great event!

*RIDE BROOKLYN: http://ridebrooklynny.com

** GET WOMEN CYCLING: http://www.getwomencycling.com

*** PRESTA VS SHRADER: http://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/8157/why-are-both-schrader-and-presta-valves-still-used-on-tubes

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Coney Island Fireworks

6/21/2015

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There's something innately magical about riding at night. But in Manhattan, it can be dicey. So Tonight I'm joining the 5BBC for a guided group ride to Coney Island to check out the first fireworks of the season on one of the longest days of the year. Yippee!

I decide to start the ride early, biking from Chelsea to our meeting place at Grand Army Plaza. I take the Manhattan Bridge, never my favorite because of its predictable bumps. But the advantage is that only trains travel there; the air is clean. There's also salsa if you're lucky.

This guy provides a happy, rhythmic soundtrack to my crossing.

Following Google's directions (I'm still a newbie), I arrive at Grand Army Plaza to the warm camaraderie that I've come to associate with the 5BBC. I only know a couple of people, but that doesn't matter; every one of us loves to bike - whether in flip flops or clipped in, whether on a fat bike, a clunker or a fast, sexy road bike - and that makes us a fellowship.

We are issued route maps (cue sheets). * Helpful, because we are not taking a direct path - we would arrive far too soon. So our Group Leader has devised a scenic and inventive ride, which will take us through some interesting and varied parts of Brooklyn. Prospect Park is also hosting a classical music concert this evening, so we are advised to watch out for crowds. "Don't hit the pipples!" shouts out one of our number as we take off into the Park, our fat bike providing a sound track courtesy of Mahavishnu:

And now, a word about ride descriptions. My experience with group rides everywhere, is that the level of difficulty is usually minimized. I don't know why this is, but I've come to expect it. I notice that this one is described as "Moderate," (not "Happy Face") which I find curious - how fast can we be going on city streets? That's important to know, because it informs which bike to bring. I am originally leaning towards Lucille, my 30 lb Brompton, because her folding will make her ideal for the subway trip home. But intending to record the fireworks, I'm also carrying a heavy backpack. I contact the the Group Leader who says Lucille will be fine - as long as I can keep up at 12mph. Well, that shouldn't be hard; we do that all the time. I charge her lights, but at the last minute listen to that little voice in my head advising me to take my road bike Lola for her light and spunky capabilities. This turns out to be a good idea, because no sooner has the ride begun than our Group Leader takes off like a SHOT. Twelve mph? Not hardly. With 35 miles to go, I'm glad I chose the right bike.

We sail through the Park, making a quick pre-emptive pit stop…

Before the trip really gets going. Soon we arrive at Church Avenue. It's another world.

One of graciousness and calm; a world my grandmother lived in. A world of quiet. Where silverware was always polished (and used), where iced tea with mint characterized the long Summer days. Where there was only one phone on the first floor, and it had its own desk (and dialer). My grandmother had a house just like this in Cape May, NJ.

It's transporting, just to bicycle through this neighborhood. Hard to believe that this:

Is part of the same borough. In fact, it's right around the corner. We meander through more built-up sections...

And back into more modest but still generous houses.

With wide, planted medians. And then this:

My grandmother never saw one of these. We are definitely in an urban area.

At Avenue J, I have my first opportunity to be the Drop (signal person), and learn the importance of pulling over early to give riders the chance to move over for a left turn.

At last the Sweep arrives.

We stop to regroup, and the talk turns instantly to bikes (what else?). Cyclists can discuss them endlessly without getting bored. "No more, no more," wails one of us declaring her intent to stop buying, and collecting, bikes (how many does she have, I wonder? And where does she put them? If I bought another bike, could she store it for me?). "It's a sickness," she admits.

Eight miles later, we reach The Cyclone:

Characterized not only by its height, but by the regular shrieks coming off it.

We've arrived in Luna Park.

We park our bikes on the Boardwalk.

And take in the atmosphere.

There is an endless number of these:

And kids and adults slinging them up into the air.

Many of us run for snacks. And then the fireworks begin.

They are impressive - I can't believe they to do this once a week!

My 20mm lens isn't even wide enough to take them in completely.

I have used a small DSLR with monopod to record the fireworks, but I know the instant they are over, I'll have to be ready to ride because first and foremost, we're cyclists and let's face it: impressive as they are, the fireworks are just an excuse for us to get on our bikes, and as soon as they're over…I collapse my monopod and camera, and jam everything into my backpack just in time to get Lola unlocked and ready to go. We are expecting crazy crowds, but once we leave Surf Avenue, the ride back is actually quiet. Magic really. Riding silent, darkened streets, the only accompaniment the sounds of chains, gears, clips - and ticking (Lola's could wake up an entire neighborhood). Paradise. I could ride like this forever.

Until the magic suddenly stops. Something is clunking against Lola's front tire. Is it serious? I don't know, but it's not going away and I can't ignore it. Suddenly I feel alone and vulnerable in a strange neighborhood. And this is the best reason for riding in groups - there's always someone who has your back. I pull up to the Drop who takes a quick look, grabs the sensor of my new cadence do-hickey and bends it back, correcting the problem instantly. It's an easy fix, but one I was too panicked to think of, and I'm grateful for his quick thinking. By the time the Sweep arrives I'm back on track. But I'm behind and there isn't really a line of people close enough to follow - something I count on when riding at night, especially in areas that are unfamiliar. Like what do I do in this situation?

All the lights are red, but people ahead of me are blowing through them. The obvious answer is to wait for the Sweep and let him negotiate it. Why don't I think of this? I'm so focused on catching up, that I completely forget there's someone with good judgment right behind me (someone who doesn't panic at the sight of an intersection). Sigh. I opt for caution and wait until all the cars are stopped. The lights till don't make sense to me, but no one's coming and I have a headlight - they'll see me. I carefully move through the intersection, catching up with the other riders where I feel a measure of relief.

