I’m getting a bike fit in Central Valley and then staying the weekend with my mom in Ossining. I need to get in 3+hrs on the bike Saturday. Anyone?
Go to the Gimbels ride! It’s the end all and be all of group rides, been goig on forever, total lack of regard for lights, traffic or well being but fun as all get out! From Ossining you could easily ride over to Chappaqua, then down 120 towards white plains and meet the ride…
Going to see Paul Levine?
tell him Taku said hi…
If you call Paul he can also set you up with some local riders too… surely
Thanks Keith. Is there anyone I can contact directly about that ride to find out time, location, speed, etc?
Taku, I’ll tell Paul you said hi. Is your name really Taku or am I going to sound like an idiot when he has no idea what a Taku is?
Basically if you roll down Central Ave in white plains towards yonkers, the group will be coming North somewhere around 8-30, it’s been a while so I forget the exacts…it’s fast, the roll mellow for about an hour the they gruop splits “lovg-vs-short” and the long group hammers out some rollers in chappaqua, mt. kico and armonk…if you know any racer type in the area i guarantee they know the dealio…
if I remember more details I’ll write…
http://usicycling.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=gimbels&action=display&num=1061124961
Welcome to the wonderful world of the Gimbels ride. Here’s some general information that might help you.
General Info:
Gimbels ride has been going on for a looong time (at least 30 yrs or so) and is considered ‘the’ premiere group training ride in the region. The ride attracts upwards of 100 riders or more in warmer weather. It starts at 9:20am from Macy’s dept. store in the Cross County Shopping Center every Saturdays and Sundays but many riders join the ride along the route. People come for this ride from all over and it is not uncommon to see pro riders riding among us. The ride starts up the Central Ave. at slow pace and then it splits into 3 groups at the junction of Rt22 and Rt120 after we pass the Kensico Reservoir; Otto’s ride, Regular ride (also called ‘short ride’), and Long ride. All rides end at ‘Bagels and More’ shop in New Rochelle.
Otto’s Ride:
Named after the chief tribal leader of the Gimbels ride, this ride is the easiest and shortest of the Gimbels ride. It’s a great ride to be introduced into the world of the Gimbels ride and some of the nicest riders you’ll ever meet. The pace and the route is easy, the ride is well organized with anywhere between 10-20 riders, and the group will ride together from the start to the end (no silly attacks on this ride!). If you want to try this ride, come to the Cross County Center on weekends and introduce yourself to a gentleman named ‘Otto’.
Regular (short) ride:
This is an intermediate ride. The pace is quite fast and it can be somewhat nervous at times. Consisting anywhere between 20-50 riders, the group travels up Rt22, Rt.433, and Bedford Road before getting on the same route as the Otto’s ride. It’s still a flat ride except for a short, steep hill named ‘the picket fence’. There will be attacks on this ride as well as 2 sprints. It’s a great ride if you are looking for a short, fast ride.
Long ride:
This is a hilly ride. The group will travel up Rt.120 and Rt.117. During warmer days, this ride is often modified into a ‘extra long ride’ which includes Rt.172 and Rt.22. The pace is fast and the hills will often break the riders into separate groups. Some riders will take the ‘shortcut’ to eliminate the really tough hills and meet back with the group on Rt.22.
Come out and enjoy the ride. But keep in mind that there are no ride leaders to speak of on regular or long rides and they may not wait for you if you get a flat, have a mechanical or get dropped.
Thanks for the info. I’d still like to know how long, what speed and if triathletes are welcome.
I’ve heard tri guys have been showing up regularly (don’t use your bars though), the ride is about 40 miles, to and from ossining would give you a hundey i reckon…the fast guys are fast 24+ avg…