Today was one of Neile's "WTF" rides (um, Winter Training and Fun) and I got on the invite list by virtue of being a SIG leader. I decided to give it a try even though the last time I wanted to do one of Neile's rides, I was disallowed by virtue of being too slow on hills. Such is life. Challenges are me. Thank you New Zealand.
Another friend had wanted to ride to Nyack, but I told her I felt like doing this ride because "it seems like something different. Like New Zealand." OK, maybe not exactly like New Zealand. OK, maybe not remotely like New Zealand. I did entertain myself my replaying that thought over and over during the first section of the ride, which consisted of 10 miles of kamikaze style racing through some of the least attractive and most potholey areas in all of New York City. New Zealand, indeed. Still, the concept of doing something different was the defining factor.
This is one of those rides where the Surly CrossCheck really excels. (Really, the beast excels on any ride. But this is one of them.) It's artful, swift and nimble in dodging all those city potholes and still managing a smooth(ish) ride. Indestructible. Then on smooth road, it rides like a dream. The only challenge is hills (the steel, rack, fenders and fat tires make for a heavy ride) (plus I didn't get the triple, and should have) ... on top of my inability anyway to climb. But that's OK -- it just makes for better training and I'll feel that much better when back on the Tarmac.
The ride was quite a study in contrasts. From some truly gritty sections of NYC, up to some of the most glorious sections of Westchester with absolutely beautiful (also absolutely huge) houses, especially in the Harrison area. Who lives in these places??!! And this was the grungy leftover snow-covered version. I need to go back in green or gold season.
No photos (again) but here's a Garmin link. Bear in mind that average speed and "moving time" include time moving around in restaurants and pit stops.
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