Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I register for this event?

A. Your best bet is to register online. You may also register by downloading and printing our registration form (PDF) or by having one mailed to you. Return the completed form with payment to Transportation Alternatives by mail or fax. For $5 over the late registration fee, you may also register the morning of the ride at the start area near 110th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard in Central Park starting at 5:30 am or at Prospect Park starting at 6 am.[up]

Q. How do I find out if I am a member?

A. T.A. members save $10 on the cost of registration. If you're not sure if your membership is current, email membership@transalt.org or call 212-629-8080. (Due to high call volume near the date of the event it may take a day or two to receive a response by phone).[up]

Q. Do you offer refunds?

A. No. The NYC Century Bike Tour is a fundraising event for Transportation Alternatives, your advocate for bicycling, walking and public transportation. As such we unfortunately cannot offer refunds. In extreme situations it may be possible to arrange for you to apply your payment to next year's ride. [up]

Q. Where can I rent a bike?

A. Here is a list of some bike shops that offer bike rentals. You can also see a full list of T.A. member discount shops here and call one close to you to inquire about rentals. [up]

Q. What do I do if my ride packet does not arrive in time?

A. If you register before August 19th, you'll receive a ride guide and bib in the mail in early September. If your ride packet gets lost in the mail you may come to the T.A. offices on Saturday September 11th, 2010 between 10 am - 2 pm to pick up your ride guide and bib. You may also pick up your bib on ride day. Please bring ID. [up]

Q. Can I pick up a cuesheet in advance?

A. No. NYC streets are extremely dynamic. We are constantly checking and rechecking the route until the very last minute to ensure that your path is free from construction, debris and anything else that might block your way. Therefore we can only hand out the cuesheets on ride day to registered riders. [up]

Q. What time does the ride start?

A. Your start time depends on which route you are riding and where you are beginning the tour. The Central Park start area will open at 5:30 am and Prospect Park will open at 6 am for people who need to register and or pick up their bibs.

Riders will be released in Central Park at the following times:

6 am 100 mile route
6:30 am 75 mile route
7 am 55 mile route
7:30 am 35 mile route
8 am 15 mile route

Riders will be released from Prospect Park at the following times:
6:30am 100-milers route
7 am 75-milers route
7:30 am 55-milers route
8 am 35-milers route
Please note that there is no Brooklyn start for the 15-mile route.
[up]

Q. Where does the ride start?

A. The ride has two different start locations. You can pick the location that is most convenient for you (if you registered before ride day, you will have to commit to your start location): Central Park Start is at the north end of Central Park. Riders should enter the start area at 110th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard. There will be an express start area for riders who already have their bibs. [up]

Prospect Park Start is at the Willink Drive, near the Carousel, located by the intersection of Empire Boulevard and Flatbush Avenue. Riders should enter the start area by entering the park at Grand Army Plaza and riding the loop to the carousel. There will be an express start area for riders who already have their bibs. [up]

Q. Where does the ride finish?

A. Rides finish in either Prospect Park or Central Park, except the 15-mile route which MUST start in Central Park and MUST finish in Prospect Park. Riders are welcome to return to Central Park via subway to enjoy the festivities there. [up]

Q. Will there be food and drink provided on the tour?

A. All of our rest stops are stocked with snacks and water. If you wish to have a full lunch you might want to bring some extra money, you will be passing by many delicious eateries along the way. Central Park will offer light snacks, such as fruit, while all of the other rest stops offer heartier snacks [up]

Q. Will there be mechanical support on the tour?

A. There will be trained mechanics at all of the rest stops. They will be equipped to fix minor issues and flat tires. We recommend that all riders bring at least one patch kit and a spare tube or two, since there are a wide variety of bikes on the tour our mechanics might not have the exact tube your bike requires. If you have a major mechanical problem, our rest stop captains and marshals will direct you to the nearest bike shop that will be better equipped to help you. [up]

Q. Will there be rest rooms along the route?

A. There will be rest rooms at the start/finish area and at all of the rest stops. [up]

Q. Is there a SAG wagon?

A. In keeping with our mission to promote alternative transportation the NYC Subway serves as our sag wagon. A marshal or rest stop captain can point you to the nearest stop along the route. The Emergency Medical Rescue of NY is on call to provide first aid at all rest stops. If you have an emergency along the way or if you observe an emergency please call 911 to receive the quickest possible care. [up]

Q. Where should I stay?

A. Here are a few hotels near the starting line. There are a wide variety of hotels in New York for almost every budget and taste. Your best bet might be to go through an online site or travel agent who might be able to find you special rates. We do not currently have a hotel sponsor though if you work for a hotel and would like to be our sponsor please contact us! [up]
Submitted by ali on June 28, 2007 - 2:26pm.