When I first started cycling seriously, Queens scared me.  It was vast, sprawling, and its street system made no sense.  Clearly, the cartographers and city planners were smoking something when they came up with this nonsense.   Like Manhattan, the streets are mostly numbered.  Unlike Manhattan, the numbers appear to be randomly assigned.  You are riding down Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria and cross 70th Street.  The next street you get to is 49th Street.  Where did the missing streets go?  Sometimes there seems to be a surplus of numbers; in Maspeth there are 60th Street, 60th Avenue, 60th Place, 60th Drive, 60th Road and 60th Lane.  You are riding on Review Avenue which becomes in succession Laurel Hill Boulevard, 56th Road, Rust Street and 59th Drive - and you never made a turn.  Take a cue sheet, use your Garmin, check out Ride With GPS.  It doesn't matter - if you ride in Queens, you will get lost.  Over the years, and leading numerous ride in Queens, I have begun to make some sense of this large borough.  I have come to appreciate its various neighborhoods, it's out of the way places, and its amazing variety of ethnic foods.  And yeah, sometimes I still get lost.

How to Get Here

Coming from my home in Brooklyn, I would normally head up the Hipster Highway in Williamsburg and cross the Pulaski Bridge, where the new protected bike lane is a game changer.  If I am in Bushwick, I often take Cooper Ave, what I consider the "back door" into Queens.  From midtown Manhattan your best bet is the Queensboro Bridge, and from Northern Manhattan and the Bronx, the RFK/Triboro Bridge is also an option.  Note that this bridge has stairs and is DEATH to ride after dark.  

What to See Here

I always thought that Queens was a conglomeration of boring red brick buildings, interspersed with boring single family houses. And yes, part of the borough is like this. I call these areas miscellaneous Queens. But, the more I explored, the more I discovered places that were amazing and interesting. Places like the haunted Steinway Mansion, the beautiful and welcoming Ganesh Temple or the stained glass mausoleums in Calvery Cemetery. There are many neighborhoods that are well worth visiting, from the exclusive and elegant Jamaica Estates or Forest Hills Gardens, to the indescribable neighborhood of “The Hole.” There are strange waterside hamlets of Hook Creek and Ramblersville, tiny and remote - you feel like you are a hundred miles outside of the City. Some of the nicest views of Manhattan are seen at night from Vernon Boulevard as you ride down from Astoria on a cool summer's night. There are also great water views from the new bike trail in Long Island City. Are you an art aficionado? Visit Socrates Sculpture Garden or the juried graffiti area of Welling Court.

Queens has some wonderful parks to ride through. A favorite is Forest Park, a leafy, hilly, romp through the center of Queens. You can head to Kissena Park and ride around the city's only velodrome. You can visit Flushing Meadows and ride around the world. I do not want to forget Cunningham Park – the starting location of many Nassau County club rides. Like Beaches? On a hot Summers day head to Riis Park, Belle Harbor or the Rockaways for a dip in the Atlantic.

Queens has become a hot bed of brewing lately. Started by SingleCut in Astoria, there are now various breweries that have some delicious products to taste. One of my favorites is Big Alice Brewery. Big Alice is about the size of my living room, it specializes in “farm to tap” brewing, using as many local products as possible. There are some good suds hidden behind the green door. In the middle of the borough is Finback, where I have tasted some delicious stout. Other microbreweries in the borough include Transmitter Brewing and Rockaway Brewing.

What to Eat Here

Here are some of my favorite places in Queens, in no particular order. You are not gonna go hungry.

Ganesh Temple – Not dumbed down for the tourists. Solid, spicy and cheap south Indian vegetarian fare. And make sure to visit the Temple next door  

New World Mall Food Court – Dozens of food vendors. Hundreds of Seats. Thousands of patrons. Embrace the crazy for some authentic Asian food.

Tuk Tuk – Yummy Thai food in LIC – and some high octane Thai coffee to keep you rolling.

Jackson Heights Diner – Anyone who has gone on a 5BBC ride to their buffet knows why.

