Your Body

• Eat and drink well before Ride Day.
• Get out and ride! Or, run, swim or skate -- anything to get in shape. See our Biking Rules events for a list of other NYC-area rides.
• Consider investing in a pair of padded bike shorts. Not into lycra? Look for new styles that aren't form-fitting. Even the toughest behinds get tired after many hours on a bike.
• Stretch, stretch, stretch! At every rest stop!

Your Bike / ABC Quick Check

Treat your bike to a full tune-up before Ride Day. Nothing is worse than starting the ride only to discover that something is wrong with your bike. Visit one of the many T.A.-supporting bike shops. Join T.A. and use your membership card to get a discount! A bike shop can also help you make sure that your bike fits; small seat adjustments can do wonders. Make sure that your tires are fully inflated. Don't go by "feel." Get a gauge and check the tire for the recommended p.s.i. Refer to the ABC Quick Check for a short once-over of your bike.

1. A is for air

• Inflate tires to rated pressure as listed on the sidewall of the tire.
• Use a pressure gauge to insure proper pressure.
• Check for damage to tire tread and sidewall; replace if damaged.

2. B is for brakes

• Inspect pads for wear; replace if there is less than ¼" of pad left.
• Check pad adjustment; make sure they do not rub tire or dive into spokes.
• Check brake level travel; at least 1" between bar and lever when applied.

3. C is for cranks, chain and cassette

• Make sure that your crank bolts are tight; lube the threads only, nothing else.
• Check your chain for wear; 12 links should measure no more than 12 1/8 inches.
• If your chain skips on your cassette, you might need a new one or just an adjustment.

4. Quick is for quick releases

• Hubs need to be tight in the frame; your quick release should engage at 90°.
• Your hub quick release should point back to insure that nothing catches on it.
• Inspect brake quick releases to ensure that they have been re-engaged.

5. Check is for check it over

• Take a quick ride to check if derailleurs and brakes are working properly.
• Inspect the bike for loose or broken parts; tighten, replace or fix them.
• Pay extra attention to your bike during the first few miles of the ride.

Where to Stay

Suggested Hotels Near the Starting Point in Central Park:

• Hostel International of New York, 891 Amsterdam Ave at 103rd St, 212-932-2300, "We offer clean, modern coed and separate male/female dormitory style accommodation (four to twelve-bedded rooms) with shared bathrooms in the hallways. Linens, towels, and a housekeeping service are provided free of charge. Private rooms with and without baths are available for your convenience." Rooms start at $29/night.
• On the Ave Hotel 2178 Broadway at 77th St 212-362-1100 or 1-800-509-7598 "On the Ave, New York's distinctive Upper West Side hotel, benefits from the cultural climate of its neighbors: Breathtaking views are enjoyed by all because one of the many special features that sets off ON THE AVE hotel is the guest-access balcony on the 16th Floor. Adirondack chairs and special patio-scaping provide an exclusive retreat above the bustle of the city in this authentic neighborhood hotel. Sophisticated interiors with sumptuous linens, high-speed Internet, and extra amenities match." Rooms start at $300/night.
• Belleclaire Hotel 250 West 77th St at Broadway 212-362-7700 or 877-468-3522 "Set in the heart of the romantic upper west side, the Belleclaire is within walking distance of the bustling mid-town and even closer with nearby public transportation." Starting at $139 (w/shared bath).

Suggested hotels near the Starting Point in Prospect Park:

• Lefferts Manor Bed and Breakfast 80 Rutland Road, Brooklyn, NY 347-351-9065 A homey, affordable alternative to a Manhattan or Brooklyn Hotel. A Brooklyn Bed & Breakfast with country charm. We have tastefully furnished rooms in our Historic Brooklyn Bed & Breakfast. We personally serve a sumptuous breakfast every morning and hold your hand before you head out to enjoy the wonders of Brooklyn & New York City! Let us pamper you in our Brooklyn home while you visit Brooklyn and Manhattan and all of New York City.
• Serenity at Home 57 Rutland Road, Brooklyn, NY 11225 347-414-5536 Experience the grandeur of this beautiful Bed and Breakfast in the serene and historic section of Brooklyn New York, Lefferts Manor, located 20 minutes from Manhattan, and walking distance from the world famous Grand Army Plaza Library, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Museum of Art and the renown Prospect Park. Serenity at Home Guest House, you can rent an entire floor or several rooms while on vacation in New York City. This pre-war style beauty has original details, modern amenities, and a touch of elegance mixed with the owner's personal artistic touch. Whatever you decide, your vacation or business stay will be warm and memorable!

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