Is anyone doing the Five Boro Bike Tour ?

Is anyone doing the Five Boro Bike Tour ?

Hi Bike Friday friends in NY,

It's Lynette here, aka Galfromdownunder.com, at the Bike Friday
factory.  I looked at the BF Club of NY message board and saw - wow,
43 members on this message board. Time we had a BF happening in NYC!
Last time I was there was for the FoldsUp! folding bike ride with Mike
McGettigan at Trophy in Philly. Your leader Jim Dyer was also there,
Joe Garcia - you all really helped. Joe Garcia drove in to town and
let me store my BF in his van like a mobile bicycle hotel room while I
took a quick overniter to Fire Island. I tell you, this is what it
means to be part of the BF community.

I have been chatting to a journo Jim Clash at Forbes in NYC who would
like to interview me if I happen to be in NY, for his online column
called:  Rugged Individualists.

http://www.forbes.com/2005/02/28/0301ruggedind.html

Not that I am so "wugged" Henry, but I challenged him to redress the
gender,  color and shoulderpad balance by having Galfromdownunder's
face up there alongside the Sir Edmund Hiliarys, Krakauers, Buzz
Aldrins - all stratospheric individuals, but how about someone at kite
bobbing altitude that we can all aspire to?

Since I am probably footing the airfare for my insolence (yes, and you
have to be Buzz Aldrin or have planted a flag somewhere higher than
the fridge to be expensed by Forbes - that's why they're rich and
everyone else is poor) I would like to:

a) Know what you think of this column - unfettered opinions
appreciated
b) Make the trip worthwhile by combining it with some BF funstuff with
you, if you all can tear yourselves away from your schedules.

In particular, I'd like to come over and screen for your enjoyment my
40 minute DVD of biking the highest paved road in the world last Oct
with Lon Haldeman. Called "Pass the Oxygen Please - 16,000 Feet on a
Friday", it's been very well received - running a close second to Die
Hard and Into Thin Air for edge-of-seat appeal. Last time I bleated to
you about this I think it was a mere 5 minute clip you can see here:
http://www.bikefriday.com/bf/galfromdownunder-peru2004
I've been trying to raise money for the orphanage I visited while over
there.

I tried to stage a Cuba book tour talk last year at Bicycle Habitat
but owner Charlie pulled out at the last minute saying that no-one in
NY would be interested in watching poor Cubans on a Sunday nite.

The NY Bike Club wanted to ensure my talk would be 'instructional'. I
am going to try and hit both places again, unless you have some better
suggestions or an opinion of these places - I am all ears - you're
there and I'm here.

And of course we should go for a BF amble and a giant slab of smoked
salmon on a bagel - Philippe Foucher invited me to that one last time!
We had a couple of upstate NYers at Desert Camp
last week, which you can read about here:
http://www.bikefriday.com/bf/desertcamp2005
You must see the clip of 79-year young Patricia Daniels from PA biking
82 miles...

Thank you for reading and please feel free to send a reply to
lynchiang@...

Hope to see you and your little wheels real soon!

Lynette Chiang, Bike Friday World Traveler http://
www.galfromdownunder.com
PERU trip: http://www.bikefriday.com/bf/galfromdownunder-peru2004
THE HANDSOMEST MAN IN CUBA USA Edition
http://www.galfromdownunder.com/cuba
"One of the best on-the-road travel books of this generation." -
Martin Stevenson, the Launceston Examiner
"The only time you will put it down is when you finish it." -
Australian Cyclist magazine.
5-star Amazon reviews http://tinyurl.com/696bw
ISBN: 0-9755816-0-0, $14.95, available from Bike Friday,
1-800-777-0258, service@... | Amazon.com

=v= A recent visitor to our city was a Bike Friday owner known
as Grrl Friday.  I noticed an interesting pattern on the bottom
of her slippers, so I took a photo:

http://www.things.org/~jym/bicycles/pix/406-slipper.jpg

If you look closely, it's a 20 x 1.75 / 47 - 406 bike tread.
Such a tire's a bit wide for most Bike Fridays, but I think
a Pocket Llama could handle it.

=v= She got it from the Garnet Hill mail-order catalog.  The
"saffron Gates" color is coincidental. :^)
     <_Jym_>

=v= There was an article about folding bikes in last month's
_Metropolis_.  They wait a month before putting it online,
and now it is:

http://www.metropolismag.com/cda/story.php?artid=1112

The focus is on the locally-made Swift Folder, but there are
three Bike Friday photos in there.
     <_Jym_>

P.S.:  They also pay attention to the "IXI," which I've seen
at a sporting goods store just north of Union Square.  (It's
got a fascinating look but the ride does not compare.)

