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!