Tag: New York City

When was the last time you rode a century? That’s right, 100 miles of just you and your bike on country roads and scenic landscapes. Well, you’ve probably never done a century ride through a major metropolitan city before, specifically New York City.

If you’ve always wanted to see the Big Apple via bicycle and ride through its usually very busy streets and its boroughs, that possibility exists. Every year, the city plays host to the New York Century Bike Tour where thousands of cyclists participate in the one day ride without ever leaving the city.

About the New York Century Bike Tour

The New York Century Bike Tour started in 1990. This one day event is deemed as a unique experience that celebrates “New York City’s vibrant neighborhoods, greenways, and cycling community. For decades, the NYC Century stood as a testament to the transformation of the city’s streets – from a mere handful of bike lanes to over 1,000 miles of cycling infrastructure – powered by the passion of riders and advocates alike.”

The event wasn’t held for the past six years, but when one of the event’s founders passed away in 2022, Roger Herz, it was his wish for the century ride to continue. So, spearheaded by his family and supported by Transportation Alternatives, the New York Century Bike Tour is back on for its 31st tour around the city. Actually, the unofficial name for the ride is the “Roger Herz Memorial NYC Century Bike Tour.”

Route Options For The NYC Century Bike Tour

While this event is promoted as a century ride, you would think that would bring out only the most hardcore roadies to take part. But like many cycling events, the NYC Century Bike Tour is open to everyone and to all age groups.

While the main ride is, in fact, 100 miles, the other options cater to first time cyclists, enthusiasts, and the dedicated athlete.

• Family Funmaker: 15 miles for families, first-time event riders, or anyone who wants a relaxed ride on safe streets with scenic views.
• Casual Explorer: 35 miles for riders who choose their own route and can stop whenever they want. This option traverses three boroughs (Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn) and crosses the Brooklyn and Queensboro bridges.
• City Adventurer: 55 miles where cyclists do a deep dive into what makes NYC unique. It is mostly a flat ride but cyclists should be fit and ready to be out most of the day.
• Coastal Trailblazer: 75 miles that will test your mettle. This route choice, according to the organizers, “…circles far and wide, hugging NYC’s southern coastlines and pushing deep into Brooklyn’s less-traveled neighborhoods. It’s not just a ride — it’s a test of grit, endurance, and exploration…”
• Century Champion: 100 miles, the main event that is for the dedicated athlete and weekend warrior. Cyclists ride “…four boroughs, from greenways to gritty streets, sweeping bridges to waterfront paths. This is America’s only all-urban century ride…”

Cost and What’s Included in Registration

Event rides can get crazy expensive, especially with all the options that ride organizers tend to dangle in front of potential participants. That said, registration cost for the NY Century Bike Tour is reasonable, considering it takes place in a major American city where all kinds of logistical nightmares have to be weighed to put on an event such as this. Your biggest cost will be for accommodations if you are from out of state or traveling internationally for this event.

For $105, a cyclist’s entry fee covers whatever route choice they decide on. That fee includes admission to the ride, a water bottle, a finisher medal, and other surprises! This fee also gives you access to the well-stocked rest stops along whichever route you choose.

Last Thoughts

The NYC Century Bike Tour takes place September 21st, so sign up soon to get your spot reserved. In prior versions of this ride, there were close to 5,000 cyclists. In either case, this looks like a fun ride at a moderate cost for a cycling event. You’ll get to experience areas of New York City that many people don’t normally get to see, even locals.

So, if you’ve always wanted to visit NYC and fantasized about riding around the city by bicycle, here’s your chance to do so in a structured way. Keep in mind, though, this ride occurs on some roads open to traffic, but they will be monitored by event marshals. So, sign up, then arrive early and spend some time in the city before or after the event. New York City has lots to offer every visitor.