Bike the Boros: NYC Century is a true ride of passage. Now in its 27th year, it is still the nation’s only all-urban century bike tour. It includes three routes: 100 miles for the experienced cyclist, 62 miles for intermediate riders and 31 miles for those who are new to biking. Get ready to challenge yourself, push your body to new limits and prove what you can do.
Register today to join the 100 mile club. Sign up now while there are still spots!
Traditionally the NYC Century has been held on the Sunday after Labor Day. This year we have scheduled the event for Saturday, September 10th rather than Sunday, September 11th out of respect for the survivors of 9/11 and the loved ones of 9/11 victims. Thank you for your understanding. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The NYC Century is a fundraiser for Transportation Alternatives. Every registration, jersey and donation made through Bike the Boros helps to bring us closer to our goal of raising $700,000 for safe streets in New York City.
Date
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Start & Finish Location
Pier 97
Hudson River Park
Hudson River Greenway between W 56th St and W 57th St
Registration Fee
Please register online ASAP to reserve your spot and guarantee the best price available. Online registration closes at 11:59pm on Tuesday, September 6th or when the ride sells out, whichever comes first.
We can only accommodate 7,000 riders for this event.
Online Registration
$30 for Youth Registration
$60 for TransAlt Members
$60 for Ride + Fundraise
$70 for General Admission
$200 for Deluxe Package
Prices will increase soon. Register today to save.
If the tour sells out, you will not be able to register the morning of the event.
Departure Times
Check-in begins at 5:30 AM and ends at 7:30 AM. Please arrive within the check-in window. Departure times below.
Imperial Century - 100 miles
Departs at 6:00 AM
Metric Century - 62 miles
Departs at 7:00 AM
Half Metric Century - 31 miles
Departs at 8:00 AM
If you're already registered, once you arrive at Pier 97 please locate the Bib Pick-up Tents and wait in line. Please be sure to have your Bike the Boros: NYC Century registration confirmation email accessible on your phone. It is unlikely that you need this but have it ready just in case. After you have your bib in hand, you can head to the start line.
Riders who arrive after the check-in window will not be provided with a bib.
After Party
The After Party will be at Pier 97. We’ll have a Brooklyn Brewery beer experience on site. Make sure to bring some extra cash, so you can grab food and beverage. The gift shop will also be up and running so you can stock up on your favorite TransAlt schwag.
The After Party is open to the public between noon and 5pm. Invite your friends and family to meet you there and celebrate with you!
Packet Pick-up
Transportation Alternatives is once again working with Bicycle Habitat for bib-pickup. Stay tuned for information about when bibs will be available at their stores.
We will not mail bibs out in advance. If you cannot make it to Bicycle Habitat in advance, you can pick up your bib the morning of the ride.
- Admission to Pier 97 After Party
- Commemorative Rider's Bib
- Signature Event T-shirt
- NYC Century Water Bottle
And, most important, the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped make the streets you’re riding on more welcoming for everyone who might pedal or walk on them.
Did you purchase the Deluxe Package?
If so, you're going the "extra mile" for TransAlt by helping us get even closer to our goal of raising $700,000 to make cycling better for all in New York City. That's why we're providing you with:
- Complimentary Breakfast and Lunch
- Admission to the Pier 97 After Party
- One Celebratory Beer
- A Commemorative Rider's Bib
- A Signature Event T-shirt
- A Tube of Nuun
- NYC Century Water Bottle
- Official NYC Century Jakroo Jersey
- Invite to Pre-Ride Reception
- Priority Check-in
Are you going to Ride + Fundraise?
That's great! By the way, you can fundraise for TransAlt (or any other charity) even if you don't select the 'Ride + Fundraise' option. If you chose to fundraise for TransAlt, here's a list of perks you get for all your hard work. Visit the NYC Century Crowdrise page after you register for the ride to begin fundraising.
FUNDRAISING BENEFITS AND PERKS
Raise $150 and receive a one year membership to TransAlt. See transalt.org/goodies for a full list of membership benefits.
Raise $250 for a pair of TransAlt signature socks plus all of the above benefits.
Raise $500 and walk or ride away with a TransAlt branded Walz riding cap, plus all of the above benefits.
Raise $750 to score a Polar insulated water bottle plus all of the above benefits.
Raise $1,000 to get breakfast and lunch at the NYC Century, one complimentary beer at the Pier 97 after party, a take-home tube of Nuun, NYC Century water bottle, t-shirt and jersey, priority check-in and special invite to a pre-ride reception -- plus all of the above benefits.
The individual fundraiser with the most dollars raised will receive two tickets to Transportation Alternatives Annual Benefit on Thursday, October 20th (a $2,000 value).
The individual fundraiser with the most donors contributing to their page will receive two tickets to Transportation Alternatives Annual Benefit on Thursday, October 20th (a $2,000 value).
*All gifts fulfilled on, or after, Thursday, September 8th.*
Route Details
31 miles -- The Half Metric Century
This route is ideal for riders looking for something more than the average Saturday stroll. The route travels through historic Downtown Brooklyn, past idyllic Prospect Park, through the artistic enclave of Williamsburg and follows the East River all the way to Astoria Park in Queens. The route begins at Pier 97 at 8 am. You should expect to finish between 11 am and 3 pm.
