Ride Day 4 New York City!!!

It was a cold and drizzly morning, but all of the Muddy Angels (that is what all of the riders and wingmen are being called) assembled for a ride from Tarry Town, New York through New York City. The cold and rain lasted all day with times of heavy winds and heavier rain, but every rider remained in parade formation through the streets of NYC.

We were escorted by law enforcement from each community through which we past, and then were met just outside of Yonkers by the NYPD. They provided us with a first class escort with multiple patrol cars riding in front, behind, and to the side of us. They would race past to block intersections (the traffic in the city was insane!!) so that we could pass as one group.

It is difficult to find the words to describe the experience of being part of a group of about 100 cyclist, all wearing their Muddy Angels jersey, passing through the streets of NYC with sirens blaring. Exhilarating and exciting came to mind as people came out of the shops and apartment buildings to watch.

We began at Broadway and 242nd Street. From there we traveled through the city, under the elevated trains, through the neighborhoods, passed Madison Square Gardens, through Times Square, and into the financial district. NYPD then altered our route, blocked traffic, and allowed us to ride past the site of the World Trade Center where they are constructing the memorial. As we rode passed, all riders were silent, because we lost many EMS, Fire, and Police on that tragic day. This was unexpected for the planned route did not include this side journey, but NYPD made this possible.

Our ride ended at FDNY Station 4, where we were met by cheering EMS crews. We were able to see their station and share lunch with them. After we said our goodbyes we headed to Princeton New Jersey where our ride will begin early tomorrow morning. We begin at 0600 and will travel to Delaware.

What a time we are having.

John