Getting Around Traffic, in Midtown

Photo by myself, in Midtown.

There is so much traffic in the city these days, getting around town is very frustrating.

Just getting down the street can be torture. I've spent many a cab ride with the cab driver ranting and raving and shaking a fist at the sky. Ha.

The only good thing about gridlock? Cyclists can weave ahead of the traffic jam.

Related posts: Summer Streets, on Park Avenue, Custom Bikes in the Village, and On NY Bike Tours and Real Housewives.

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Yoga, in the Rain

Photo by myself in Bryant Park, in Midtown.

Scores of yoga enthusiasts were on their mats and stretching, in Bryant Park. In the rain, no less!

Apparently this public yoga has been going on for ten years now, on Thursday evenings. It's one of the many free events going on in this relatively small park.

The yoga instructor had a microphone, so everyone could hear his instructions broadcast on large speakers.

For a schedule of events, click here.

Related posts: Striking a Pose, in Central Park, Get Your Zumba on for Free, in Herald Square, and Skating in Line, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

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The Peace Bike Ride, in the West Village

Photo by myself around West 4th and 12th Streets, in the West Village.

A bike chained up against a pole was decorated with tinsel and plastic flowers.

On the basket, a sign advertised the Peace Bike Ride that occurs on the third Sunday of every month. Its starting point is the Gandhi statue in the southwest corner of Union Square. The bike rides tour through historical peaceful sites in New York, including the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and the Labyrinth for Contemplation, in Battery Park.

I must confess that never heard of the Peace Bike Ride before. Of course not, because the organizers are peaceful and quiet about it! It seems like a nice idea.

-- I was in the West Village a couple weeks ago because I committed the most basic mistake a New Yorker could make.

I was looking for the Chinese Consulate, which is located at 520 12th Avenue. Only I thought I was looking for 520 12th Street. 520 12th Avenue is in a completely different neighborhood, way north near 42nd Street. D'oh.

Very few people mention 12th Avenue, since technically, the West Side Highway is the same thing. Everyone mentions the West Side Highway, but I guess 520 West Side Highway is a bizarre address. 

Anyway, when looking for a particular place in the city, save yourself some grief. Do get the address right.

Related posts: Summer Streets, on Park Avenue South, On NY Bike Tours and Real Housewives, and On the West Side Highway.

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Pedaling around Midtown

Photo by myself, in Midtown.

Not sure if this fellow was a bike messenger or not, but he carried a hefty chain on his shoulder.

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New York is due to have a huge infusion of bikes, soon. A bike share program is in the works and is due to be out this summer. Holy smokes!

Bikes will be located en masse in locations around the city. All you do is pick one up, ride to another station, and drop it off. The monthly rental fees will cost less than a monthly Metrocard, which is $104 right now.

My only question is...where are all the cyclists going to be? The sidewalks are not an option. The streets are already crowded and dangerous. I hope this works for the betterment of the city but like any self-respecting cynical New Yorker, I have my doubts!

For more about the bikeshare program on the NY Department of Transportation site, click here.

Related posts: Summer Streets, on Park Avenue South, Pedaling Around Columbus Circle, and On NY Bike Tours and Real Housewives.

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Riding Along Lafayette Street, in Soho

Photo by myself on Lafayette Street and Bleeker Street.

Many stores and restaurants were closed on Sunday, New Year's Day.

People were walking around, regardless. Mark, Rupert and I went into the city, since it was sunny and felt oddly like Spring. The brave couple above rode their bikes in traffic, without helmets.

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It used to be that Lafayette Street felt like the edge of the world.

Lafayette is a wide-ish street that runs north-south. Pedestrians are sensitive to the width of streets, and some of the stores along Lafayette were industrial and not inviting. Walking around Soho, you used to get to Lafayette, then stop and turn around.

Not so, today. There are clothing stores and eateries along the street. Soho continues, east of Lafayette, with more fancy boutiques.

Related posts: Strung Along, in Soho, Down Broadway, and Outside 190 Bowery, in Soho.

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Look Ma, No Hands...in the East Village

Photo by myself, around 7th Street and First Avenue, in the East Village.

A fellow pedalled around the East Village, Christmas Day.

You see cyclists and pedicabs in the city all the time. Unicycles, not so much.

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A friend of mine was hit by a two-wheeled cyclist recently.

