Third ride on my new bike! Today I decided to ride to a friends brunch in the financial district. My real fear with riding the bike was completely realized as I navigated down Broadway dodging taxis, other bikes, open car doors and oblivious pedestrians who love to dart out into the street when they don’t have the right of way (I am guilty of this as well when I walk).

Today I gained a whole new respect for bikers as they have to be consistently aware at all times and unlike cars no one is afraid of stepping out in front of one. I’ve never been hit by a bike but I”m pretty sure it’s not a pleasant experience. So pedestrians I beg you - please stop walking in the bike lane and please stand on the sidewalk when  waiting for the light to change. I know I’m not a car but I too can run your ass over. 

Thanks!

I’m known for not liking to leave the island so  everyone was shocked when I announced I was not only going to Brooklyn but riding my bike there. As previously noted, my last bike ride was circa 1986 and it had brakes in the pedals. So learning to ride again on the streets of Manhattan didn’t seem to be such a great idea but I decided to go for the baptism by fire and just go for it.

I printed mapquest directions that told me I could be safely at my destination in 12 minutes (car time) which I translated to 40 minutes bike time. I didn’t quite calculate all the time that I would be pushing the bike so 40 minutes turned into more like 90. 

I finally made it to Park Slope via the Manhattan bridge after a few more bikers gave me clearer directions. I had a hamburger on the chilliest rooftop I’ve ever been on then hopped back on my bike to return to Manhattan. One problem though, I couldn’t remember my route. 3 policeman giving me three different directions later and after convincing an old man to carry my bike up 3 flights of stairs, I finally made it to the brooklyn bridge. Sure I had been looking for the Manhattan bridge but beggars can’t be choosers.

After a long day of riding I was sore and exhausted by oddly exhilarated because I had done something I never thought I would or could do. Next adventure.. tacos in queens!

Warning. I bought a bike today. 

In celebration of the nice weather we had been having I decided to invest a bike. I did my compulsory craigslist search, found one that was in my price range and adorable and headed down to the financial district to pick it up.

What I had forgotten was the most important thing. I haven’t ridden a bike since 1986 and that one had brakes in the pedals.  As I clumsily made my way up John street I realized I might have a problem. Although the bike is cute, it’s very heavy and I couldn’t possibly carry it into the subway and it’s large and wouldn’t fit into a cab.

I was left with 2 options - 1. walk the bike almost three miles from the financial district to the east village or 2. abandon it on the street and take the subway home. My cheap gene intervened and said -Hey lazy, you just spent $300 bones on this bike, you’re pushing it, and push it I did.

2 hours later I arrived in the east village. A little worse for wear but still alive. I decided the only way to salvage the day was to treat myself to a cupcake (ok 2 cupcakes) and to take my new bike out for a spin.

I rode up and down through Tompkins Square Park for over an hour and totally realized that all the pain and aggravation had been worth it. I will say that I’m definitely out of practice and still am not totally comfortable with my hand brakes and almost ran over a dog, and 2 small children.

I am normally a pretty social gal and love nothing more than getting a shoutout from passing friends on the street. A word of warning to all those who do and don’t know me. If you see me on the bike and feel the need to acknowledge me- DON’T. I am easily distracted and can quickly go from coasting to running down innocent bystanders.

All in all a great day of bike riding and cupcakes. Can’t wait to take my new ride out for a real spin in central park and scare small dogs with my bell!

p.s. I’ve created a foursquare check in for my bike. It’s Jenny’s sweet ass ride but only I can check into it!

Thanks @pasakorn @devinTrix for funning up my day. Flowers and pinkberry at the end make it a 10

Pas’ sweet ass ride (@ Pas V-Star w/ @devintrix) http://4sq.com/cUDmKC

Thanks @pasakorn @devinTrix for funning up my day. Flowers and pinkberry at the end make it a 10 http://tweetphoto.com/15194516

Sangria at cloister cafe. Perfect day! http://tweetphoto.com/15157456

RT @devinTrix: Outdoor drinking under a forest canopy #FTW (@ Cloister Cafe w/ @jeneanchapman) http://4sq.com/ceo0Te

I’m at Nino’s Pizza (131 Saint Marks Pl, at Ave A, New York). http://4sq.com/8lbb1g