There is nothing like cycling in the country on a bright sunny day. It gives me such freedom. Tomorrow marks my 7th consecutive distance ride with New York City Cycling. The map says 77.5 miles. Now that may sound like a lot of miles but when you are riding pace-line, there is a group energy and dynamic that somehow makes those 70+ miles fly by. The last 15 miles are tough but getting to the end is most rewarding and exhilarating. Last Saturday was winter again, if you remember. I toughed it out and rode 58 miles. The sun came out around mile 35. The forecast says rain for tomorrow but maybe “they” will be wrong. Keep your fingers crossed for me. After instructing 30 Pilates classes this week, be it a little chillier than desired, I am really looking forward to tomorrow’s ride. We head to the “Orchards” on South Mountain Road, apparently, a famous ride. I know nothing about it. I will fill you in on the next cycling blog. Are YOU interested in riding, either casually or seriously? If so, let me know and I will help you get started. There are no limits. ~Gail

This week’s, October 11, New York magazine speaks about New York City’s Bicycle Access Law, which comes into effect  on December 11. This law requires buildings to allow riders into buildings via freight elevator and to be able to safely store bicycles.  Alright!!  I am thrilled to hear this, after losing one bicycle in midtown NY three years ago. I haven’t locked my bicycle outside a building since.
I own a road bike and a mountain bike, which has now been upgraded with smaller tires and is my commuter.  I  ride 100 miles a week on the road and have recently committed to commuting everyday to and from my Upper East Side Pilates Studio. I am so much happier riding the three short miles to and from Mind Your Body, New York City’s BEST Pilates studio, and it encourages a 15 mile ride on my way home in Central Park for the exercise. Not having the stresses of taking a New York City bus, saving the $80.00 per month and it is the fastest way yet!  I encourage everyone to try it, or split it with the way you currently travel around Manhattan.

I suppose the fear in commuting by bicycle has much to do with riding in the city streets of Manhattan. There is much to be concerned with. Having been riding in the streets since I was a child, I take much of it for granted but always have my wits about me.                                    Scott Bodin,category 1, licensed racer of  Targetraining says, “Always assume that a motorist does NOT see you. See them and make a safe move, regardless of what you think a motorists sees because he is probably looking for something bigger.”   Bodin also stresses the use of a helmet.   When he began riding in 1980, cyclists were only wearing helmets while racing and he calls the new required helmet laws a blessing.

New York City has added 200 miles of bike paths since 2005. There is some training involved but once you start, you will be invigorated, have your exercise built into your commute, will help New York in becoming a Greener city and who knows, maybe you will love it so much, you will become the next Supercommuter!