Like many New Yorkers, he was crossing in the middle of the street. It was on a one-way street, but my friend didn't look both ways. The cyclist was riding in the wrong direction, wasn't expecting to encounter someone, and, KABOOM!

Accident. Bodies flung in the air. There were some scrapes and bruising but no one was terribly hurt, thank goodness.

The trouble here is that everyone thinks s/he has the right of way.

The drivers curse at other drivers for being indecisive, or looking for parking spaces, or not signaling, or putting on their signal when they're not turning. The cyclists curse the drivers for not watching out and for being generally obnoxious.

The pedestrians curse everyone because, god knows, New York is a pedestrian city and pedestrians are always right.

Frankly, I'm surprised accidents don't happen more often!

Related posts: Pedalling Around Columbus Circle, On Riding Around Sixth Avenue and the Travel Channel, and On NY Bike Tours and Real Housewives.

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With Bells on at the Jingle Bell Jog, in Prospect Park

Photo by myself in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

Thousands of runners showed up for the Jingle Bell Jog, a 3.7 mile run around Prospect Park, Saturday morning.

Runners were given little bells to tie onto their sneakers. There was the constant, faint sound of jingling as feet pounded the asphalt. Runners were encouraged to wear holiday garb, to celebrate the season.

There were giant snowflakes, elves, reindeer, and of course, Santas. There were also runners in random costumes, like gorilla suits and tutus (!).

The race was held by the New York Road Runner's Club (NYRRC), so tons of people from all boroughs were there. I had to leave sooner than expected, since my hands were freezing. It was in the 40s and a bit windy.


Costumes were not limited to the holidays!


It was chilly out for this fellow to run, nearly naked.





By the way, sign-up for the NYRRC's annual run up the Empire State Building ends tomorrow. The actual race is in February. The run is up 86 flights up stairs and only a lucky 600 applicants participate. Runners are selected via lottery.

For a little more about this weekend's Jingle Bell Jog on the New York Road Runner's site, click here

Related posts: Get Your Zumba on for Free, in Herald Square, Balancing Act, in Bryant Park, and Running Atop the Brooklyn Bridge.

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On Ice, in Bryant Park

Photo by myself in Bryant Park.

The ice rink is all set up in Bryant Park. It was packed with people, Friday night.

From now til February, you can skate for free, if you bring your own ice skates. A huge Christmas tree stands at one end of the rink. In the background, you can see the Empire State Building, which is just a few blocks south.

Many little kiosks are arranged around the rink selling gifts and food for the holiday season. There are even outdoor seating areas for groups to sit and have hot cider. There are restaurants and outdoor bars.

In the last few years, Bryant Park has made an incredible transformation. It used to be that there was no real place to hang out in Midtown. 'Going downtown' after work meant going out to eat or have fun. Not any longer.

For more about the activities in Bryant Park, click for their website here.

Related posts: On the Ice, in Midtown, The Rink at Rockefeller Center, and And the Crowd Roared, in Bryant Park.

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The 2011 NYC Marathon

Photo by myself along the New York Marathon course, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

The 42nd New York City Marathon was held today. We were lucky to have a gloriously sunny yet cool weather for running.

New Yorkers lined the streets, cheering the runners on. Fans called out names and numbers on runners' jerseys, as moral support. Bands played music, and people tooted on horns and rang bells.


The womens' lead pack, speeding by. Firehiwat Dado from Ethiopia is second from the right in red. She won the marathon some 16 miles later.


The mens' lead pack. Geoffrey Mutai, third from the right, came in first place and broke the course record with sub-five minute miles. Emmanuel Mutai, far right, came in second.




It seemed like every country was represented.


Runners especially enjoyed saying hello to the children watching.



The fastest runners really zip by. You really only get one chance to get a photo, which is a little unnerving. Mark texted me where the lead runners were, while he watched live TV coverage at home.

The New York Marathon begins in Staten Island. The course winds through Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx before ending in Central Park, in Manhattan.

Related posts: The 2010 NYC Marathon, The 2009 New York City Marathon, and Running Down the Streets of New York.

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Running Along Fifth Avenue

Photo by myself around 57th Street and Fifth Avenue.

A runner whizzed by on Fifth Avenue, near Central Park South the other day. He was watched by me and another guy on the bus. Ha.

