NYC Century Bike Tour

It is the only ride like it in the world; a 100-mile bike tour throughout an urban city.  On Sunday, September 12, cyclists are invited to come out to the Harlem Meer in Central Park for the 21st Annual New York City Century Bike Tour.

When the tour first started in 1990, there were 200 bike riders on the tour; now more than two decades later,  6,000-plus cyclists from around the world come to the tour.  In fact, it has gotten so big that Central Park is no longer the only start option; cyclists now have a choice and can start at the Harlem Meer or in Brooklyn's Prospect Park.

The route is flexible and open to all bike riders.  Choose the distance and pace you prefer:

15 mile: Central Park to Prospect Park: This ride is meant for first-time riders and families. Riders travel around Washington Park, roll through SoHo, then proceed over to the Brooklyn Bridge.  (This distance must start in Central Park).

35 mile: East River Loop: Riders are taken through downtown Brooklyn, around Prospect Park and continue through hip and trendy Williamsburg and up to Astoria Park in Queens.

55 mile: The Waterfront:  This route takes riders along the Brooklyn greenway with views of the Verrazano Bridge and Coney Island and connecting with 35-mile finish.

75 mile: The Velodrome: This is not for amateurs. Riders travel out to Far Rockaway and beautiful Fort Tilden after Marine Park. The journey takes riders out to serene Forest Park and up to Kissena Park for a spin at the Velodrome.

100 mile: Experienced Riders Only. Cyclists head north to Astoria Park along the 75-mile route and then progress into the Bronx. This part of the ride is the most challenging because we saved the hills for the end. Riders enter northern Manhattan and travel through historic Harlem.

There are rest station with light snacks and water throughout the route.

At the end of the day, riders are invited back to Central Park for the Finish Festival!  For more information on the event and to register, visit nyccentury.org.