62 miles - The Metric Century
This route is not for the faint of heart, but it’s rewards are many. Riders travel out to Far Rockaway, Queens and beautiful Fort Tilden Beach. The route takes riders along miles of the Queens Greenway, through the serene, car-free Forest Park and up to Kissena Park, before cutting west through northern Queens to Astoria Park. Route begins at Pier 97 at 7 am. You should expect to finish between 12 pm and 4 pm.
100 mile -- The Imperial Century
The full 100 mile tour is for experienced cyclists only. 100 mile riders continue on into eastern Queens, along the waterfront on Little Neck Bay and under the Throgs Neck Bridge, before looping back to Astoria Park and continuing into the Bronx. This part of the ride is hilly and the most challenging. The route then winds down into northern Manhattan and historic Harlem. The route begins at Pier 97 at 6 am. You should expect to finish between 12 pm and 6 pm.
Please note: All routes begin and end at Pier 97.
Route Map
Elevation for all Routes Coming Soon
There is no rain date; we ride rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, Transportation Alternatives reserves the right to cancel/alter/modify the tour for safety concerns. In any case, we do not refund tour entry fees or transfer registrations to another Bike the Boros event. In the unlikely case a tour is canceled, you may claim your registration fee as a tax-deductible donation.
If you have to cancel for personal reasons, we are still unable to offer you a refund. All funds raised through the Bike the Boros tour series supports Transportation Alternatives’ live-saving work for safe streets in New York City.
This ride does not have any road closures. You should be prepared to ride confidently alongside traffic.
The finish line closes at 5:30 pm. 31-milers should be able to finish the tour in time without worrying about speed. 62-milers should be riding at least 10 mph. 100-milers should be traveling at least 12 mph. Please note: The amount of time you spend at a rest area is important! Be sure to consult the rest area closing times on your cue sheet to make sure you can reach the next stop before it closes. The after party ends at 6pm at Pier 97.
Please bring a copy of your registration confirmation email to packet pick up.
Yes. If you decide you would like to ride a different route, YOU CAN! It is not necessary to inform us. Please check the "Event Details" section of this page to determine your new start time.
Each rest stop will have water, sports drink, KIND bars and fruit. If you’re on the Metric or Imperial Century route, you’ll have access to more substantial meals. Please pack a lunch or bring some cash, if you think you'll require more food or have food allergies. Please note: We do not provide bottled water. You must bring your own water bottle.Please note: We do not provide bottled water. You must bring your own bottle.
If you're on the Half Metric route: there are rest stops at mile 10 and mile 25.
If you're on the Metric route: there are rest stops at mile 10, 17, 40 and 55.
If you’re on the Imperial route: there are rest stops at mile 10, 17 40, 55, 68, 85.
No. There is no SAG support for the NYC Century bike tour. Riders who cannot complete the ride, should locate the nearest train station. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911.
Yes – they are identifiable by their orange vests. They can assist you with minor bike issues or repairs. However, please be aware that ride marshals do not carry extra supplies, so make sure you bring extra tubes or any other supplies you think you may need.
Kids are welcome to join. Riders under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian. Helmets are mandatory for children 14 and under and strongly encouraged for riders of all ages. Children under 10 years old are encouraged to ride in a carrier or on a tandem bike with a parent. Please check the route details to see if this ride has street closures. If it does not have street closures, your kids should be confident enough to ride alongside traffic.
No. Please feel free to use backpacks, hydration packs, panniers, baskets, and any other bag you have at home!
Yes. We are only allowing 7,000 riders on the course. So be sure to secure your spot right now.
There is currently no way for you to edit your own registration information. Please email us at info@transalt.org so we can help you fix any issues.
Yes! Bike the Boros is produced by and benefits Transportation Alternatives. We're working on making the streets of NYC a safer place to live for you and yours!
You can pick up your jersey at the gift shop tent at the beginning or end of the ride.
All riders receive a confirmation email after they complete registration online. If you have not received one, please email events@transalt.org to confirm your participation.
Yes, you do. All riders on the course are required to register for the tour.
Glad you asked! We host bike rides throughout the year. Once you sign up for this ride you'll automatically receive alerts whenever registration launches for our other rides.
At Transportation Alternatives, we are dedicated to reclaiming streets from automobiles. We encourage participants to bike or use public transportation to our start sites and we do not provide a designated area for parking.
By Subway
Nearby Stations:
B/D/E: 7th Ave/53rd St
C/E: 50th St/8th Ave
A/C/B/D/1: Columbus Circle
N/Q/R at 7th and 57th
From Astoria: Take N/Q/R downtown to 57th St/7th Ave. Exit at 57th St and 7th Ave. Walk west on 57th St until you reach 12th Ave. Make a right on 12th Ave/West Side Highway and cross underneath West Side Highway between 58th & 59th Streets.
From LES: Take B/D to 7th Ave/53rd St. Exit at 53rd St and 7th Ave and walk north along 7th Ave. Turn left onto 57th St and walk west until you reach 12th Ave. Make a right on 12th Ave/West Side Highway and cross underneath West Side Highway between 58th & 59th Streets.
