Cycling: Tour De Bronx October 22, 2006

2006 Tour de Bronx
New York's Largest Free Cycling Event
12th Annual Free Event Sponsored by Transportation Alternatives and The Bronx Borough President, Adolfo Carrión, Jr.

New for 2006! The 25-mile route will take riders onto the Sheridan Expressway, which will be closed for the Tour de Bronx. Don't miss this special chance to see the Bronx from a whole new point of view!

Help promote the Tour de Bronx.

Ride the Tour de Bronx
www.TourdeBronx.org
Sunday, October 22, 2006

Rain date: Sunday, October 29.
Bicyclists love the Bronx. The Tour de Bronx loves them back:

* No entry fees; the Tour de Bronx is FREE!
Register Online Today!
* Lunch & power snacks are on us!
* Ride marshals and police escorts provide a Safety Cell on the 25 mile route
* Enjoy the Tour de Bronx Festival & Jazz Concert
* To register over the phone or for more info, call the Bronx Tourism Council: (718) 590-3518. Phone/fax registration ends at 5 pm on Friday, October 20, 2006. Tell your friends to visit www.TourdeBronx.org!
*

Volunteers and Marshals are needed! Call Rich Gans at 718-792-2238 to sign up.

El Tour de Bronx Le Da La Bienvenida A Los Ciclistas:

* El Tour de Bronx es gratis! No cuesta nada participar.
* Regalo especial para las primeras 500 personas que se registren por adelantado.
* Proveemos almuerzo y meriendas gratis.
* Policía y organizadores del paseo rodearán la ruta de 25 millas, creando una zona de seguridad.
* Disfruta el Festival Tour de Bronx y Concierto de Jazz en la parada de descanso principal.
* Escoge la ruta mas apropiada para ti: 25 millas o 40 millas, si tienes experiencia y prefieres un paso mas rápido.
* Registrarte es fácil. Solo llena el formulario al lado reverso y mándalo a la dirección indicada. O llámanos al (718) 590-3518. ¡Regístrate Ahora!

The feeder rides are intended for the convenience of riders. They all meet at the Bronx County Building, where the full 25-mile and 40-mile routes begin. So, they add some waiting time. On the other hand, it's a great feeling to ride down the Grand Concourse en masse as part of a large group, which all the morning feeder rides do.

If you like to keep up a good pace, and get frustrated when you have to ride slowly, you should start at the Bronx County building (161st St. and Grand Concourse) and do the 40-mile ride. This is the only part of the Tour that keeps up a "brisk" pace - approximately 15 mph on flat, open stretches.

Starting at Riverdale or Woodlawn adds mileage, but the feeder rides go at the "relaxed", 25-mile pace - approximately 11 mph on flat, open stretches. Also, the 40-mile route covers a lot of Riverdale, so you repeat some stretches if you start at Riverdale and then do the 40-mile route.

You can choose any of the routes below:

* from the Metro North Station at the New York Botanical Garden: (9 am check-in) [Directions to New York Botanical Garden Start] (note: Due to the immense popularity of the Chihuly exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden, the Metro North parking lot will be unavailable. Parking for Tour de Bronx riders will be available at adjacent Fordham University. You will be directed from the New York Botanical Garden.)
* or the Bronx County Building at 161 Street & The Grand Concourse (10 am check-in) [Directions to Bronx County Building Start]
* or Henry Hudson Park in Riverdale (8:15 am check-in) [Directions to Riverdale Start]
* or our new check-in location at Muskrat Cove, Woodlawn Metro-North Station (8:30 am check-in) [Directions to Muskrat Cove Start].

Both the 25-mile and 40-mile routes leave from all four locations, but if you start in Riverdale, you will add 10 miles to the distance you ride. All routes also include the new Prospect Avenue bike lane as well as the new Soundview Park Greenway. Click here for a map of all routes. NYC bicycle maps are available here.

The 25-Mile Ride:
A leisurely ride good for every age and skill level. We will ride at approximately 11 mph on flat, open stretches. Ride through the Bronx Greenway bike paths, historic districts, the Bronx Shoreline, parklands and neighborhoods. Ride marshals and police escorts form a safety cell around riders to ensure their comfort. It's a one-of-a-kind experience and a great way to see the Bronx. Note: this ride is 35 miles if you choose the Riverdale start.

The 40-Mile Ride:
The pace is significantly faster on this ride which covers a greater distance in the same amount of time. We will ride at approximately 15 mph on flat, open stretches. This ride ventures farther to City Island, SUNY Maritime College, and Co-op City. Recommended for experienced cyclists who are comfortable riding in traffic. (There is no safety cell on this ride; Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent). Note: this ride is 50 miles if you choose the Riverdale start.

FREE HELMETS FOR KIDS!

For the first 150 kids (13 and under) to check in at the registration sites. It's New York City law -- everyone 13 and under must wear a helmet when biking. For safety's sake, riders of all ages are encouraged to do so. October is National Bike Helmet Safety Month.

CASCOS GRATIS PARA NIÑOS

Para los primeros 150 niños de 14 años o menos que lleguen a los sitios de registro. La ley de Nueva York requiere que todo niño de 14 años o menos use un casco protector al montar bicicleta. Por motivos de seguridad, recomendamos que biciclistas de todas edades usen casco.

Register Online for the Tour de Bronx
Online registration ends at 11:59 PM on Thursday, October 19, 2006.

Official Website: http://www.TourdeBronx.org