Empanadas Cafe – A tiny restaurant with a single table in Corona. Get the City's best Empanadas and eat them watching boccie in the park up the block

Lemon Ice King of Corona – Right down the road from Empanadas Cafe, so why not get some dessert.

Bohemia Beer Garden – It's been there before you were born. Still serving traditional fare of sausages, potato pancakes and the like.

The Bay House – You won't find this place off Hook Creek. But if you do, enjoy huge portions of well prepared food.

Eddie's Sweet Shop – They make their own ice cream. They make their own toppings. They make the best malteds. Here since the 1920's.

And in the End

It is almost impossible to sum up a borough as diverse as Queens. There are crowded and bustling corners like Corona or Jackson Heights, there are suburban neighborhoods like Douglaston or Howard Beach, and there is everything in between. For foodies, the treasures of Queens rival those of anyplace in the world. Around any corner can be a new and delicious discovery. Yes, the streets make no sense [only Bobby Moleti seems to understand how they work], and yes you will get lost. Enjoy getting to know this often overlooked part of New York City.

Hello, I’m Michele, and I grew up in Bronx.  I’m a fairly new commuter cyclist in New York.  I was introduced to commuter cycling in 2013 through my neighbor and friend who is a 5BBC.  At that time I worked at a non-profit in Chelsea and a bike lane was right on my street.  I didn’t immediately transform into a cyclist.  At first I was filled with fear and trepidation.  I was determined and focused on becoming a stronger cyclist.  I made it a priority to ride on the West Side Green path.  No matter how hard you try to keep yourself on the greenways in New York you eventually have to begin riding on the local streets.  I’ve learned to hold my lane with trucks, buses, and taxis.  Prior to that period I would never have cycled up Eighth Avenue.  Since my introduction to cycling I’ve worked at various locations throughout the city, and I always try to find the safest route for getting around.  Every summer I try to cycle to work at least three times a week.  I’ve even ventured into cycling a couple of winters, but I wear glasses and I don’t like the feeling of being on a bike for hours on end during rainy weather.  For now I cycle on clear days between March and November. 

Cycling in the outdoors is one of my favorite activities.  I love the scenery of the beautiful Westside Green Path.  I love seeing a cross section of New Yorkers working out.  Cycling is something that brings everyone together.  It’s also a skill that you never really lose.  It’s one of those activities that you just have to go out and do.  A little preparation in advance will ensure an enjoyable time on the bike.  Pulling out what you’re wearing to work and on the commute, packing wet ones, going to sleep early the night before, having a conscious meal plan and hydrating a lot will ensure you’re having an enjoyable time on the bike.

I would encourage everyone to try it.  It’s a great way to connect with your surroundings and your neighbors.  On the bike you’re guaranteed to have unique experiences that are frequently priceless.  There is also health benefits that include slimming down, and having all your vitals boosted.

NY to Boston trip, May 27 to May 30.

As a veteran of many weekend trips, about 10, and I having co-lead a few; I can give this trip an A.  For those who want the more detailed version, please continue to read.

I diligently trained for this trip, from Ronkonkoma, NY to Boston, MA.  This trip had its challenges, one very rainy day, the distance, elevation gain, physical wear and tear, etc.  I prepared for the trip by going on training rides and by watching and applying the techniques that were provided by the leaders on YouTube.  Further, I met the required approval by the leaders for the physical and mental fortitude required to complete a four-day trip of over 200 miles of hilly terrain, totaling about 8,000 feet of climbing.  A well-tuned bike and a certain fitness level are essential as we were often in very remote and hilly areas; however, emergency Sag support was available.

The training paid off, as I was able to consistently join the faster group.  However, joining the slower group repeatedly crossed my mind, especially after day two when we climbed over 2,000 ft. in a little under 50 miles.  However, something simply takes over me once I mount a bike.  The fatigue, life’s challenges, unprecedented regressive politics and other concerns seem to all disappear.  Biking to me and many other cyclists is therapeutic, calming and releases plenty of endorphins.

