I recently bought an apartment in Manhattan, though I still live in Merrick. If you know me, you know how much I love New York City. It’s where I went to college and grad school, learned to be independent, and found my first real job in public relations. The city gives me energy and balance. To make the most of my time here, I decided to bring the bike that I purchased from PlayTri in Dallas to Manhattan, while keeping my QR road bike in Merrick.
With the 569-mile bike ride from Staten Island to Niagara Falls on my calendar, I knew I needed to start training in traffic. The ride is specifically to raise money for cancer research at Roswell Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. So far, I’ve raised nearly $4,000. That is one of the reasons why it was so important for me to do my first training ride in Manhattan.
Typically, on Long Island, I ride the path from Cedar Creek to Captree on Long Island. It’s flat but notoriously windy. The wind can mess with your confidence, making you feel like you’re not good enough. But I keep pushing through.
Taking the Scott Addict for a Spin
This week, I decided to ride in the city. My Scott Addict bike had been sitting in Manhattan for months, practically brand new. I’d only ridden it once on Long Island. With the weather finally warming up, it was time to take it out. My first training ride in Manhattan was about to begin, and I felt equal parts nervous and excited. More nervous than excited, but I keep reminding myself that I can’t just dream it, I need to be it!
A Stressful Night
I was anxious about riding the Scott in the city. I’ve heard countless stories of cyclists getting hit by cars, and I’ve even witnessed it myself. It’s not a pleasant experience, especially when I think about trying my first Manhattan training ride.
The night before, I tossed and turned, worrying about the ride. Which roads should I take to cross town? Where are the bike lanes? I did my research, but it didn’t feel like enough. I was also nervous about tackling Harlem Hill. It’s steep, and I didn’t feel ready. With the Empire State Ride coming up in July, I knew I needed to get comfortable with climbing for my first training ride in Manhattan.
Another concern was whether to wear sneakers or clip-in cycling shoes. My Wahoo Speedplay pedals aren’t ideal for sneakers, but I thought they might be better for stop-and-go traffic. I packed my cycling shoes in a backpack, planning to switch once I got to the park so my first training ride in Manhattan would be safer and smoother.
Riding Through Manhattan
I aimed for an early start and was out by 6:30 a.m. The sun was up, and the streets were relatively quiet. Maneuvering the bike through the hall, service elevator, and stairs was challenging. But my husband showed me a trick—putting my back to the door—which made it easier. It was all part of the adventure that came with my first training ride in Manhattan.
Once outside, I quickly realized that using the Speedplay pedals as flat pedals wasn’t working. I switched to my cleats and immediately felt more comfortable.
I rode to 55th Street and crossed town. It wasn’t as bad as I’d feared. There were small bike lanes, and I stayed hyper-aware of cars and pedestrians. From 55th and Sutton Place, I made my way to 55th and 6th, where I found a bike lane that led me straight into Central Park at 59th and 6th.
Navigating Central Park As Part of My First Training Ride in Manhattan
In the park, I rode the loop but accidentally turned off too soon, ending up on the bridle path with its shell-and-dirt surface. It wasn’t ideal, but I managed. I stopped to ask for directions, and an older man advised me to head to 96th Street, follow the footpath to the west side, and rejoin the route. Later, I learned there’s a crossover at 102nd Street, which would have been more convenient. Navigating these paths was a highlight of my first training ride in Manhattan.
The Final Stretch
I considered a longer ride but decided to keep it short and save my energy for another day. Exiting the park at 59th Street and 7th Avenue, I found a bike lane that took me to 54th Street. However, 54th Street lacked a bike lane and was packed with rush-hour traffic. I didn’t feel safe, so I rode on the sidewalk at a cautious 5 mph. Thankfully, there weren’t many pedestrians. All things considered, this first training ride in Manhattan was a test of my patience and perseverance.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, I’m ready for my next city adventure. This year is going to be full of riding, and I can’t wait to share more of my journey. My First Training Ride in Manhattan taught me a lot and gave me confidence. Stay tuned!