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 rides and walks page 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 tushes get tired after many hours on a bike.
• Stretch, stretch, stretch! Before, during and after the ride

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. Tires should be firm, not squishy.

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 insure 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.

• 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. Adirondeck 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).

Click Here for more resources about cycling in New York City.