Poetry Bruce.

Did everyone escape from Bear Mountain?

Anyone keen for a morning ride if snow holds off?

JohnMalcolmson said:

Poetry Bruce.

Did everyone escape from Bear Mountain?

Anyone keen for a morning ride if snow holds off?

Five of us made the full experience.  Patrick G, Greg Hoge, Richard Kaufmann, James Reeder, and moi.

Greg took the mileage prize, 126mi.  Richard 2nd at 117.  I was third at 104.  

We had to walk for about a mile-and-a-half, because I thought the Jones Point Bike Path would be a wiser decision than climbing 9W north over Dunderberg.  It might have been warm for the past several days, but the path is in the shade and doesn't get plowed in the winter.  And when we got to the end, we got buzzed by cars speeding and tailgating.  

Many stories to tell.  And many different rides.  Bruce left us in Palisades, NY.  Eloy and Mark headed back from the edge of West Nyack.  Adam turned back in Saddle River.  Matt B, Colin, and Alexander stopped with a flat at the Spook Rock and headed back from there.  

I'm posting Greg's 127-mile ride.  https://www.strava.com/activities/6673938751

Patrick and James have pictures.

14 at the GWB , let’s hope the is the rebirth of the group ride 

Mark Taylor said:

14 at the GWB , let’s hope the is the rebirth of the group ride 

How was your ride back?  Didn't get too lost I hope.

I hope it wasn't 14.  I only have 12 counted.  Whom did I miss?

We started with 12. I originally miscounted 14 while we were moving. Not always easy to count while moving. 

Bruce penning ride reports in Feb is like Groundhog not seeing his shadow the cycling season - it bodes well indeed!

Also, sounds awesome I wish I was there.

mugwump said:

Mark Taylor said:

14 at the GWB , let’s hope the is the rebirth of the group ride 

How was your ride back?  Didn't get too lost I hope.

I hope it wasn't 14.  I only have 12 counted.  Whom did I miss?

Ride back was great , easy to find our way home 
, I said 14 , because Patrick told me 14 , and I believed everything he tells me😂

here are some pics. my total miles: 99.97.

Went out for a bit today and it was very wet and cold, so I’m glad we ended up going out yesterday. 

Bump.

The Super Bowl is February 12 this year.  

for those not familiar with Kissena traditions, this thread should have what you need to know about this one.

As Matt wrote last year:  "Seeing the swarm of Kissena’s like yee olden days was great. Let’s play bikes with friends more often!"

Bump.

This is rapidly approaching. 

I’m away that weekend
enjoy

Weather is looking promising. I’ll likely join for a portion of it 

Count me in!

Sunday 8am @ Brooklyn Bridge. 9am @ GWB.  Let's get a solid crew out and have a good time with friends.

Here's a route from last year: 
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41955866

You don't need to do the full route.  I know there are already a few folks who are planning on turning back early.  Don't let the distance scare you away from getting out.  This is a great opportunity to jump start your fitness for the season.

Notes and Reminders:

• Make sure you bring tubes and CO2/pump
• We will be stopping for food on the way back, but bring plenty to eat for the day. There's nothing worse than bonking when you're 40+ miles from home.
• Wear layers.  The weather is looking like it'll start chilly but warm up a bit.  Being able to bundle up for the descent down Bear is crucial. 
• Check your bike and gear before Sunday morning.  Make sure everything is work well and rolling smooth.

Let's ride bikes.

Hey, I can’t make the Super Bowl ride. Can everyone please take a lot of (good) photos and videos for me to post on Monday on the Kissena socials?

Will be at BB at 8. Feel free to ping me if you’re planning on being there. 646.209.5515

Seemed like we started with a big crew.  I don't seem to remember everyone who showed, but there should be photographic evidence popping up soon.  

Still an unseasonably warm February.  it was a tough call in terms of what to wear--starting called for a winter jacket, but if the weather prediction held, that could be uncomfortably warm come 1pm, at least that's how I read it.  I dressed so I'd be warm but not hot if the prediction held at 1pm.  

We took the low road an were more-or-less taking it easy until Malcolmson started winding it up for the stateline.  While I didn't help in this today, I do want us to take this KoM.  We've currently got several Kissena's and ex-kissenas in the top 20.  https://www.strava.com/segments/831369?filter=overall

At Piermont Malcolmson and Eloy and perhaps a few others turned off.

We rode west to Saddle River, and then north to Rockland Community.  Patrick and Adam turned for home by Sandyfields at the foot of Harriman

Down to six, we kept on.  Because it's winter, a boulder was just sitting on the road not far past the 'no drones' sign on Perkins.  At least there was no ice.  Atop Bear, we didn't have much time to ask someone to take our picture as Andrew and Brett needed to hustle to get to Peekskill to catch their train (I assume you guys made it, how was the ride from the Bear Mountain Bridge?  Did you enjoy the drop to Peekskill?  Find the path I was telling you about?).

In Tompkins Cove, Matt realized he didn't have time to stop if he was going to make it home in time for the rest of his afternoon--driving to NYC and wings were involved--so he went ahead. (Matt, saw your route home; looks like it might have been the fastest way).