Hello all,

My name is Lye and I just moved here from Philly. Had my first taste
of the Bike Fri last year and bought a Crusoe in Jan, courtesy of
Lynette Chiang's great salesmanship....

Have been a happy owner, using it for commuting, touring
(Miami/Colorado) and looking to use it some more. However, at the
moment I have an un-patchable flat and need to buy inner tubes...

---- any hints on where / which bike shops I can get them from? I work
on W 26th between 11th and 12th Ave, and live in Brooklyn (right now
by Atlantic Ave and Hoyt/Smith, next week in Fort Greene).

Am in NYC for a short-term job, and will be here till early Feb, so
would LOVE to explore the city with willing guides (ie anyone who
wants to showoff their knowledge of the bike routes/parks). I  cycle
at a decent pace, and am fearless in traffic (honed from years of
cycling in London and China)

Am also looking to go for a road trip for a few weeks beginning late
Feb/ early Mar, probably Mexico (Copper Canyon) or anywhere abroad
that is nice, warm an none-too-expensive. If anyone is thinking about
a similar getaway in spring, let's meet up to swap ideas!

About me : M, 30, Malaysian-Chinese but have lived in over 13 cities
in the past 13 years. Came to the States last year to start a romance
magazine after completing my MBA, but alas, it folded after 3 issues.
Am now working on short-term projects - if anyone needs a go-getting
colleague with fundraising/startup/sales/3rdWorld experience, please
let me know:). Willing to relocate anywhere.

If you prefer to talk, my cell is (215) 26 26 900

Ciao!
Lye

Thanks again -- it was a real help.  I'll keep you
posted on what I decide!

--- greyfox10025@... wrote:

> Good to meet you yesterday. If you are thinking
> about touring overseas this
> amateur site CLICK HERE might give you something to
> think about.
> Tod
>




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Right now it looks like Sunday may be decent -- better
than tomorrow, at any rate.  Anyone interested?

--- greyfox10025@... wrote:

> Hi Ben,
> Let's see what the weather is like this weekend.
> Maybe we can arrange a meet.
> Maybe some others could might also want to get
> together and show their bikes.
> tod
>
>
> CLICK HERE for a change of pace.
>




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Check out the new Yahoo! Front Page.
www.yahoo.com

Hello Benjamin

I have a pocket rocket pro that I would happily let you take for a spin. It
has become my favorite club ride bike and my bianchi is sad, not having
been ridden but once or twice all season.

-Lynn

Original Message:
-----------------
From: benjamingutman bengutman@...
Date: Sun, 07 Nov 2004 02:07:02 -0000
To: bfclubny@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bfclubny] newbie




I'm a new member on this list and new to the area.

I've been thinking of getting a bike friday (or something similar, like a
Moulton
or airnimal) to replace my current road bike, a cro-mo Specialized Allez
Comp
with ultegra components.  I like to travel and tour and my bike is a pain
for
that.  But I can't really afford to have two high-end bikes and I wouldn't
have
the space in my Manhattan apartment anyway (since I intend to keep my junky
commuter bike for trips around town).

So, I'm only ready to take the plunge if I can feel confident that a bike
friday
will be comfy/sporty enough to take care of all my roadbiking needs.  And
obviously, I won't know that 'til I've had a chance to try one out.  Since
there
don't appear to be any dealers in the area, is there anyone out there who'd
like to get together for a ride one of these days and let me try?  I'm
about
5'10", for what it's worth.

Also, any advice you have would be very helpful.  (BTW, I'm also thinking
about S&S couplings for my existing bike, though it seems like it still
would be
a lot harder to pack -- thoughts?)

Thanks!

Ben







Yahoo! Groups Links








--------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web - Check your email from the web at
http://mail2web.com/ .

I received my Pocket Rocket Pro two weeks ago, and have been out on
it every day for an hour to an hour and one-half, liking it better
with each ride.  My aging Pinarello is trying to enjoy a well-
deserved rest in the garage and is beginning to suspect that the PRP
and I are an everyday thing, and my wife will not sit next to the
PRP at dinner. I never brought my Pinarello to dinner, so I imagine
if you acquire a Bike Friday with Dura-Ace or Ultegra components or
a mix of both, you could be very happy out on the road with those
quick and nimble little wheels and not miss your other road bike at
all.

