One thing I’ve learned since becoming a city cyclist: people like to RACE here. There are races all summer in both Central and Prospect Park, which I have still yet to attend. They mostly kind of seem like big time productions. Intimidating!
But when I saw one that was advertising itself with a Mario Kart: Double Dash logo flip … I knew I needed more detail.
The race is being held by Colin Vallee, who started “Stoop Cyclery” as pandemic-era bike shop and vintage bike rebuild project. But more recently, he’s been hosting series of wacky bike races. Tonight’s event is a relay. You, as part of a team of at least two, will trade places in the saddle of a shared bike over the course of at least four laps, depending on whether you make it past the first round. (That’s right, the bike is basically the baton!) On average, Colin said, you can expect about 50 riders will be participating.
To enter, you have to bring one useful bike part. That’s something like flat bars, headsets, saddles or hubs, and not busted tires or so-called “suicide brakes.” To the victors, will go these spoils.
I can’t make it tonight, but if you can, you should!
Upcoming Group Rides
There are more group rides in New York than you think! The ones I’ve personally vetted are hearted. Ones I have heard good things about are starred. Let me know about others I should add to the list. And if you’ve heard anything about any of these that I should know … please tell me!! If I send anyone into harms way, I’ll never forgive myself.
Monday, August 19th
✨✨ ✨ 7 pm: NightCAP. Start at Fort Green Park and end at Fifth Hammer Brewing in Long Island City. 5.3 miles. There will be a stop at the Pepsi sign. Reserved for ABCD (anyone but cis dudes). Link.
✨✨ ✨ 8 pm: Chill Racing. Start at Grand Army Plaza. Recovery pace laps in Prospect Park. Women, trans, femme, and nonbinary folks only. Link.
Tuesday, August 20th
7 am: Bad Pony Racing. Start at Grand Army Plaza. Track bike laps, specifically for fixed gear cyclists. Paceline for an hour at 20-22 mph. Link.
6:30 pm: NYC Bike and Brew. Start at Astoria Park and end at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. 13.1 miles. Link.
Wednesday, August 21st
❤️❤️❤️ 6:30 pm: Nonbinary Bike Club. Start at Ride Brooklyn and end at Cyclones Stadium. Tickets for the game are about $20 if you want to go. 10 miles. Link.
Thursday, August 22nd
✨✨ ✨ 7:00 pm: Thursday Night Social Ride. Start at the Columbus Circle entrance of Central Park. Link.
Saturday, August 24th
✨✨ ✨ 10 am: Social Cycling NYC Bike Ride and Cookout. Start at Grand Army Plaza and end at Randall’s Island Urban Farm. Stops of the USS Maine Monument and Food Bazaar. There will be a BBQ at the end, with food even for vegans! Link.
5:30 am: Century Plus Crew. Start at Grand Army Plaza, end in PHILADELPHIA?! 106ish miles. Link.