Get the Crowd Pumped

Bike Month NYC
Celebrate the merits of two-wheelers during the 18th-annual Bike Month NYC, which kicks off April 26 with a bikecentric party at the Queens Museum of Art. Richmond Hill–based bike club Future Shock will show off its souped-up rides, while different cycling clubs and outreach groups will be on hand to chat (and possibly recruit new members). Other cool Bike Month events include the annual Ride to Shea (now called Cycle to CitiField, date TBD) and Bike-to-Work Day (May 15). Apr 26–May 31, bikemonthnyc.org

TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour
You won’t have to worry about getting doored during the 32nd-annual race through the five boroughs—the roads that cyclists will travel on for this year’s Five Boro Bike tour are completely car-free. The 42-mile journey begins at Battery Park, then loops around the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn, before ending with a celebration at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island. May 3, bikenewyork.org

The Longest Day…and Night
You’ve done the Five Boro Bike Tour, and you think that flat rides are for sissies. Now what? Try the Longest Day…and Night, a 26-hour ride through the Catskills that also involves paddling, hiking and possibly rope climbing. While the activities aren’t particularly dangerous, this isn’t for the faint of heart (seriously, who tries to bike up a mountain on little to no sleep?). Mountain bikes are required. June 6­–7, nyara.org

Tour de Brooklyn
Cycle through the ever-changing borough during this annual event, which is more pleasant ride than competitive race (to wit: all ages are welcome). Expect to cover about 22 miles, and see sights like Coney Island, Prospect Park and more. June 7, tourdebrooklyn.org

Bicycle Film Festival
Okay, so it’s not a ride. But what better way for gearheads to meet and mingle than a festival devoted to art about bikes? Programs over the course of the five-day event include film screenings, bike demonstrations and art shows. At press time, registration for this year’s fest was still open; past years have seen contributions from hipster faves like Michel Gondry, Mike Mills and Blonde Redhead. June 17–21, bicyclefilmfestival.com

Tour de Queens
The baby of the New York City cycling circuit, this ride is in only its second year. Clocking in at 20 miles, the jaunt covers much of the Western part of the largest borough, as well as Flushing Meadows Park (where day-of registration takes place). Participation is limited, though—to 500 people—so sign up early. July 12, tourdequeens.org

NYC Century Bike Tour
The biggest and baddest of the city’s bike tours turns 20 this year, and marks the occasion with a tour that is bigger and better than ever. You choose your course—be it the 15-mile novice ride, or the crazy-hard Velodrome route (which goes through Canarsie and Kissena Park)—and your pace, and at the end, everyone’s a winner. This year, you can also sign up to be a part of Team T.A.—a fund-raising group organized by Transportation Alternatives, with the goal of each member raising $1,000 by race day. Sept 13, nyccentury.org

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