Lost in Manhattan

Dim and I went for a two hour ride on Sunday. It was my first back since having a cold (cough cough). Dim ran a half marathon that morning.

We met shortly after 10 and took off to do a perimeter route around Manhattan. Well, that was our plan. Perhaps such a ride is no problem for experienced Manhattanites, but for two that moved here only months ago and both of whom are directionally challenged, well...

We took off up the west side. At the end of the trail, we climbed Riverside Drive. We had heard rumors of a trail up the Harlem river, so set off down 125th St and other eastish/westish streets. Finding the intersection to the FDR and Harlem River drives, we sought out bike paths and bike signs. Wandering aimlessly, we found a bridge the seemed to link to a bike path on the other side. We crossed, looked around and figured out that perhaps the bridge over the river was a mistake. Queens? Where in Manhattan is Queens? Back over the bridge we went.

Giving up on going north, I suggested south. I knew there was a ride that way. So south we went, crossing 125th St for the fourth or fifth time. At about 116th St, we headed over to the FDR to see if we could find the trail. That's when I heard the sound ---pffffffft. Flat tire. I had a tube, but no tire levers.

OK, there are times show tunes run through my brain. This time, I heard A Chorus Lin. "Today, we're going to do IMPROVISATION!" Using keys as tire levers, we managed to change my tube. The tire looks like it has some wear, so I may decide to get new before the ride. We kinda inflated the tire and took off.

After travelling south, and feeling my tire going flat again, we broke off after about 2 1/2 hours, went home, showered and have brunch.

Tonight I get to fix the tire again.

Yay for Team Google!

Hello All- Christina here, or Eggs, as some call me. I led a ride to River Road last weekend and had the pleasure of meeting Dimitria, who invited me to join Team Google.

While I don't work at Google (I was an Amazonian for 4 years) it feels great to be a part of a team! I love riding my bike and enjoy spending time with others who do as well.

This is my third summer doing a tour and there's no doubt it will likely be the most fulfilling one yet. Please donate to Team Google and help this amazing cause. I'll keep you updated on my training progress.

Thank you! ~Christina