So, you know what? That why blogs were born, so here you go, a first hand account with photos. Anyone who finds this blog post and wants to chime in or add video and pictures, the more the merrier.

I left my house in Jersey City Heights at about 9am, to meet Bike Hoboken at Pier A park in Hoboken at 9:30. I was proud to have made a donation to Lose the training wheels.org, an organization Bike Hoboken was supporting for the ride.

We were about 10-12 strong and off we rode to Exchange Place to meet the rest of the riders ready for the 2011 tour. We arrived at about 10:15 and checked in. Every rider must check in, get their bib number and this way Bike JC can gauge how many riders there are.

Lots of parents with kids, bicycles built for 2 and 3! Lots of bicycles with trailers and kids in them. For a kid to ride alone they must have been 10 or older. All sorts of bicycles from $20 recycled racers, to hybrids like mine, to fancy, hand-painted and customized bikes.

We all started to move into position as the tables were starting to be set up (Made with Love, yum!), so when we arrived back, we’d be able to drink and eat!

Off we went by motorcycle police escort at the “horn” sound at 11am. We went at a pace of between 12-20 miles an hour, there were some hills, but mostly a leisurely ride on a beautiful Spring day. We passed through all the wards of Jersey City (Ward Tour) and after 15 miles of scenic areas, including Lincoln Park, Saint Peter’s College, Journal Square, The Heights and more, we arrived back at Exchange Place.

Upon arrival riders locked up their bikes and it was time to listen to music, eat and drink… many vendors, but I headed to Lucinda’s creperie, (OMG! Vege crepe, woohoo!) and some awesome beer. There were other trucks and tables set up like, Sava Polish Diner, Krave Korean BBQ, Made With Love, but I was focused on the vege healthy, light eating after a 15 mile ride (more like 23 from my house). There were bands playing, The Bad Parts, The Defending Champions (who were playing when I left…) and after that, The Audio Bodies, and Kiwi…

There were tables for non-profit causes such as, East Coast Greenway Alliance, Embankment Coalition (who came over to explain their mission and I signed their list), Friends of Liberty State Park, Liberty Humane Society and Uptown Crew!

Bike stores: Grove Street Bicycles, Easy Riders JC, Jersey Cycles.
Jersey City and Hoboken Bicycle Clubs: BikeJC.org, BikeHoboken.org

Anyway, here are some photos and maybe in the 3rd annual ward tour in 2012, we’ll get some media coverage? Geez! I heard 760 people had registered, if you didn’t come out, make sure to ride next year! Just amazing and so fun!

[Show as slideshow]

Here’s something I thought was so interesting. So many people riding by have smiles on their faces. I’m always wondering is it just the joy of riding that makes them smile, or are they thinking of funny things?

On the greenway which spans the whole length of Manhattan, the scenery changes and the views are spectacular. I rode first all the way uptown to the GW bridge and then turned around and rode all the way down to Battery Park. Then back to the Hoboken ferry and home.

Along the way I saw so many people setting up the BBQs, playing catch, playing tennis or just relaxing under a tree, enjoying the view and the breeze.

I love to visit the gardens, so you’ll see in my gallery, first shots from Riverside Park, then because it’s Fleet Week a few shots of the ships docked, the latest of what’s happening at the World Trade Center area, then the gardens in Battery Park.

What a gorgeous day, have a look! Even this fly was having a great day!

The people who rode were multicultural, music playing from their backpacks, dressed in very colorful attire or just unusual. Parents with kids, riders with pets in their packs (wish I’d gotten that photo), couples, friends, even people from out-of-town.

There were some steep hills but just as many downhills for that free ride… overall a wonderful experience. I saw spots in JC I’d not seen before, Lincoln Park with the fountains is gorgeous.

As we approached the finish line, we were welcomed by the band, The One and Nines, who were awesome. There were tents or areas set up with free coffee from Starbucks, yummy goodies from Made With Love. I bought the apple scone, yummmmmm!

The message we wanted to send was that Jersey City as it is right now is quite un-bike-friendly. No bicycle lanes, no bicycle parking. I think we made an impact by the sheer number of riders.

Visit my gallery of photos, here.