Day One: Ronkonkoma, NY

We started on a lovely sunny day as we made our way from Ronkonkoma, NY to Orient Point via the North Fork Wine Trail.  We stopped at the popular Briermere Farms for a delicious strawberry rhubarb pie.  Next time, maybe we will stop at one of the many wineries to pick up a bottle or two to enjoy in the evening when we are off the bike.  Steve, a fellow tripper and me hit a good rhythm to be the first to catch the one-hour ferry to New London, Connecticut.  We then rode to nearby Groton, Ct. for our first overnight.  The hotel had a free 20 minute shuttle to Foxwoods Casino, which a few of us went to and had the all you can eat buffet and tried our luck at the casino, which we found to be a nice way to spend the evening, relaxing and maximizing our evening in Connecticut.

Day Two: Groton, CT  

The hot breakfast was good, which energized us for the hilly terrain as we made our way to South Kingston, Rhode Island, where we had our best accommodations, particularly because the hotel had a whirlpool and a pool, which many of us took advantage of, as it did wonders for our aching muscles.

Day Three: South Kingston, RI

The hot breakfast was good; the weather was unseasonably cool and wet   However, cyclists are not wimps, accepts challenges, like being self-determined and self-defined, irrespective of the conditions.  Thus, we bundled up and started out in a cool and steady rain, which included a few down pours during our 70-mile route.  Here, the hills were more spread out and you were not as focused on the hills as simply being able to stay steady in the rain, monitor your brakes, distances from other cyclists, watch for pot holes, puddles, and to hit and maintain a nice pace to stay as warm as possible.  Despite the conditions, there were still highlights of the rainy ride.  One highlight was our stop at a Dunkin Donuts.  This was the first time I experienced a Dunkin Donuts with a nice fireplace, which warmed our bodies, spirits and hearts, and fortified us to tackle the cool rain and the unfamiliar terrain on our trusted bikes.  Despite being advised to be prepared for the rain and cool weather, few, including myself, were not as prepared as we could have been.  

Live and learn.  I will be more prepared next time.  One leader Ed Sorbin, not only had rain resistant wear, but an extra pair of dry clothes with him.  I was impressed, because he arrived rather unscathed by the elements.  Again, live and learn.

Another highlight of the day’s ride was when we stopped in a very nice Brewery for a warm and good lunch in Providence, RI on our way to Brockton, MA. 

Elyssa made very good use of the Sag van by picking up a rider with a broken spoke and stopping at a local farm stand and picked up some very good pies (mixed berry and apple) which the group enjoyed in the evening.

Despite the rain and cool weather, everyone was in good spirits and encouraging each other to stay the course, as if we had a choice!  Good group dynamics were present and are important, especially when the elements are challenging.  Many trippers bonded over the four-day period, because much is shared and accomplished.

Day Four: Brockton and Boston, MA

Again, the hot breakfast was good, with good tasting pancakes coming out of a contraction that resembled a copier machine.  We welcomed the dry weather, and rode a little under 30 miles, which I believe everyone’s legs enjoyed a shorter day and drier weather as we rode into Boston from Brockton MA, along nice rail trails, quiet roads, busier roads with a decent shoulder and some roads with a bike lane.

When we arrived in Boston, Nathalie had thoughtfully arranged for us to shower, and change out of our biking clothes at a local gym.  After, many of us had a very good lunch at Legal Seafood’s.  We also did a walking tour of historic Boston, which was led by Chris, one of the trippers who went to school there.

I think the litmus test for any trip, on or off a bike, is whether you would do it again.  Here, it would be an unequivocal yes, because the leaders planning, attention to detail, due diligence was impeccable, and to me, unprecedented.  A few examples of going beyond expectation were providing gu, granola bars, and other snacks to take in the morning before each ride, and 2 days of laundry service.  Often, in life the little things can have the larger impact.  Also, her communicating via technology, geozilla, group texting, emails, pre-meetings keep everyone on the same page.  

It was a very good biking trip to get out of the city, to leave the everyday routine of life, regressive politics, (yes again) and to focus on and enjoy bike riding over new, challenging, and beautiful terrain in four different states.

When we arrived in NYC around 9:30ish, our bikes, and luggage were lined up on a railing waiting for us in the same place we dropped them off 4 days ago, across from Penn Station.