The bus system is pretty reliable in New York and is a nice alternative to the subway. It's great for those who can't manage walking down several runs of stairs or who need to get crosstown. You also have some great views of the city.

I always recommend the M5 for those who want a nice tour. It runs from West 178th Street, then down Broadway to Fifth Avenue to the very tip of Manhattan. The fare is the same as slightly less than the subway, $2.25 per ride at this writing.

There are tons of bus routes to choose from, though. For the NYC bus map on the MTA website, click here.

Thanks to my buddy ChickenUnderwear for the correction!

Related posts: Running Down the Streets of New York, Running Amok in the Streets and Running Along the Brooklyn Bridge.

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Skating In-Line, in Prospect Park Brooklyn

Photo by myself in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

The main loop in Prospect Park was busy with a race for in-line skaters, Saturday morning.

Serious rollerbladers geared up in colorful jerseys zipped around in formation. The usual crowd of runners, joggers and cyclists were out, too, despite high humidity.

There are always tons of activities in Prospect Park, including bird walks, nature classes and farmers' markets. Check out the Prospect Park calendar, here.

Related posts: Skating Under the Empire State, Playing Ball in the Public Courts and Enjoying a Ride, in Central Park.

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Striking a Pose, in Central Park

Photo by myself, in Central Park around 81st Street and Central Park West.

A group of yoga students practiced their sun salutations, Thursday night in Central Park.

In the background is the Belvedere Castle, a folly that was built in 1869 by Fredrick Law Olmstead when the park was designed. The two towers on the right belong to the San Remo, a luxury apartment building at Central Park West and 74th Street.

The land dips down in front of the castle into the Turtle Pond. Since the trees are all leafy, you can hardly tell you're in the middle of a city.

Belvedere castle currently houses programs for bird watching and astronomy. There are steps that wind around the castle to raised viewing platforms.

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This week's Times has an article about touring around downtown New York.

The Travel Section periodically prints articles about spending 36 hours in various cities. This week's article focuses only on the area below 14th Street.

The list includes the new World Trade Center, the National Museum of the American Indian and various spots in TriBeCa.

For the Times article, click here.

Related posts: Sun Salutation, East Village, Sunday Morning, Along the East River and Balancing Act, in Bryant Park.

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Summer Streets, on Park Avenue South

Photo by myself at Park Avenue and 23rd Street, in the Flatiron District.

Is this a bike race about to start?

No, it's an event called 'Summer Streets' on select Saturdays this month. On August 6th, 13th and 20th, Park Avenue is closed through Manhattan, all the way to the Brooklyn Bridge. This is the fourth year of the event.

The result? Tons of people were running and cycling up and down Manhattan. The equivalent of 7 miles of roads were free of car traffic. We were lucky to have a gloriously sunny day.

Park Avenue is very wide, with traffic divided by a planted median strip. On Summer Street days, you can ride or run from East 72nd Street all the way to the Brooklyn Bridge. Above, cyclists waited patiently for pedestrians to cross.

For more about Summer Streets, click here.

Related posts: On NY Bike Tours and Real Housewives, Pedalling in Style, on Central Park South and Is it Art? on the Lower East Side.

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Get Your Zumba on for Free, in Herald Square

Photo by myself in Herald Square, at 34th Street and Broadway in Midtown.

Only in New York will you have free exercise classes right outside Macy's, on one of the busiest blocks in Manhattan.

Every Thursday night at 6pm, through September 30th, you can take a free Zumba class outside. The speakers were blaring 'La Vida Loca' and a crowd gathered around to watch.

Zumba is an aerobic workout that combines dance moves from salsa, merengue, mambo and hip-hop. The instructor, above in the blue top, looked very fit.

With the new pedestrian-only blocks, the city has a vibrant, festival atmosphere. We had nice temperatures Thursday too, which made such jumping around okay.





The free classes are sponsored by DanceSport. No pre-registration is required. You just show up.

For a little more about the Zumba classes on Thursdays, click here.



Related posts: Running Along the Edge of Manhattan, Leg Lunges, 9:25 am, Midtown and Running Atop the Brooklyn Bridge.

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Balancing Act, in Bryant Park

Photo by myself in Bryant Park.

A few folks assembled into odd and uncomfortable poses in Bryant Park. It was beautiful outside and everyone was enjoying the good weather.

