Rode the Tour de Bronx yesterday for the first time. The ride is put on by Transportation Alernatives and the Bronx Borough President. Because it's sponsored by a bunch of corporates, the ride is free.

It's a pretty nice time. I've actually been off the bike for about 3 weeks because of the rain and some illness so this was my warm up for the fall season I suppose. The day was pretty good, but the temps in the low 50's felt much colder because the sun hid behind the clouds most of the time and the really strong winds made it pretty uncomfortably cold, especially at the rest areas. For some reason, they make you wait at the first rest area. I would have been happy to grab a bite and run. Instead I froze my toes off. I have to learn to dress better for these things. Need those shoe covers and gotta wear a wind layer next time.

The 45 mile ride is very nice. The Bronx tour has some mixed scenery with some pretty neighborhoods. And there are some hills to keep it from getting boring. Parts of the ride get confusing with all the pretzel looping around the Maritime College. But past that area the ride is pretty cool. The hills here are better than anywhere in 5 borough area.

Saw quite a few fixies. More than at the NYC Century. I recongnized that blonde girl that models the jerseys for the NYBMF. I'm thinking of riding a few of these NYC rides on a fixed gear next year. Fun short ride and you can't beat free. Will definitely be back next year.