From Bronx: Take the 6 to 59th St, transfer to N/Q/R, Get off at 57th St and 7th Ave. Exit at 57th St and 7th Ave. Walk west on 57th St until you reach 12th Ave. Make a right on 12th Ave/West Side Highway and cross underneath West Side Highway between 58th & 59th Streets.
From Brooklyn: Take the 1 to 59th St-Columbus Circle. Exit station and walk south down 8th Ave. Turn right at 58th St and walk west until you reach 12th Ave. Make a right on 12th Ave/West Side Highway and cross underneath West Side Highway between 58th & 59th Streets.
By Train
(Hicksville) LIRR: Take Port Jefferson Line (from Hicksville Station) to New York Penn Station. Take the A train from Penn Station to 59th St-Columbus Circle. Walk along W 58th St until you reach 12th Ave, Turn left onto 12th Ave and arrive at W 58th St.
(Ridgewood) NJ Transit: Take Main/Bergen County line (at Ridgewood Station) to Frank R Lautenberg Seacaucus Lower level, Transfer to Montclair-Boonton Line and get off at New York Penn Station, tale A/C/E to 59th St-Columbus Circle. Walk along W 58th St until you reach 12th Ave, Turn left onto 12th Ave and arrive at W 58th St.
(Hoboken) Path: Take the PATH line from the Hoboken station, Get off at 9th St. and transfer to the C train at the West 4th St station. Take the C uptown to 50th St. Exit at W 51st St & 8th Ave. Walk west toward 9th Ave, turn right once you get to 12th Ave, walk up to 58th St.
By Car
At Transportation Alternatives, we are dedicated to reclaiming streets from automobiles. We encourage participants to bike or use public transportation to our start sites and we do not provide a designated area for parking.
From Holland Tunnel: follow signs for "Uptown" right on Hudson, left on Canal. Proceed four blocks to West St. and turn right. West St. becomes 12th Ave. Follow "Thru Traffic" signs. Continue north on 12th Ave/West Side Highway until you reach 58th St. To enter the venue, walk underneath West Side Highway between 58th & 59th Streets.
Brooklyn: Take Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to West St, Follow Route 9A North, Arrive at 58th St and 12th Ave/West Side Highway. To enter the venue, walk underneath West Side Highway between 58th & 59th Streets.
From Westchester: Take Bronx River Parkway South to NY-9A S to W 54th St in Manhattan, NY, Drive to W 58th St and 12th Ave/West Side Highway. To enter the venue, walk underneath West Side Highway between 58th & 59th Streets.
New Jersey: Take NJ-17 S, Take exit toward Fort Lee/New York, Merge onto NJ-4 E to 1-95 N, Merge onto NY-9A S. Make a U-turn at 56th St (on to NY-9A N) and make a slight right on 12th Ave. Take the first right to 58th St. To enter the venue, walk underneath West Side Highway between 58th & 59th Streets.
Garden State Parkway: To exit 153 or NJ Turnpike to Exit 16E. Then Route 3 E to Lincoln Tunnel, follow signs for Lincoln Tunnel. Exit tunnel and make left turn toward Dwyer Ave. Take NY-9A N to 12th Ave and take the first right to 58th St. To enter the venue, walk underneath West Side Highway between 58th & 59th Streets.
Long Island: Take NY-454 W/Veterans Memorial Highway to 1-495 W. From 1-495 W take exit toward E 37th St, Take 3rd Ave to 57th St and follow until 12th Ave/West Side Highway. To enter the venue, walk underneath West Side Highway between 58th & 59th Streets.
Nearby Parking Lots and Garages
Rapid Park
W 55th St btw 9th & 10th Aves
7 days / week, 6am – 1am, cash / credit card (no trucks or SUV’s)
GMC Parking
56th St btw 11th & 12th Aves
Central Parking
57th St at 11th Ave
24 hours, 7 days / week, cash / credit card
Park n Ride
60th St btw 11th & 12th Aves
24 hours, 7 days / week, cash / credit card
Concerto Garage
59th St btw 10th & 11 Aves
24 hours, 7 days / week, cash only
Visit one of the many New York City-area bike shops that support TransAlt advocacy. Join TransAlt when you register for the tour and your membership card will get you a discount at any shop on our list.
A bike shop can also help you make sure that your bike fits you correctly: small adjustments to seats or brakes can do wonders for your riding style. While you're at the shop, make sure that your tires are fully inflated. For long distance rides, it is especially important not to go by "feel." Get a tire gauge and check the tires for the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch). See a video.
The day before the ride, be sure to perform an ABC check on your bicycle. ABC stands for Air, Brakes, Cranks, Cogs and Chains. Make sure all these components are working properly before ride day.
What to bring
Your bike!
Sunscreen
Patch kit
Camera
Identification Card
Helmet
Sunglasses
Tire pump
Bike Lock
Snacks
If you have food allergies or a specific diet, we suggest you bring your own snacks.
Two water bottles filled with water
MetroCard
If you cannot complete the ride, you may be asked to walk to a nearby train station
Tire levers
NYC Bike Map