Greg, Richard, and I availed ourself of the Tompkins Cove Deli.  They got sandwiches.  It was overcast, but neither windy, nor cold.  

Legs were tired, but the mind was powerful.  Once we get to Rockland Lake, it's only four hills between there and the GWB.  We made it over the hills without cramping, so pretty much the Scout camp marks the end of the ride's hard efforts.  Of course, that's still 10 miles from the GWB.  And another 12 miles or more for Greg, our mileage king of the day.

We made it back in good spirits, I think.  Now it's time to eat some nachos and watch commercials.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8551702210

Fun day. Matt destroyed state line. Coffee at Piermont with Eloy. It seems the God’s of the Super Bowl ride were angered by our lack of gumption and had proceeded to set fire to the GWB bike path. Really. We defiantly Uber’d to Manhattan shaking our fists at the heavens. 

It was a great day out- JP's routes north never fail to keep it interesting and hard without putting you too deep in the red.

We had a pretty spirited climb up perkins after the gate. JP, Greg, Brett and I set out at a pretty brisk pace and we kept ramping up and up as it seemed like no one wanted to be the one to get dropped first. I think Brett cracked first, then Greg and then JP and I fought it out to the top. The descent was also real spicy. JP and Greg looked super pro taking racing lines all the way down.

@mugwump my wahoo sent me this way but I think West Clarkstown Road to Passcack may be slightly quicker since you avoid some of the traffic and lights in Spring Valley. I got home about a half hour late and .8 miles short of the full century

BUMP!

Sunday, February 11, 2024 is the Big Day.  

We get out as a gang and ride an interesting route to the top of Bear Mountain (conditions permitting), grab a snack in Tompkins Cove, and return.  

Time to start training.  For those who haven't done this before, it's a bucket list kind of thing.  For those who have, you're never going to fill that bucket if you don't come out for this ride.  

Tons of stories and intelligence found on the previous pages.  Noobs should scan through and ask any questions you don't see answered.  

Bump!

If you haven't started getting your miles on, know you can bail after climbing Bear by going to either the Peekskill or Cold Spring Metro North stations.

I'm excited about this! Bear Mtn R/T from the city has been a major bucket list item for me since I started cycling. I also still have never done an imperial century. (I didn't have my mile counter turned on and ending up doing 97 on the summer wormhole with JP

I'm planning on driving to GW so I can focus on the miles to and from Bear and then rest up and drink beers at a superbowl party.

I'm hoping it's not TOO cold. My muscles get really tight in extreme cold. 40/50 lows is more my cup of tea.

Will join for a bit but my endurance is shot so will feel it out and drop if I start sliding off the back.

Thoughts on starting even a half hour earlier? 

DavidVibert said:

I'm excited about this! Bear Mtn R/T from the city has been a major bucket list item for me since I started cycling. I also still have never done an imperial century. (I didn't have my mile counter turned on and ending up doing 97 on the summer wormhole with JP

I'm planning on driving to GW so I can focus on the miles to and from Bear and then rest up and drink beers at a superbowl party.

I'm hoping it's not TOO cold. My muscles get really tight in extreme cold. 40/50 lows is more my cup of tea.

David where do you live/are you driving from? I was considering ubering to GWB for the same reason. I’m in Greenpoint so it’s ~13mi to GWB for me. David if you’re close/it’s not too much trouble could I ride with you? 

definitely can't do the whole thing this year, but hoping to be able to join for at least part of it

A few notes: 

There are multiple ways to modulate the length of the ride. Turning back early is one of them (I did that last year). If you want the full experience take a train to the GWB and back to keep the total at just below a century. If you want to climb Bear but aren't in shape for a century in the cold: take JP's suggestion of catching a train back from Peekskill.

It's too early to know the weather, but this is a good time to make sure that your bike and clothing are ready for the SuperBowl ride. Greg posted the following useful reminders last year:


Notes and Reminders:

• Make sure you bring tubes and CO2/pump
• We will be stopping for food on the way back, but bring plenty to eat for the day. There's nothing worse than bonking when you're 40+ miles from home.
• Wear layers.  The weather is looking like it'll start chilly but warm up a bit.  Being able to bundle up for the descent down Bear is crucial. 
• Check your bike and gear before Sunday morning.  Make sure everything is work well and rolling smooth.

Check that your tires are in good shape. You are better off with new(ish) tires with a heavier casing than race tires that have gotten flat in the center of the tread because you've ridden them for the past 12 months. If you are unsure about your bike's condition post questions in the forum, hit up a teammate, or head to Ride Brooklyn and have a mechanic check out your bike. Good preparation helps ensure a great experience for everyone

For those who haven't been on this before, a suggestion.  Get in at least 100 miles this weekend, possibly with the longer one being 60-70 miles.  While endurance riding might not always seem that challenging, the fatigue can really knock you out.  

Blake: I’m coming from south Brooklyn by the Verrazano bridge and have trouble getting up super early, so I don’t know if I’ll have time to detour to green point, sorry! But maybe I can pick you up at BB or something? Text me: 631-974-2881