You don't specify what area within NY you are in but
if you are in the city, or in Brooklyn, there are
several reputable bike dealers to choose from. A few
will let you try the bike out if you leave your Credit
Card # with them until you bring the bike back after
trying it out. Check out NY Metro Bikes (several
locations in Manhattan), Sid's Bicycle Shop on east
34th st.or Bay Ridge Bicycles (in Brooklyn)....
--- benjamingutman <bengutman@...> wrote:

>
> I'm a new member on this list and new to the area.
>
> I've been thinking of getting a bike friday (or
> something similar, like a Moulton
> or airnimal) to replace my current road bike, a
> cro-mo Specialized Allez Comp
> with ultegra components.  I like to travel and tour
> and my bike is a pain for
> that.  But I can't really afford to have two
> high-end bikes and I wouldn't have
> the space in my Manhattan apartment anyway (since I
> intend to keep my junky
> commuter bike for trips around town).
>
> So, I'm only ready to take the plunge if I can feel
> confident that a bike friday
> will be comfy/sporty enough to take care of all my
> roadbiking needs.  And
> obviously, I won't know that 'til I've had a chance
> to try one out.  Since there
> don't appear to be any dealers in the area, is there
> anyone out there who'd
> like to get together for a ride one of these days
> and let me try?  I'm about
> 5'10", for what it's worth.
>
> Also, any advice you have would be very helpful.
> (BTW, I'm also thinking
> about S&S couplings for my existing bike, though it
> seems like it still would be
> a lot harder to pack -- thoughts?)
>
> Thanks!
>
> Ben
>
>
>
>




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Check out the new Yahoo! Front Page.
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That would be great -- airglide is one of the models
I'm strongly considering.  I'm pretty flexible
schedulewise (outside of normal working hours, that
is), so let me know when a good time for you is.  My
cell phone # is 202-248-8004.  Heck, I'll even be
around this afternoon when I finish watching the
marathon!  :)

Ben

--- greyfox10025@... wrote:

> Hi Ben,
> I have an Airglide which you are welcome to check
> out anytime we can arrange
> it.
> Tod Moore
>
>
> CLICK HERE for a change of pace.
>




__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Check out the new Yahoo! Front Page.
www.yahoo.com

I'm a new member on this list and new to the area.

I've been thinking of getting a bike friday (or something similar, like a
Moulton
or airnimal) to replace my current road bike, a cro-mo Specialized Allez Comp
with ultegra components.  I like to travel and tour and my bike is a pain for
that.  But I can't really afford to have two high-end bikes and I wouldn't have
the space in my Manhattan apartment anyway (since I intend to keep my junky
commuter bike for trips around town).

So, I'm only ready to take the plunge if I can feel confident that a bike friday
will be comfy/sporty enough to take care of all my roadbiking needs.  And
obviously, I won't know that 'til I've had a chance to try one out.  Since there
don't appear to be any dealers in the area, is there anyone out there who'd
like to get together for a ride one of these days and let me try?  I'm about
5'10", for what it's worth.

Also, any advice you have would be very helpful.  (BTW, I'm also thinking
about S&S couplings for my existing bike, though it seems like it still would be
a lot harder to pack -- thoughts?)

Thanks!

Ben

=v= Last Saturday was the annual Folds Up! bike ride:

http://www.times-up.org/foldsup.php

There were four of us there with Bike Fridays.  I recruited the
other three to join this email list.

=v= I've uploaded a few of my photos, and here's some running
commentary for your amusement ...

o At the start of the ride, we must are asked to ponder, "Can
   you actually save money buying a vehicle in Manhattan?"

http://www.times-up.org/gallery/view.php?photoid=237

o Their legs bruised and battered from lugging their Bromptons
   all over Italy, the Ross sisters gallantly do sweep duty
   (riding at the bike an making sure nobody gets left behind):

http://www.times-up.org/gallery/view.php?photoid=236

o To give the tourists a thrill, we go up and over the Brooklyn
   Bridge and into Brooklyn:

http://www.times-up.org/gallery/view.php?photoid=235

http://www.times-up.org/gallery/view.php?photoid=234

http://www.times-up.org/gallery/view.php?photoid=233

o We end up at Stuyvesant Cove Park.  There are a few of
   the snazzy lightweight Dahon Helios SLs on the ride:

http://www.times-up.org/gallery/view.php?photoid=232

o A couple of Bike Fridays enjoy the river view (that's
   my bike on the left):

http://www.times-up.org/gallery/view.php?photoid=231

o Peter Reich brought a prototype of the new Swift Folder
   for folks to try out:

http://www.times-up.org/gallery/view.php?photoid=230

o Here's the obligatory Strida-as-sculpture photo:

http://www.times-up.org/gallery/view.php?photoid=229

o This bike is called a Picnica, and it folds up like
   an umbrella:

http://www.times-up.org/gallery/view.php?photoid=228

     <_Jym_>

=v= It's that time of year again.
     <_Jym_>

FOLDS UP!  FOLDING BIKE RIDE AND FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 9, 2004  (Rain date Sunday, October 10)

