I posted on this a while ago (other thread) and now it’s happening. My wife’s company is relocating us to NYC and as a result of corporate assistance we’ll likely be living in a far nicer apartment in manhattan than we could EVER afford were the rent completely up to us … we’re looking most heavily at upper east/west sides to be close to central park, but there are some very nice apartments available in Chelsea and the Village …
… that said, I will be moving all my belongings including my lovely, barely ridden 2009 P3 to THE city. what I’m wondering is, now that I’ve got this beautiful new tri bike, will I be an outcast in the cycling circles for not being astride a pure road bike? I’m bringing along my beater roadie for daily use, but I intend to ride the Cervelo as much as possible. For those in the area, how’s that going to work? Can anyone point me to tri-friendly rides? I’m familiar with the long island and westchester county from my work-travel to the area but i’m feeling a bit overwhelmed at trying to sort out some kind of normal routine …
thanks in advance …
… i guess I’ll have to change my handle … hmmm, TomManhattan sounds a little too watchmen-y … ?
NYC is awsome. I live in the South east now and have trained all over the country, colorado, oregon, all over and I think NYC is one of the best except the bike part is hard but I am more a of trainer guy any way the running there ROCKS. look up http://www.agtri.com/asphalt/index.aspx they are AWSOME!!! Enjoy NYC is one of the coolest places in the world. Lots of KONA guys up there. Go swim and run with the agtri guys they are awsome.
Welcome to NYC. Most Tri guys do laps in Central Park and other workouts (Bricks, Hill Repeats, etc.). Some guys also trek up to NJ for much longer rides and also use the West Side Hwy bike path. Might make sense for you to hook up with a Tri club to get up to speed but its not necessary. Some clubs (Just a sample):
Terrier Tri
Asphalt Green
SBR
Tri Life
You will not have any issues with your bike as some of the guys ride very high end bikes…I ride a Cervelo also.
Welcome to NYC. As others have said, you won’t really stand out too much with a P3. During my training run last Friday, I saw tons of tons of uber-high end bikes. The Roark I got to ogle was particularly sweet.
As for clubs, I personally race with Green Storm. But there are lots of clubs out there, just depends on the atmosphere you’re looking for.
I live in the E. Village, and my weekend long ride is down the E side bike path to the Ferry, where I hook up with the W. side hwy path up to like 95th street, cross over into the park, then hit the 10k outer loop. One lap of that is like 25 miles. Never done the ride upstate on 9W, but it’s a favorite of a lot of guys I know.
Dont worry you will be in good (10,000,00 bikes) company going around the park in circles. Just like nascar. Left side of your tires are going to wear out first. Maybe you can flip them around and get double the life out of them. Kidding, good luck and I hope you enjoy the new place. Lots of tri’s and places to ride right over the bridge in Jersey.
no no no … not b/c i’ve got an expensive bike … i’m certain it’s as passe there as it is on ST. What I mean is b/c I’ll be riding a Tri bike and not a road bike … i’m cool on the group ride rules and etiquette, etc but still not everyone likes to ride with guys on tri bikes
Can’t speak to the groups down here but if they have a problem it’s their’s not yours.
I know the group I ride with, in rockland county, could give 2 shits. All they want to do is ride. Equipment doesn’t matter. I’m sure you can find a similar group. Even in NYC.
see, this is good … how is living in the village? we’re scheduled to go look at some very cool loft-type apartments in the village and chelsea … but we’re maybe thinking that living near CP would feel a little more residential and relaxing … and right now, despite the fact that i live in downtown baltimore, i have 2 parking spots and can throw my bike on or in one of our cars and drive till it looks good to ride … that will not be the case in NYC … so i’m concerned with how long it’ll take me to get out of the NEIGHBORHOOD on a bike …!
Parking in NYC as a whole is tough! I would think parking in the Central Park vicinity would be much easier (a lot of side streets). Maybe you guys can get a apartment (in the village) with a parking space. It would be a trek to get to Central Park from the village on a bike (previous poster submitted his route). The Village would put you near the West Side hwy bike/running path. I would check out apts in both areas. There is a huge difference in neighborhood make-up (village vs. upper manhattan) which will play into your decision process.
Left side of your tires are going to wear out first.
that’s funny…
look, i lived on the upper west side for a while.
i liked living in NYC, and it’s great for bike commuting. but for real riding, i can’t imagine being satisfied with laps around central park. if you’re going to live near the park, do so for the running and, possibly, the access to GWB.
i know your (OP’s) situation is different - you’ve got the bike, now you’re moving to the city.
i can’t imagine having one of those super fancy schmancy bikes i’ve seen in central park, if those riders got the bike just for the central park loop and that’s all the riding they get to do.
I’m also in E. Village. Its a great neighborhood and pretty easy to get over to the west side greenway which makes for a more trouble free path up to CP or to the GW bridge then 9W. Sometimes I’ll just follow one of the main avenues up to CP if I’m a bit short on time to fit in a ride.
If I could find a west side apartment closer to CP in my price range I’d definitely take that over my current location for training purposes.
As for the tri bike, I haven’t found anyone to have any problems with my p3c as long as you follow the same riding etiquette as the roadies.
Can’t speak to the groups down here but if they have a problem it’s their’s not yours.
I know the group I ride with, in rockland county, could give 2 shits. All they want to do is ride. Equipment doesn’t matter. I’m sure you can find a similar group. Even in NYC.
If you’re looking for a tri team with this laid back attitude, definitely check out GSR (gsrteam.com). Fast guys, but very chill.
No, especially in NYC. Plenty folks that don’t have the skills but the cash for upmarket tribikes.
Welcome.
Forget Chelsea - I prefer UWS over UES but I can’t judge on the swimming. Access for running (CP and Riverside) as well as for cycling (CP and GWB) much better from UWS.
Chelsea and the Village are very different neighborhoods than the Upper East or Upper West side. Personally, I love the Upper West Side, but it’s not for everyone. Try to make a trip up there and get a feel for the neighborhoods, yourself. I love hanging out in the Village, but I wouldn’t necessarily want to live there. Just my personal preference.
I say Upper West Side for access to CP and the GW bridge to NJ, if your main criteria is riding.