As a result of all of their hard work, I think I can speak for many of the trippers, in sending special thanks to the trip leaders, Holly, Elyssa, Ed, and Nathalie who demonstrated true leadership qualities, graciousness, humor, compassion, patience, flexibility, bicycling touring, and mechanical knowledge.

Lastly, special kudos to Nathalie, who gave birth to this new trip, pre-planning, organization, and I am probably missing something that she did well, but in short, the trip was well done, and is highly recommended if it will be revisited.  Count me in.  

Ken Williams

By Alfredo Garcia

Since 2015, the 5BBC has revived, with flare, a nice lead-in weekend trip to Montreal’s Tour de L’lle. It is a bike event similar to New York City’s Five Borough Bicycle Tour, but in our sister Canadian city of Montreal, Quebec province. You’ll see a much bigger ride, spread evenly our and beautiful glimpse of this beautiful city.

We will do this again, from June 2 to June 4, 2017

First day: we gather at a meeting place in the Bronx (e.g. Yankee Stadium). Morning time we pack our bikes & belongings in a comfortable mode of transport. We’ll be off and running early by 9AM. 
 

After crossing the border to Canada, we get to our hotel in Montreal. Accommodations are good. Our bikes are kept in a secure location on the ground floor. The rooms are nice and cozy. There’s wi-fi , good for social media and other needs. In the area, there’s various shops and restaurants for dinner, some 24-hour places.

About two hours later, we get together at the parking lot to ride to the Tour La Nuit – yes, a short 20 kilometer (12 mile) night ride organized by the local event organizers.  Make sure you have bright front and rear lights - and all kinds of funky lights to join in the theme of the evening. We ride 5 miles to Jeanne-Mance Park. For the past two years, we arrived at the park with countless riders in the twilight sun. Beautiful and not to be missed. They have lots of enthusiastic hosts, upbeat pop music, getting all of us in good cycling mood, in French. 

As the ride starts, we’ll go through quiet neighborhoods, with residents cheering us on. You have to be there to see it. The only climbing is near the Olympic Stadium area. We return to the finish. And we get complimentary bottles of chocolate milk. Once we’re together, we ride back to the hotel.

Second Day: one of our leaders, Allan, is a native Montrealer. He will take us on a trip around his city. Lots of highlights: Saint Joseph’s Oratory, nifty climb to the top of Mt. Royal (from where the city gets it's name) to see the city above, timeless local neighborhoods, picking up sandwiches at a local deli, have lunch at a Montreal waterfront park, riding various greenways and going to the Montreal Biosphere at Île Sainte-Hélène (Saint Helen’s Island.) We get back to Montreal proper by way of the Jacques Cartier bridge, which is bike accessible. We might get ice cream and refreshments before returning to the hotel.

Or if you want, instead of the bike ride, you can explore Montreal on your own. There’s a Metro (subway) station near the hotel.  And within reason, our 5BBC leaders can accommodate special requests.  Like a riding through Montréal’s Chinatown, which I didn’t know existed but was added to the ride to satisfy my curiosity.

Third Day: time for Tour de L’Île de Montréal. This is what we’re here for! We ride early to the start, to the same Jeanne-Mance Park like on the first night. Like Tour La Nuit, lots of cheering well-wishers, bike marshals and lots of free chocolate milk. Photo opportunities galore. You will have a choice of riding 28 kilometers (17 miles), 50 kilometers (31 miles), 65 kilometers (40 miles) or 100km (62 miles).  We strive to ride and get back to the hotel at a good hour to return to New York City.

Tips: Please remember to let the leaders know before the trip which distance you want to do on the Tour de L’lle. Have a bike in good working order. Come prepared. Be a 5BBC member. Be punctual for departures and returns. Pack and think light. Most of all, enjoy the journey. 

5BBC Montreal Weekend Trip description: https://tinyurl.com/kkernad

Alfredo Garcia is a deceptively quiet hard-riding cyclist, a veteran 5BBC ride leader and head admin of the 5BBC’s facebook page. He has went on the 5BBC Montreal weekend for the past two years and did the original one in 2003.