THE RIDE

WHAT:   A leisurely 10-mile ride through Manhattan and Brooklyn
showcasing folding bicycles. (But all types of bikes are
welcome, as long as their riders are folding-curious!)

WHERE:  Start location: West 23rd Street on the Hudson River
Greenway, Manhattan.  End location: Stuyvesant Cove Park, East
23rd Street at the East River, Manhattan.

WHEN:   2 p.m., Saturday, October 9, 2004.
         (Rain date Sunday, October 10.)

THE FESTIVAL

WHAT:   Learn all about folding bicycles, and see and try out
different models. Refreshments courtesy of Swift Folder.

WHERE:  Stuyvesant Cove Park (East 23rd Street at the East River)

WHEN:   4:30 p.m., after the bike ride, Saturday, October 9, 2004.
         (Rain date Sunday, October 10.)

More Details:
http://www.times-up.org/foldsup.php

=v= Last Sunday I met up with Lynette Chiang of Bike Friday and
also with Mike McGettigan, who organizes the Round*Up folding
bike events in Philadelphia and had a Round*Up contingent in
the NYC Century.  Lynette flagged down everyone on a Friday and
invited them to join this club.

=v= The Round*Up contingent were very nice.  I took a photo of
a Moulton rider, two Brompton riders, Lynette, Mike, and Mike's
Brompton (with a fishing pole/flag on it):

http://www.things.org/~jym/bicycles/pix/roundup-nyc-1.jpg

After a game of musical photographers, though, we subtract a
Brompton owner and add a Bike Friday owner (me):

http://www.things.org/~jym/bicycles/pix/roundup-nyc-2.jpg

=v= Why a dearth of Fridays in these photos?  Well, we're all
blocking the view of Lynette's petite Crusoe and its suitcase
filled with gold ingots.  Plus, my own Friday is being held as
a political prisoner (read _Newsday_, http://tinyurl.com/3uko7
for details), so for now I'm riding a bright green 1970s Italian
"Barbarella" folder:

http://www.things.org/~jym/bicycles/pix/roundup-nyc-bikes.jpg

=v= We had a nice spin through auto-free Central Park.

=v= BTW, Lynette wrote up something about this year's Round*Up
event in Philly:

http://www.bikefriday.com/bf/roundup2004

The annual NYC Folds Up! ride and festival is coming up in three
weeks (Saturday, October 9th).  I'll post the exact time and
place as soon as I find out.
     <_Jym_>

Hi everybody,

can't make it! I am in France riding my other bike. Say hi for me to
Lynette.
The Frenchman from the other side of the river.

Philippe

=v= News from the www.galfromdownunder.com site.  I know I'm
disappointed:

   Sunday September 12, 2004 NEW YORK
   SLIDESHOW/TALK in the evening sponsored by Bicycle Habitat -
   CANCELLED. The bike shop told me no NYers will come to a Cuba
   slideshow on a Sunday night so they cancelled.

All the more reason to meet up with Lynette at Central Park
North this Sunday at Noon!!!

=v= She is doing the slideshow and talk in New Jersey on
Monday, though:

   Monday, September 13, 2004, METUCHEN, NEW JERSEY
   SLIDESHOW/TALK at Metuchen Library, 480 Middlesex Avenue 08840
   Tel: (732) 632-8526 FAX: (732) 632-8535
   Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m.

   Thank you to Ben Blum, local Bike Friday owner and incoming
   leader of the Bike Friday Club of Central Jersey. Contact him
   to join his BF club (all bikes welcome): ozzac41 | at | yahoo
   | dot |com

     <_Jym_>

=v= Whether you ARE or AREN'T riding in Sunday's NYC Century
ride (or the Round*Up folding bike contingent within the ride),
we're having a post-ride meetup (and ride) in Central Park.
It's a special occasion:  Bike Friday superstar and honored
guest Lynette Chiang will be in town.

