Urban Athletics: Tour de Bronx Bike Tour

Yes, I'm cheap AF.

That's why I've done the 5 Boro Bike Tour exactly once. Paying more than a Benjamin to ride a bicycle around New York leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth and an even worse feeling in my wallet. I could spend that money on something useful—like 47 slices of pizza.

So why pay to ride when you can ride for FREE?

Come join me for the annual Tour de Bronx, the largest FREE organized cycling event in New York State. That's right: zero dollars. Nada. Zip. The price is so low even your inner cheapskate will be impressed.

What's the story?

We've come a long way from Da Bronx of the 1970s. Back then, a tour of the borough might have involved abandoned buildings, burned-out cars, and making eye contact with absolutely nobody.

Today, you get 6,000 of your closest strangers, all on bicycles, cruising through historic districts, waterfronts, greenways, parks, and some surprisingly beautiful neighborhoods.
And nobody is asking you for money.

There are two main routes: 25 miles for those who enjoy cycling but still have other things to do that day, and 40 miles for those of us who apparently have something to prove.

Naturally, I'm doing the 40.

The route takes us through the south, east, and central Bronx, including Mott Haven, Clason Point along the East River, and Pelham Bay Park, the largest park in New York City, with nearly 3,000 acres of forests, trails, and enough greenery to make you briefly forget you're still in New York.
We'll also hit City Island and Orchard Beach along the way.

And just when your legs are starting to wonder why you thought this was a good idea, we roll into the New York Botanical Garden for a post-ride music festival.
Oh, and there’s free stuff too.

The important stuff!

• It's FREE, but don't get too excited and just show up. You MUST register in advance to participate. Do that HERE.
• You can choose the 25-mile or 40-mile route. I'm doing the 40 because apparently I make poor decisions.
• Bringing your kids? There's also a 10-mile family route, so you can introduce the next generation to the joys of cycling without immediately traumatizing them.

How Do I Get There?

This one is ridiculously easy by mass transit.

Take the 4 or D train to 161st Street/Yankee Stadium, or Metro-North to 153rd Street/Yankee Stadium.
So grab your bike, bring your appetite, and come burn a bunch of calories with me.

It's the Bronx. It's 40 miles. It's free. And there is free stuff at the end.

Honestly, what more could a cheap bastard ask for?