Summer Streets Bike Ride
New York City this summer has the brilliant idea to close down Park Ave from 72nd street all the way down to the Brooklyn Bridge and allow only pedestrians and cyclists access to the street. It's called Summer Streets, and it's BRILLIANT! Joe and Father Tony have already posted their reviews and photos. The bright blue skies of early morning slowly filled with fluffy white clouds by the time we crossed the Brooklyn Bridge. I waved at America's Next Top Model Cycle 8 winner, Jaslene who was filming something on the bridge. Starving, we ate lunch at 5 Front with the slowest, greenest waiter in the history of New York service employees. Bouncing along the cobblestone streets was a bit of a challenge, but we were rewarded by excellent views of Manhattan, quaint high-end shops and the sad beauty of urban decay and renewal. Our trip took us near the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which has long been allowed to decay behind the US Navy's brick-and-iron walls. Haunted houses are easy to imagine, even though some of the formerly beautiful Victorian homes have large trees growing out of their second floor windows.
We huffed and puffed our way through the Orthodox Jewish area of Williamsburg. I don't think our shorts or exposed arms were appreciated by the black-coated residents but on we went to Long Island City and eventually back across the Queensboro Bridge. Mercifully there was no line at the bike shop when I returned and dropped off my wheels. Home for a quick shower and 5 minute nap - not long enough - before meeting Roadhead and Heather for dinner. I managed to flirt my way from a 45 minute wait down to a 3 minute wait (thanks Jennifer! love you!) at Momofuku Noodle Bar and then drop into Pinkberry with no line. At this point Heather pretty much demanded to be taken to a gay bar, so off we went to Nowhere. Then Beauty Bar. Then BACK to Nowhere!!! What a fun night - but now my wallet is empty.
