The Peking's masts are the first to emerge from the night as dawn breaks over Pier 17. Volunteers, having worked throughout the night, are well prepared for the hordes of cyclists that are about to arrive.

Riders arriving at South Street

pre-tour bicycle traffic

One of the more than 5000 riders and volunteers who showed up to "PUT THE BRAKES ON MULTIPLE SCLEROSOS"

Having enjoyed their donated breakfasts, riders begin to form up and head off to their places at one of the three start lines (30, 60 and 100 miles)

Crayon-colored jackets protect the riders from the chilly fall morning.

Riders cranking north on the FDR Drive (Photo by Jim Zisfein)

Heading downtown on The West Side Highway with Trump Town in the background.(Photo by Jim Zisfein)

The last mile on the West Side Highway as the ride transits to the streets of Manhattan(Photo by Jim Zisfein)

Sixty and hundred milers queue up at the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel. (Photo by Jim Zisfein)

...along the Henry Hudson Drive in New Jersey. (Photo by Jim Zisfein)

A vendor hawking "GREAT BREASTS AND PERFECT BUNS" t shirts at the finish line...anything for a good cause,,,I guess...