I did VIP last year and one thing to mention if you’re near the front you actually have to wait a few times for them to close the roads. 20 minute wait for them to shut down the BQE and another long wait at the end for them to clear the roads to the Staten Island Ferry. Super cool experience though, highly recommend it, actually wish there was an option for a longer route
I definitely agree about the part where you said that the later waves end up walking over the bridges. If I do it again this year, I want to try and get into wave 2.
People will slow down going up the bridges enought that the people behind them will be stuck and have to walk. There usually is a domino effect and it is hard to avoid.
Last year, we were in Wave Six and part of the Queens section was diverted by the time we made it there. If I lived in NYC or close by, it probably wouldn’t have bothered us but we’re from the UK so we felt a bit short changed. Other than the bridge issue, the only other section I felt was a bit, dare I say, boring was the freeway section. Some of my friends are not fast riders and felt this section was a little long and monotonous. I don’t mean to be negative though because despite the above issues, it is excellent and really worth the money if you can afford it!!
Some people live stream it while riding (Terry B on TH-cam usually live streams it). I don't have that sort of video gear, but it would be nice one day!
I have never stayed in a hotel in New York, but you better get one as soon as possible. They usually fill up quick for the Tour. Also, NY City is using them to house the immigrants so space is extremely limited. I personally would stay anywhere in lower Manhattan or over the bridge in the Williamsburg area since they are closest to where the TD Bike Tour will start.
Toronto Dominion, the bank that is the primary sponsor - although in the US, you almost never see that. I guess it’s a way to downplay its Canadian roots.
Last year I had to pick it up the night before. They didn’t have pickup on the morning of the ride. This year, I saw that they have an option to ship it to you, but it costs $50 or $60.
They have the pickup the week before the race on a few days. The pickup is pretty fast except if you go the first available day when they open (from experience).
I kept hearing TD Bike Tour and got disappointed when I see clothed individuals. I guess it's the same feeling letterkenny folks get when they go to TD Bank.
I did VIP last year and one thing to mention if you’re near the front you actually have to wait a few times for them to close the roads. 20 minute wait for them to shut down the BQE and another long wait at the end for them to clear the roads to the Staten Island Ferry. Super cool experience though, highly recommend it, actually wish there was an option for a longer route
I definitely agree about the part where you said that the later waves end up walking over the bridges. If I do it again this year, I want to try and get into wave 2.
Yessir 🥸
I didn't quite understand why he said the later waves walk over the bridges.
People will slow down going up the bridges enought that the people behind them will be stuck and have to walk. There usually is a domino effect and it is hard to avoid.
Last year, we were in Wave Six and part of the Queens section was diverted by the time we made it there. If I lived in NYC or close by, it probably wouldn’t have bothered us but we’re from the UK so we felt a bit short changed.
Other than the bridge issue, the only other section I felt was a bit, dare I say, boring was the freeway section. Some of my friends are not fast riders and felt this section was a little long and monotonous.
I don’t mean to be negative though because despite the above issues, it is excellent and really worth the money if you can afford it!!
Thank you for the added information. I guess they have a time limit before the roads need to be reopened.
Hoping that this ride is shown on TV!
That would be so nice to watch!
Some people live stream it while riding (Terry B on TH-cam usually live streams it). I don't have that sort of video gear, but it would be nice one day!
I admit paying over $100 to ride around NYC at an early hour is frustrating, but taking a vacation there intrigues me. Maybe in a few years.
It is the only way to legally ride up on the Verrazzano.
That is actually my favorite part of the ride. I love the view at the top.
@@BromptonFamilyTime 😎
Great video! Can you suggest what hotel to stay in and places to visit for someone out of town?NYC. I would've? e to do the tour.
I have never stayed in a hotel in New York, but you better get one as soon as possible. They usually fill up quick for the Tour. Also, NY City is using them to house the immigrants so space is extremely limited. I personally would stay anywhere in lower Manhattan or over the bridge in the Williamsburg area since they are closest to where the TD Bike Tour will start.
What does TD stand for ?
Toronto Dominion, the bank that is the primary sponsor - although in the US, you almost never see that. I guess it’s a way to downplay its Canadian roots.
When is the pickup? How far before the tour? I have to take a 2-hour train journey into The City to get it.
Last year I had to pick it up the night before. They didn’t have pickup on the morning of the ride. This year, I saw that they have an option to ship it to you, but it costs $50 or $60.
@@drewsmith7726I guess I could rush in the night before, geesh. 🙄 I can't afford another $50, so I didn't do that (already signed up).
They have the pickup the week before the race on a few days. The pickup is pretty fast except if you go the first available day when they open (from experience).
@@BromptonFamilyTimethanks.
I kept hearing TD Bike Tour and got disappointed when I see clothed individuals. I guess it's the same feeling letterkenny folks get when they go to TD Bank.
This will be my third year. I can’t wait. But I also think it will be my last 😢