A wonderful riding day was had by the approximately 30,000 bicyclists who rode the 5BBT today under sunny skies. Yes I know that many stick your noses up in the air and say it isn't for real cyclists but it is a blast and should be experienced by all at least once. It's truly the best way to see NYC.
Down to business, spotted today several nice Colnagos, a 70's Atala (I thought of Sal Corso and Stuyvesant bike shop as we crossed 14th street), a Pinarello and a surprisingly nice Miyata Professional. Lots of lugged steel around. A highlight was a 1974 Raleigh Professional track bike in its original reddish maroon paint with a wild campy nr chainring. The inner aspect of the chainring had been ground away except they left a diamond, club, heart and spade. The rest of the bikes components were non original and ot but I tried to convince him of the wisdom of replacing them with period correct stuff while he was on the SI ferry and couldn't escape!
The classiest bike I saw was a gray with contrasting black headtube Jamie Swan which was coincidentally being ridden by Jamie Swan.
Next year is the rides 30th anniversary and as one of the organizers, I would love to convince a contingent of CR folk to come with mid 70's bikes or to have a display of bikes at the end of the ride. Last year we had a traveling museum (large trailer) and the lines to see the old bikes were long. A tent or other arrangements could be made! If anyone is interested in the concept talk to me. Maybe BVVW could coordinate and show off their spiffy jerseys!
Len Diamond
Ridgewood, NJ