We end our ride at the south side of Prospect Park (I think).

Future rides are announced, and we split up in different directions. I'm the only one returning to Manhattan, so I follow others headed towards the subway, and we pedal north through the Park until - oh, a hill. Once again, I am grateful that I noticed that one little word, "Moderate," to describe this ride. If I were on Lucille - and especially with this heavy backpack - I'd be dragging my ass by now. I might even be in a taxi (Lucille's favorite way to travel). But Lola is always delighted by the sight of hills, and because of that even after 35 miles, so am I. On the other side, I am expertly guided by another rider to the subway entrance, and am soon on my way home.

I arrive back feeling tired and exhilarated at the same time. It's hard to describe, but if there had been a group ready to meet me when I climbed up the subway steps, and they were going for a trip around the Central Park Loop…well, I probably would have joined them - just to prolong this ride.

That's the magic of a great ride. You just don't want it to end.

Here's our Route Map:

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Art and History

6/1/2015

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We awake at our heavenly B&B and almost don't want to leave. The French Open is on and we dawdle over it, and our 2-course breakfast, knowing there will be nothing like it for the rest of the trip. No kidding. In Missouri it seems, Sunday is God's day to rest. Monday is for everybody else: nothing will be open between Rocheport and Jefferson City (our destination). Knowing this, our hosts have packed us a lovely lunch to tide us over, and helpfully point out the way.

Today our ride will be along the river, with bluffs to the north...

And the Missouri to the south.

As we follow the Katy, we scout for petroglyphs we've been told can be found on the bluffs, and get our first history lesson: be alert! Here is what we're looking for:

And this is where they're supposed to be:

How did Lewis and Clark ever spot these things? We scour the bluffs, and are able to detect the "Nike Swoosh."

L has particularly sharp eyes and sees some others. Taking my eyes off the "Swoosh" puts me back at square one. I'm not good at petroglyphs.

We pedal onward, stopping at a sign for a scenic overlook.

There's only one way to get to an overlook, and not everybody is up for it. We leave our bikes in the care of "The No Shame Crew," and clamber up in our stiff bike shoes.

The view is lovely.

The way down only slightly treacherous.

As we pedal on, we see our hosts were right: there is no place for lunch in spite of the advertising ("Open All Year").

But art never takes a holiday, and the detour is almost worth it; in NYC people would pay good money to see this:

And while we're at it, here's one I'll just call Boathenge:

When you're an artist, you work with the tools at hand.

And today will be about art - and history: the Capitol Building in Jefferson City houses a mural by Thomas Hart Benton. We've made that our goal.

To get there, we need to cross the Missouri River via the Jefferson City Bridge. It is buzzing with traffic, but we are guided to a truly amazing piece of infrastructure to get us across: this ramp.

I have seen ramps like this in Minnesota; but this one is so wide that passing is easy even at the corners (riders of the GWB will appreciate this). Theoretically, we could ride two by two.

We can see the Capitol building in the distance.

Once in Jefferson City, it's a healthy uphill hike.

A good workout for any Capitol building employees, if they happen to cycle. We park our bikes around back.

And go in search of the mural.

Thomas Hart Benton is a Missouri native son, and he painted this mural during the 30s with the WPA. The sheer scope of it boggles the mind.

Both Missouri myth and history mix in this work of High Americana.

Frankie and Johnny:

(Actually Frankie and Allen Britt http://www.murderbygaslight.com/2010/03/he-done-her-wrong.html)

Jesse James:

Huck Finn

All of whom were Missourians. But wait a minute - what's this? It doesn't look good...

We try to suss it out, and finally ask some employees, who enlighten us to Missouri's extremely violent past. There was a Mormon massacre (1838) where 17 Mormons - including children - were murdered in cold blood (this inset is a tarring and feathering).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haun's_Mill_massacre

And during the Civil War, Missouri was a hotbed of violence. Choosing neither side, it sent troops to both sides (recipe for disaster). Missouri's citizens were often caught in between the Union forces and the Bushwackers - confederate guerillas - with fatal results. This is a history I won't forget. I'm also impressed by the knowledge of these civil servants, and a bit abashed that I am nowhere near as well-versed in the history of my home state of NY.

Before leaving the Capitol building, we visit the hall of busts of famous Missourians and are astounded by how many famous ones there are: Charlie Parker, Josephine Baker, Betty Grable, Walt Disney, Robert Heinlein - of course Harry Truman - and many more. Who knew? Check it out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hall_of_Famous_Missourians

We are thrilled and fascinated by all of this. But on a practical level, it has not escaped our attention that we passed a bike shop en route to the Capitol.

And that's good because by now our clunkers have started clunking for real: KD's chain is slipping badly, and mine is beginning to do the same. Like Velo Cycle Sport, Redwheel* is well stocked.

Just as important, they're open. As we hobble in, they greet warmly as part of the cycling community. They patch us up and won't take any money. What great guys! They point the route to our hotel, the Capitol Suites.

Its corporate interior lacks any of the charm of the Yates B&B.

But we're happy to have made it. We too are well stocked.

Our bikes have their own conference room (they have much to discuss). Showered and relaxed, we head off on foot to dinner at the Madison Cafe.

Our itinerary says there will be no lunch places along tomorrow's route, so we order sandwiches from the Grand Cafe in preparation. Being prepared turns out to be a smart idea, because the next day starts off with a bang.

* Redwheel Bike Shop http://www.redwheelbikeshop.com

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Yorktown Heights

Maintenance (for cyclists only)﻿

Coney Island Fireworks

Art and History

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Maintenance (for cyclists only)