It’s a helluva town, and I biked the length of my borough this morning – up to the George Washington Bridge, down to Battery Park City, then home, about 25 miles total, in three hours. It’s the longest ride Maggie and I have taken together. Yay us!

It was a good opportunity to test-drive my garb for the 5 Boro next Sunday. I’m very pleased with the capris I ordered: the material is light and comfortable, they hit just below the knee, and (once I cinched the fit buttons at the waist) they don’t creep or slip. They’re meant to be worn with or without a lightly padded brief. I tried with today, and although I had my doubts about the brief – it seemed like too many moving parts to mesh with my moving parts – everything stayed where it should have.

The day is cool (55º) and partly cloudy so I layered up – thin long-sleeved wicking top, short-sleeved poly/merino jersey, lightly fleece-lined zippered hoodie. Depending on the weather next week, the hoodie may be replaced by a Gore-Tex shell – not as warm, but easier to shed and stash.

The Monkii clip and bottle cage are working well, especially now that I know to move the brake cables away from the clip before unfolding. Fortunately, I figured this out before the cables were damaged.

My old reliable Merrell sneakers are fine. SmartWool micro socks make them even better.

Other things I learned about longish rides:

• I can do them!
• Eat more than a cup of yogurt for breakfast.
• Drink before I get thirsty, and more than I think I need.
• Change hand positions often to avoid numbness. (Much less of a problem than it was.)
• Smile as I bike around ill-behaved people. Somehow it makes them less annoying.
• Relax and have fun.

A few photos snapped along the way…

The 91st Street Garden, Riverside Park

ducks and cherry blossoms

The Little Red Lighthouse under the GW Bridge

Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park, Battery Place

Lady Liberty, from RFW Jr. Park

Battery Park City

in front of the World Financial Center