When:   Sunday, September 12th, Noon (and Afterwards)
Where:  Central Park N at Central Park E
         (Inside the park, south of W 110th Street and Lenox)

110th and Lenox, at the northern edge of Central Park, is where
the NYC Century begins and ends.  It's the red star on this map:

http://tinyurl.com/5c99h

We'll meet inside Central Park, just south and east of there,
where the loop road intersects.

FOLKS ON THE ROUND*UP RIDE:  When the ride ends at 110th/Lenox,
just head into the park and find us.

FOLKS NOT ON THE ROUND*UP RIDE:  To avoid the NYC Century bike
traffic (!), your best approach is probably from the south
through Central Park, which is a nice ride:

http://www.transalt.org/calendar/century/gettingto.html

=v= The Round*Up ride is taking a 35-mile loop, which is
estimated to return to 110/Lenox between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
We figure noon is a good time to meet.  Then we can ride the
loop road inside Central Park and perhaps meet folks who arrive
a little later as we loop past.

=v= I'll have my cellphone with me:  347/563-7504.

=v= Questions, comments, concerns?  Email this list and let
us all know!
     <_Jym_>

To the Small Wheels Group0:

I'm doing the full ride (100+) again this year on my BF.  Anyone care to join
me?  I'll be leaving at the 6:00 time on my bright yellow Crusoe.

Dennis Schmidt

-----Original Message-----
From: Trophy Bikes <jym@...>
Sent: Sep 8, 2004 10:05 AM
To: New York Bike Friday Club of America <bfclubny@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [bfclubny] ROUND*UP: Small Wheels in the Big Apple (September 12th)

ROUND*UP at the NYC CENTURY: Small Wheels in the Big Apple --
SUN, SEPTEMBER 12, NEW YORK CITY

Come one, come all on your folding or small wheel
bike--Brompton, Bike Friday, Dahon, Swift, Breezer, Moulton,
Raleigh, Birdy or what-have-you... STEP ONE: register for the
ride:
http://www.nyccentury.com/

Then -- come early to the 7:30 start for the 35 mile ride.
Look for the green flag with the wheel on it, fluttering 12
feet overhead.  {AD HOC MEET POINT-- the 24-hour deli just
across from the MAKE MY CAKE bakery.}  We'll gather up as
many folders for the start and ride together!

During the ride, we'll look for other small wheel bikes to roll
with.  Post-ride, we'll invite folder riders and folder fans
for a beer or a tea down in Manhattan.  See properly British
Bromptons, Flip-Top Fridays, strange new Dahons and high-tech
Moultons... talk with other folding bike folk and have a nice
little time at one of the world's largest bike rides. Best of
all, your registration fee helps support the New York cycling
advocacy group Transportation Alternatives.

To arrange meeting up at the NYC Century Bike Tour, email
mcget@... -- I'll send you a cell tel # for ride day.
You must register to ride in the NYC Century.
   -- cheers

michael McGettigan/trophy bikes phila
producers of the ROUND UP USA SMALL WHEEL/FOLDER BIKE FEST
JUNE 3-4-5 2005




Yahoo! Groups Links

ROUND*UP at the NYC CENTURY: Small Wheels in the Big Apple --
SUN, SEPTEMBER 12, NEW YORK CITY

Come one, come all on your folding or small wheel
bike--Brompton, Bike Friday, Dahon, Swift, Breezer, Moulton,
Raleigh, Birdy or what-have-you... STEP ONE: register for the
ride:
http://www.nyccentury.com/

Then -- come early to the 7:30 start for the 35 mile ride.
Look for the green flag with the wheel on it, fluttering 12
feet overhead.  {AD HOC MEET POINT-- the 24-hour deli just
across from the MAKE MY CAKE bakery.}  We'll gather up as
many folders for the start and ride together!

During the ride, we'll look for other small wheel bikes to roll
with.  Post-ride, we'll invite folder riders and folder fans
for a beer or a tea down in Manhattan.  See properly British
Bromptons, Flip-Top Fridays, strange new Dahons and high-tech
Moultons... talk with other folding bike folk and have a nice
little time at one of the world's largest bike rides. Best of
all, your registration fee helps support the New York cycling
advocacy group Transportation Alternatives.

To arrange meeting up at the NYC Century Bike Tour, email
mcget@... -- I'll send you a cell tel # for ride day.
You must register to ride in the NYC Century.
   -- cheers

michael McGettigan/trophy bikes phila
producers of the ROUND UP USA SMALL WHEEL/FOLDER BIKE FEST
JUNE 3-4-5 2005