Twice every week through the end of September, hour-long yoga classes are being offered free to the public. Classes are held on Tuesday mornings at 10 am and Thursday nights at 6 pm.

You don't even need to bring your own yoga mat! The free instruction is provided by Lulumon Athletica, a yoga clothing company that hosts complimentary classes worldwide.

For a schedule of the Bryant Park yoga classes, click here.

Related posts: Leg Lunches, 9:25 am, Midtown, Sunday Morning, Along the East River and Sun Salutation, in the East Village.

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Stick em Up, in Madison Square Park

Photo by myself near Madison Square Park, at 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue.

A small group stood deep in meditation, Thursday morning. At least, that's what it looks like?

As I walked by the southern edge of the park, these three had their arms held up for a very long time. Hm.

Related posts: On Contortionists and Viral Videos, Leg Lunges, Midtown 9:25 am and Sun Salutation, the East Village.

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Leg Lunges, Midtown 9:25 am

Photo by myself, somewhere in Midtown.

I took this photo Wednesday morning from a cab, on the way to a job site. I was somewhere around 27th Street, (I think?) trying to make it crosstown for a meeting.

A woman was doing leg lunges down the sidewalk. A man was walking his little dog. Daily life in Manhattan. Pretty ordinary. You can see my taxi in the reflection of the building.

The cab driver turned around and asked what country I was from.

'Brooklyn,' I said, and not being sarcastic. We really are a land of our own!



Related posts: Playing Ball in the Public Courts, Running Along the Brooklyn Bridge and Playing Ball, in Red Hook Brooklyn.

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Brunching on St. Mark's Place

Photo by myself in the East Village, around St. Mark's Place and Avenue A.

A line of hungry people waited outside Cafe Mogador for brunch. Brunch here is a lengthy social occasion, and often involves mimosas and much planning.

Do these people look like they could be on tv or what? They are so photogenic. I will have to take photos of non-photogenic people in New York next time, just to prove they exist.

--
Many New Yorkers are thinner than the national average because we tend to walk so much. Most, except the very privileged or the very lazy, walk to the subway morning, noon and night. Many also belong to gyms, though whether we go is another thing.

Lately I've been going to the gym every day. I feel fantastic. As a reward, I allow myself to gloat about it, (mostly to coworkers, who cannot do anything but put up with me).

I happen to be 5'-3 1/2" on a good day. Five pounds on me is the difference between being a square and being a rectangle. The gym routine is helping, slowly.

I highly recommend the gym for one's health and sanity. Be a rectangle, folks!

Related posts: Variety = Spice of Life, Beware of Cat, East Village and Yet Another Street Fair, Bleeker Street.

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Running Atop the Brooklyn Bridge

Photo by myself from the Brooklyn Bridge.

The sun was setting as I took this photo. There were cyclists and runners and tourists and strolling people all enjoying the air.

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I went into the city briefly on Saturday and can I say that it was completely filled to the gills with people?!

Union Square was filled with the regular market crowd and there was a Dance Parade that travelled down Broadway, stopping all sorts of traffic.

This was the first Dance Parade, celebrating the art of dance. I only caught the tail end of it, which is too bad. It would have made some great photos.

For photos of Saturday's Dance Parade, click here

Related posts: Running Down the Streets of New York, From Under the Bridge and More of the Brooklyn Bridge.

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Along the West Bank

Photo by myself, in Riverside Park, around 72nd and Riverside Drive.

This metal structure supports part of a street on the Upper West Side. Below, are basketball courts and a long, paved jogging path that continues virtually the length of Manhattan.

The path has some bumpy and iffy parts to it, cutting through parking lots and streetlights. You can theoretically run from the Upper West Side, past the piers, through Chelsea, all the way down to Battery Park City.

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There was a time, a few years ago, that I thought I could rollerblade for exercise. Only I never did it before.

Anyway, long story short, after many wobbly, frightening attempts, I made it down to Battery Park City from Riverside Park in the 70's.

It was fun, but after a rather embarrassing fall in front of a long line of tourists at the battleship Intrepid on Memorial Day weekend (flailing hands, falling forward and bruising a knee), I took a blading break.

Now everyone can walk on the streets a little safer. Hurrah!

Related posts: It's A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, Sundays in the Park and The Hills Are Alive in Prospect Park.

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