Bicycling: 40 Miles in Tour de Bronx

Wow! What a magnificent day yesterday! I was one of some 1,000 riders in the Tour de Bronx, New York’s largest free bike ride.

Since I was into challenging myself, I opted to go 40 miles (instead of 25), and we took a fascinating route through Pelham Bay, City Island, SUNY Maritime College and more.

It was quite amazing to be surrounded by so many bicyclists! What a blast — exhausting, but such a treat!

The only snag in the day was when my friend and I got separated from the huge, larger group of bicyclists. Alas, it was my fault, because I had to visit the little girls’ room after the first rest stop, at 15 miles. But our line was enormously long and when went back outside to continue the ride, lo and behold, most of the bicyclists had left!

But Raph and Mike saved the day! They kindly allowed us to join them and spent much of the day with us, guiding us for miles and miles, ultimately to the finishing point at the New York Botanical Gardens.

You may hear more about Raph, because he’s a gym and computer teacher from the Jackson Heights Seventh Day Adventist Church School and I offered to talk at his school. I also owe him a copy of SUGAR SHOCK! because he was so nice!

Another high point in the day was thanks to the New York City Police, because at numerous points along the way, they escorted us. That was so cool!

Folks, I’m telling you, being into sports — whatever one "gets" to you — is so much more fun than focusing your concentration on sweets!