MORNING UPDATE RIDE CANCELLED:  I have been checking all the forecasts and best case is that the bad weather starts late lunch time - the worst is that it starts 11:00 something.  It seems there is no doubt the ride, even if further abbreviated, will have bad weather before it is over and that the bad weather could even start with some slippery stuff.  So, go do an early short ride on your own - read Maggie  Estep's short story about the Hole. I will reschedule the East West ride.

UPDATE as of afternoon of January 2nd:  The weather is looking pretty dismal for the East West ride tomorrow.  Please check back here tomorrow morning at around 8:00-8:30 for whether or not the ride is still on.  

That's eastern Brooklyn and western Queens, as we make our way from Grand Army Plaza through some less-seen neighborhoods and then skirt our way back and forth between the boroughs.  This is the basic version of the ride and it does go to the strangest neighborhood in NYC, "the Hole" - don't know "the Hole" come join us, or read the late Maggie Estep's Ruby Murphy novels.  We will be contrasting "the Hole" with one of NYC's prettiest neighborhoods later in the ride.

We are starting a little later to get as much warmth as the day allows, so just in case have lights with you if the ride delays for any reason.  Lunch stop in Glendale offers a few choices, though most go with the really good pizza.  On the way back, we may offer the riders an opportunity to train for Mel's donut ride on Sunday, by stopping at Grimaldi's in Ridgewood (time allowing).  Picture is from the winter version of this ride stopped in front of Grimaldi's 

Bring lock, money for food and an inquisitive attitude.  In case of iffy weather check the 5BBC Facebook page for updates.