October 23, 2007
Biking at Pelham Bay Park
This weekend Victoria and I went biking to Pelham Bay Park. There is a tiny beach at the end of the park that is across from the other side of the park that has Orchard Beach, The Horse Stable, Mini Golf , and more Softball fields. We walked along it. I always find it interesting to look at the different things that wash up on the shores. Also on this side of the park is a huge mound that was once a landfill. Its fences off and looms as a mysterious grassy hill. Its an ugly area sought of forgoten and still I see people walking through there, kids bike there, families walk there just curious to see whats on that end of the trails that lead there. I still go there because its quiet. Its calming in a weird way.
Posted by Victor at 07:18 AM | Comments (2)
October 22, 2006
12th Annual Tour De Bronx
So today was the 12th Annual Tour De Bronx and it was my first time riding in it. Its a FREE Bike Tour that takes you through the Bronx. There are two routes, a 25 mile and 42 mile. Monika told me about it about a month ago but I sought of turned my nose up in the air about it because big organized bike rides can sometimes be a drag. Later after that a friend of mine Sara talked with me and Monika about it wich then led to another conversation between me and Monika about it and I started to think maybe this was something not to be missed. A chance to represent my boro, my hood, a chance to ride on streets that otherwise are ruled by cars and or pedestrians, a chance to represent bikers, as well as a chance to bring more attention and awareness to bikers. So we decided to join in on this annual ride.
I have to say that this ride was a great ride and I really enjoyed seeing it. I was also really happy to be able to explain many of the neighborhoods to Monika as we rode through them. I was even pleasantly surprised to see some changes that happened in some areas that I hadn't seen in quite awhile ie. the sound view waterfront park and bike path. I was also surprised to find an area in west bronx just below Riverdale and North of Washington Heights/Inwood that had very beautiful old English Tudor, Victorian, and other old houses. This hidden suburbia just a stone throw from the 1 train and projects was a place I wasn't aware existed in the Bronx. I mean City Island, Country Club, Throggs Neck, Eastchester, and Pelham Parkway have beautiful homes, rich neighborhoods and expensive property tax to match but this was like a secret treasure.
From the begining I have to say that the event was well organized. We were greeted by Bronx Boro President Adolfo Carrion Jr., a couple of congressmen, other politicians, radio DeeJays, tv commercial celebraties and others. The rest stops offered up food and drinks, and much needed toilets. On the street there were these little code letters with arrows telling you were to turn. It wasnt until the end that I learned this, I was suprised that Monika seemed to know where to go even when we were at the head of the pack and didnt have a crowd to follow. Of course being on the ride and taking photos is difficult and as the ride went on I shot less photos and had to concentrate on biking. The cruelest part of the ride was after about 24 miles ( Orchard Beach ) biking close to our home and wanting to just go home and lay on the couch to watch some football and eat some popcorn. Thanks to Monika we kept on to finish the ride and see some of the Bronx that I wasnt so familiar with. Here are just a few of the photos I took. I'd like to say that the Transportation Alternatives citzens group is doing a great job in bringing bike awareness to the people and very active in street events and getting others involved in this battle.
Posted by Victor at 11:39 AM | Comments (6)
September 06, 2005
Countryside Scenes
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Countryside Scenes
Posted by Victor at 12:57 AM | Comments (1)
Countryside Scenes
Biking through these farmlands is just amazing. I'm not sure what is more satisfying, the biking or the beautiful background.
Posted by Victor at 12:53 AM | Comments (0)
Countryside Scenes
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September 01, 2005
Biking from St.Polten to Vienna with my love.
I've been thinking frantically about what i will write about ? What can I do to show the fresh side of Vienna ? How can I make it exciting ? Here is what I came up with... Today I took my bike on the railroad, simular to Long Island Road to go about an hours way to a small town outside of Vienna called St. Polten. Monika works at Festspielhaus (Festpielhaus.at), its a performing arts center. We met and rode back home from St. Polten and it was 69 Kilometers. It took us 3hrs and 6 min. Not bad. So ready for the exciting part? I took my bike on the rail way had a seat, saw maybe two people for the whole ride, saw nice empty farms along the way, then I met and biked back with Monika through empty county scenes. Farm after farm. One cool thing is that someone organized these trails with signs and all. Its very impressive when you are on a gravel road that looks like no one has been through there in ages to see a nice little sign letting you know you are headed in the right direction. During the ride we passed two runners, a biker and a man and woman checking on their crops. It was very quiet, eventhough through my pda i was listening to a mix of hip hop, blues, reggae and r&b. I've had a conversation with my friend Martin, who is from Vienna, about Vienna being boring or not exciting but I think I like that I can relax. I can take the train and get a seat, People wait for the traffic light to change before they cross, as we rode through the country side the occasional person we saw either waved or say good day with a nice smile. There was even a hot air ballon floating along and the occupants waved also. Its this kind of easy living that has me very happy right now. Its a welcome change of pace after 33 years in New York.
Posted by Victor at 11:30 AM | Comments (0)
Nothing but Desolate Farmland
Posted by Victor at 11:27 AM | Comments (0)
St. Polten to Vienna
Posted by Victor at 11:25 AM | Comments (0)