Cycling USA: Climbing Whiteface Mountain (eventually)

As I rode into Wilmington the first streaks of lightning lit up the sky, thunder rumbled overhead, the wind whipped itself into a frenzy and the rain started to belt down. I pulled off to the side of the road and sheltered under the verandah of a local motel, hoping the storm would pass so I could continue on and climb Whiteface Mountain. Read more “Cycling USA: Climbing Whiteface Mountain (eventually)”

Cycling USA: New York City (and beyond)

I’d heard stories about New York City cab drivers. About how they veer across lanes with little regard for other road users, responding to pedestrians waving from the curb. As far as I can tell, the stories are true. To make matters worse for cyclists, it seems mandatory in New York City to stand a few metres off the curb when hailing a taxi, arm fully outstretched, regardless of traffic that might be using the lane. Accordingly, riding down 5th Avenue would have to be among the most intense cycling experiences I’ve ever had and one that took a bit of courage, a bit of stupidity and probably a bit of luck to get through in one piece. Ironically it wasn’t till I left the streets of Manhattan that I ran into trouble. More on that shortly. Read more “Cycling USA: New York City (and beyond)”