PLANET CHOCKO – art/music/movies/beyond

You know if Halloween is nearing and the Chiller Theatre horror convention in NJ is fast approaching, you will also know that the Tour De Bronx annual bicycle ride is usually monster mashed somewhere in between these two festive occassions! This year was no exception as the 21st annual 2015 Tour de Bronx happened yesterday! The early rains and the gloominess in the morning did not stop this failed lab experiment, though I’m sure the weather did influence some weak neophytes from attending.

(This is what it looked like in my car when I parked on Arthur Ave before unloading the bicycle)

The morning hangover from the previous day/night excursion nerding out at the Chiller Theatre convention is always a concern before one of the best & free bicyling events NYC & the Bronx has to offer but we somehow always get the job done! Once again, the Tour De Bronx proved to be a another great outing with riding in the borough that is least explored by most. Besides the obvious of getting on two wheels which is great exercise, the tour gives a chance for us to see another side of the Bronx that is not part of the stereotype. Everytime I partake in this ride, I’m still amazed at some of the beautiful neighborhoods we whiz by and some of the great pathways/greenways along the river that we ride through! While riding on the Tour yesterday, we saw Bronx Borough President – Ruben Diaz Jr. pedaling along with us which was pretty amazing! Of course the Boro Prez has a method to the madness as he continues to try to encourage Citibike – NYCs bike sharing program to expand out to the Bronx to provide more Transportation alternatives while also paving the way for the City to mark more bike lanes in the future.

Getting back to the ride itself, it was great seeing folks roll with different styles of bikes! We saw plenty of foldups, recumbents, & tandem bicycles as well as the roadies, hybrids, BMX, lowriders, & mountain bike styles. We spotted more than a few urban assault type hybrid bicycles,too with the large tires ready to take on the marshes and meadowlands! I did not spot the unicyclist guy this year, though! The best thing about the ride besides the nice burn you get in the legs afterwards and a day of some great sightseeing – the appetite afterwards! This year, we ended up at Zero Otto Nove on Arthur Avenue to enjoy a nice Neapolitan style pizza! God willing, we’ll be back at the ride again next year! Don’t forget about the Bronx, y’all! Visiting NYC would not be authentic if you don’t get out to the Bx! You’ll be surprised with what you’ll find!

(I parked my car in front of Zero Otto Nove – a notable Italian Restaurant on Arthur Avenue. I parked here for strategic purposes of course as you will find out after the ride! I walked across the street to Madonia Bakery for some breakfast and goodies for the ride! Folks, trust me – stop here for your Italian pastries & bread! They even pipe your canolis to order! I pedaled towards Yankee Stadium via the GrandConcourse. Second stop, was the graffiti spot that Legendary hip hop pioneer – DJ Kool Herc resides over. The wall is diagonally across the street from the Bronx Museum of Arts.)

(BG183 – Tats Cru)

(Panmela Castro)

(Sonic)

(Here we go – the start of the 25 mile ride!)

(Unfortunately, I had a flat tire about a mile into the ride. I was on 144th street & third ave. Luckily, we flagged down a marshall from the event who helped me patch the tire. I was very grateful! Thank you sir! You’re a gentlemen and a real rider! Lesson learned, carry an extra tire tube or at the very least – a patch kit!)

(After the tire was repaired, we hunkered on down past the South Bronx through Mott Haven to the 1st rest stop at Crotona Park where we caught up with the rest of the stragglers that were left behind. Bagels,juice,power bars, & water were available! I demolished the cranberry scone I got at Madonia.)

(The next stop was at Castle Hill’s YMCA with a view of the Whitestone Bridge and Queens out yonder!)

(The 3rd and final rest stop was at Pelham Park Nature center. This stop was mile 18 of 25. I also happened to remember that the last leg of the tour contained that steady hill that kicks some peoples butt including mine. It’s not the steepest of hills that I have ever encountered but it’s still a drag! I powered through but at the lowest gear. Hey, by any means necessary I say!)

(We are at the Bronx Botanical Gardens now! Finished! It seems like an easy ride based on this photo blog but my body felt pretty stiff the whole night! Pretty much a walking corpse I would say or a walking viagra, perhaps a walking prick?! We picked up our orange Tour de Bronx t-shirts and off we went to Arthur Ave!)

(Now back to that strategic parking I had earlier in the morning which is about a mile away from the Bronx Botanical Garden – here we are at Zero Otto Nove enjoying a nice Linner – Lunch and dinner, fools! And no, that’s not my Fiat parked on the sidewalk! Maybe it was the Pope’s ride? We know his affinity with Fiats!!)

(a delicious Neapolitan pie of puffy & charred crust variety, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, & spicy sopressato!)

(accompanied by antipasti of squash, gorgonzola, & sweet sausage! The combinations were great! Great together with the pizza crusts, too!)

(a look at the decor at Zero Otto Nove – quite the Italian Village and country inn!)