A PEAK FALL COLORS RIDE! Be a part of the inaugural edition of "NATHANIEL'S HOOK" (40-45 miles) Saturday, October 18, 2008. Conveniently starting from 242 & Broadway (Van Cortland Park) and ending at the last stop on the #4 train. (An add-on ride will probably return to Van Cortland Park from Woodlawn) A new, original ride by 5 BBC Ride Leader John Chiarella deep into lower Westchester County where he will deftly demonstrate "Nathaniel's Hook" for your edification....(and avoid nearly every hill in that county!) "A remarkable sojourn of my own devising over a new and unique closed circuit, ladies and gentlemen, much of which will be amidst sylvan splendor and all of which will be pedaled over fully-Macadamized surfaces in order to enhance your riding experience... It has been estimated by means of the most up-to-date scientific devices and methods that the day's course will feature 68.3% off-street riding through forested areas with WITH FALL'S VIBRANT COLORS AT THEIR PEAKS! There will be "soft, (but firm) B-paced" cycling and the opportunity for participants to purchase / consume a mid-day repast will be presented. Weather conditions will dictate "dine-in-restaurant" or "purchase-ride-dine al fresco with a legend" options at the Leader's sole discretion.. Newbie riders with untried legs and untested machines are strongly urged to seek the day's entertainment elsewhere. See! Westchester County's Fall colors at their peak! SEE! Westchester County rendered FLAT (nearly...and the first mile doesn't count!)) SEE!: Potatoes that morph into lifeless skulls! SEE!: The enormous 8-ton typo! SEE! A professional magician demonstrate the world record for holding one's breath! SEE!: Yourself dining with a legend or two...but no "2" ! SEE!: A crummy restaurant in a Scandinavian paradise and a handball court that dwarfs that of the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza!...and all within the space of 2 minutes time! SEE!: A Finger screwed to a bench! RIDE!: The amazing "Lightning Loops"!" Meet: 9:45 AM at 242nd on the East side of Broadway What to Bring: Helmet Well-tuned NYC Street-legal bicycle with its tires inflated to the pressure indicated on its sidewall. Well-honed urban cycling skills Two (2) spare inner tubes Tire Pump Patch Kit Tire irons Money / electronic plastic for lunch and contingencies Cell phone Camera One (1) regulation Major League-type baseball (optional). One (1) red rose (We will be commemorating an old injustice in order to shame the heartless perpetrator!) ID and Health Insurance card MTA Bike Pass (if you have one) and a bungee cord Liquid sustenance of a volume not less than two pints Snacks Analgesics, pharmaceuticals, lotions and potions as necessary. The unfettered spirit of cooperation accompanied by a sunny disposition and the ability to gladly and generously subordinate one's own needs to those of the group...without complaint. The ride shall be canceled under the following conditions: Chance of rain 70% or greater SUSTAINED winds from any quarter greater than 16 miles an hour The death or disability of John T. Chiarella HOW TO GET TO THE START POINT BY SUBWAY: Take the 1 Train to Van Cortlandt Park-242 Street / Broadway stop. (Check for MTA weekend maintenance "weirdness") BY BICYCLE: Ride up Broadway to 242nd Street (East side of Broadway) at Van Cortland Park. BY AUTOMOBILE: Major Deegan Expressway (I-87) to Exit 11; Van Cortland Park South (leaves you three blocks away). Park in the Mosholu Golf Course parking lot (the road in runs northwards from Van Cortland Park South at "Bailey" ). It's attended and it's only $2.00 for all day! ("Excuse me, can you direct me to the Clubhouse?" (It's next to the clubhouse). John T. Chiarella (Fixer3@aol.com) RETURN TO 5BBC DAY TRIPS PAGE http://5bbc.org/rides.shtml#upcoming