The TAS Rebel Bicycle Gang Needs You For The 5 Boro Bike Tour In May

Ever taken your bike on the FDR? How about the BQE or the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge? Chances are you probably haven't, because you value your life.

For one day, though, the path will be cleared for bicyclists around New York City. The Alternate Side and our parent station WFUV is takin' it to the streets for the annual 5 Boro Bike Tour on Sunday, May 2. The ride begins at 8 am sharp, with riders gathering at the starting lineup in Battery Park between 630-745 am.

I'll be donning my most fashionable bike helmet and getting the Huffy out of storage for this ride. And I reckon you should do the same. The reason that I'm telling you about this in early February is because there is limited space available - yes 30,000 spots sounds like a lot but it's not - and registration does tend to get fill up way in advance.

So head to Bike New York and register now (the cost is $60). You can also ride with one of Bike New York's charity partners.

Last year, I tried to register a month before the ride but by that time it was already too late. I don't want a repeat of that situation, so let's get in early on it this year so we can secure our spots!

In case you are on the fence about doing this, let me just tell you that I am not in particularly good shape. I get winded walking the dog sometimes. But this is a leisurely ride with plenty of rest stops that provide free refreshments (free is always nice) and the views are spectacular! I've done this ride in the past and have had an amazing time and I really think you will too.

If you wanna join our bike gang, send along an email aali@wfuv.org to me. I'll give you the deets on where we'll meet up and perhaps have a t-shirt for you to wear too.

For inspiration I've got some great bike videos for you: