The Big Apple

Awoke bright and early to a beautiful sky and mild weather, for a change. Got on the road by 7:15.  Nice leisurely ride down to NYC until we hit the Brooklyn Queens Expressway.  Everything came to a crawl for a while but we managed to pull up to the house at exactly noon - just as planned.  We have rented a room in a house from Airbnb. We are on Staten Island right up the street from the water and the bike path that leads to the ferry to NYC. Quickly unloaded our gear, hopped on the bikes and headed to the ferry.  The registration for the ride tomorrow was being held down on Pier 36 in NYC at a huge Bike Expo - approx. 2 miles from the Staten Island Ferry.

Made our way to the terminal and chatted with other riders.  Talked with Chris, who was volunteering at the Expo and we quickly became buddies. Right after boarding, we were standing outside on the ferry and there is John Sullivan (no relation), a Fairhaven biking pal.  What are the odds of running into him!  He was walking the to Expo so we parted ways when we docked.  Geoff and I followed behind Chris who lead us straight to the pier - he even saved us a space in line since he arrived first. Great guy!

Got our registration packet. Walked around the expo for a while and then made our way outside to the food trucks to finally get something to eat. There are mass amounts of people, but everyone is so friendly. We talked to all kinds of people from all over the states.  Picked up our bikes from the bike valet and headed back to the ferry t

erminal.  I was very glad we biked down -  the line for the walk-ins went on forever.  We passed by John still in line to get inside.

Biked around the seaport and then down to Battery Park before making our way back to the ferry.  Coming back, chatted with some old chaps from Jersey who have done this ride for 14 years.  Got off the ferry and sure enough RAIN!!  Not much and only for the 2 miles back to the house.

We are resting now and thinking about New York pizza for dinner.  Early morning rise.

Next time...NYC 5 Boro Bike Ride