Roll Out: Pre-NYC Marathon Course Ride
Hours before 51,402 runners lined up to tackle the 52nd edition of the NYC marathon, cyclists from the area congregated in Bay Ridge to ride the famed course as it closes to traffic. It's a day we look forward to all year, as it is a rare opportunity to enjoy carless NYC streets and cross bridges otherwise closed to cyclists. It was a busy morning for TBD as some of us were preparing to escort the NYC Marathon wheelchair athletes, a group woke up early to ride the course, and our speedy pals Barb, Corey, and Mitch were running in the marathon.
TBD folks convened at Mile 8 and began the trek down 4th Ave in the dark. By the time we arrived in Bay Ridge, the sun was rising and packs of cyclists continued to corral into the Dunkin Donuts parking lot. At 6:20 a.m., we hit the road, with the course cleared and volunteers adding the final touches to feed stations and mile markers. Spirits were high as we embarked on our four-borough journey, unburdened by the usual traffic and stoplights.
By the time we reached Williamsburg, organizers offered gentle reminders that not all roads were closed, urging us to proceed with caution. It was a reminder worth appreciating, for this ride was not a race, but a unique opportunity to experience the city before it erupts with the high energy of runners and spectators. We ended the morning outside Central Park, excited to support our friends and the thousands of runners who would soon take to the streets and create their own unforgettable moments.
