First time riding with #TeamHFNY? 5 Things to Know

By
Hope for New York

HFNY Staff Whitney Edge (pictured on far left) had never ridden more than 15 miles before she rode in the HFNY Charity Bike Ride. Not only did she finish the 25-mile route… but she had a great time while doing it! Here are 5 things she learned.

  1. "Cycling is a team sport." Mara Abbott said it perfectly. Biking with friends, coworkers, and community makes this ride 100x more fun. So form a team and ride together!
  2. Prepare for the hill! Trying to pedal while rolling backwards is impossible -- and hilarious. But if I had it to do again, I'd definitely join the training rides! It's a great way to meet people and boost your stamina for the ride.
  3. Carbs! At the halfway point-ish, there's a magical place where bikers take a few relaxing minutes to stuff their faces. It's truly an oasis and the fuel needed to finish strong.
  4. Make sure your gear is up to snuff and hold onto your helmet at all times. The morning of the ride I decided to bike across town and then ride the subway up to the starting line. While waiting on the platform, I dropped my helmet into the tracks. Long story short, I got it out with the help of an amazing MTA employee who used a broom to fish it out. And somehow I still made it to the ride.
  5. Just go for it! I had never ridden more than 10-15 miles, but it ended up being easier than I expected. So, if you’re new to distance-riding, this is a great ride to start!

Interested in joining Team HFNY this year and riding for the poor and marginalized on Sept. 24? Training rides have already started, and the rate to ride in Escape New York will go up after August 31! Learn and sign up at hfny.org/bikeride.