Rain all day and into the early evening so . . . we cancel.

And so we are not going to Snug Harbor for a little, ahem, snuggling . . . and lights. Thousands of LEDs, in fact, and a clear reminder that some of us (no names mentioned, but you know who you are) need even more LEDs for our bike! This is the first-ever "NYC Winter Lantern Festival," and though expensive -- by 5BBC schlepper standards, $23 ($15 seniors) -- it is worth seeing: As the promo boasts "seven acres of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden will be illuminated by 40 LED installations that stretch up to 30 feet tall. The LED lanterns will be accompanied by live performances of traditional Chinese dances and art" at 7 PM. (Those who want just the loop and pizza can take the 5 PM ferry back.)

To give the ride some traction, though, we'll do a loop along the Arthur Kill, under the Goethals, eventually ending up at Denino's Pizzeria (or, if we cut the ride short, the Nürnberger Bierhaus, on Castleton, closer to Snug Habor). So don't expect too many miles (no more than 15), but do expect a lot of lights (though, as a reminder, you should definitely have your own, front and rear lights for some night riding back to the ferry from Snug Harbor).

Here is the itinerary: meet 12:30 at Chelsea Piers (at the bathrooms). We'll catch the 1:30 PM ferry to Staten Island (second meet up; third meet up at 2 PM on the Staten Island side). We'll loop around for an hour, and then lunch at 3 PM, rolling out to Snug Harbor (or the ferry) around 4:30 PM. If we stay for the performances, anticipate taking the 8:30 PM ferry to Manhattan.

Email the leader if you'll be at the first, second or third meet up. If the weather looks good (cold weather below 32 -- and/or rain or snow  -- cancels), you may then want to purchase your ticket online here.