The Ultimate Multi-State Five Borough Trans-Manhattan Tour de Bridge Challenge 2K7

Jun 04, 2007 22:29

We dropped out stuff off at a friend's apartment and then jumped on the 1 train up to the bronx. It took about 45 minutes to get up there. As the train pulled into the station, we notice it started sprinkling. We ran about 50 feet and then stopped to take some pictures on the Broadway bridge and then headed into manhattan.

Current Tally: 1 Subway Ride, 1 Bridge, 2 Boroughs

We continued south on broadway and then turned to the west and headed into Inwood Park. We made a few wrong turns in the park, but eventually came back out on the streets and went south. We made it onto riverside drive and then out to the greenway next to the cloisters. We continued our route south and stopped somewhere along the way to take a picture of the George Washington bridge in the distance. A few miles later we arrived at the George Washington bridge where we made a few wrong turns trying to find the pedestrian walkway. Eventually we found it as it continued to rain lightly. When we started up the ramp to the bridge we passed a couple guys on bikes with BOB trailers who were having a hell of a time trying to navigate the sharp turns. We got onto the bridge and stopped to take a couple pictures and the two cyclists caught up. We asked where they were going and they said they were headed to Vancouver. It was day one. They had maps to the other side of pennsylvania and then they were going to figure the rest out later. We talked to them a bit and we talked about TX4K. Eventually we bid them good luck and goodbye and continued west on the bridge. We bagged Jersey, took a picture and headed back over the bridge. On out way back, Jene mentioned that she was glad it was raining b/c it actually felt nice.

Current Tally: 1 subway ride, 2 Bridges, 2 States, 2 Boroughs

We decided we needed to skip the Tri-Borough bridge b/c we were going to have to come back via a pedestrian bridge that closed at dusk and we didn't want to get stuck in queens not knowing the area. So we headed down the west side of the island through some neighborhoods and eventually riverside park. We followed the greenway until we hit 55th street and then made our turn east. A couple blocks later we stopped at a bodega and grabbed some food. I ate a banana and a stick of beef jerky. Also grabbed a gatorade. We walked a few avenues as we ate and let our food settle a bit. This is about the time the skies opened up. We started running again at 6th Avenue in the steady rain. Eventually we turned at 1st Ave and saw the Queensboro bridge in front of us. We stopped under some scaffolding to consult our map and then went for the bridge. We eventually found the entrance to the bridge and headed up the incline. It was pouring on us as we laughed about the conditions and continued to plod along. We stopped at the top of the bridge to take a picture of the Roosevelt Island cable car and then made the descent. We had to stop again under the bridge to consult the map.

Current Tally: 1 Subway Ride, 3 Bridges, 2 States, 3 Boroughs

We figure out our directions and headed back west to catch 11th Ave. On the way we actually passed a couple other runners who were as soaked as we were. We turned and headed south on 11th Ave toward the Pulaski Bridge. It only took us a short bit to hit the Pulaski and we made our way over it into Brooklyn.

Current Tally: 1 Subway Ride, 4 Bridges, 2 States, 4 Boroughs

Once into Brooklyn, we stopped under some scaffolding to check the map again and then headed deeper into Brooklyn. By the time we made it through the neighborhoods around where Jene lives and to the entrance to the Williamsburg bridge, the rain was coming down pretty steady. We stopped for a couple of pictures in the rain at the Williamsburg Bridge and then headed up the long incline to the top of the bridge and then back down the other side.

Current Tally: 1 Subway Ride, 5 Bridges, 2 States, 4 Boroughs

Back in manhattan, we turned south and went into chinatown where we got somewhat turned around and added some mileage trying to find our way to the Manhattan Bridge. The rain was still coming down pretty steady, but we eventually fought through traffic and made it onto the bridge. Running over the bridge we could see south to the brooklyn which marked the last bridge we need to take. We came down off the bridge and crossed the street as the wind started howling and the rain was coming down sideways.

Current Tally: 1 Subway Ride, 5 Bridges, 2 States, 4 Boroughs

We laughed as the rain pounded us, but it was just a short run to the entrance to the brooklyn bridge. We started up the bridge and were totally exposed. The rain was pelting us and felt like needles b/c the wind was so intense. We continued our assault on the final bridge. Every other bridge we had at least seen one other unfortunate soul, but the brooklyn completely desolate. We came down the bridge and celebrated with a couple high fives. It was cold and miserable, so we briefly contemplated skipping the run down to and the ferry ride.

Current Tally: 1 Subway Ride, 7 Bridges, 2 States, 4 Boroughs

We put thoughts of quitting out of our minds and headed south to the ferry. We stopped to take pictures with the Bull and then made our way down to the Staten Island Ferry. We arrived just before they closed the doors to the departing ferry and walked in. All eyes immediately were focused on us. We were completely soaked from head to toe and were dripping all over the ferry. The line to the snack bar was too long, so we decided to forgo the beers for the ride over and would get them on our way back. We found a place upstairs away from people and sat shivering, much to the disgust of a woman sitting across from us. 15 mins later, we arrived at Staten Island and departed the ferry.

Current Tally: 1 Subway Ride, 7 Bridges, 2 States, 5 Boroughs, 1 Ferry Ride

We made a SHORT jog in the station to make it official and then entered the departing ferry. The rain was cold and we found ourselves shaking from the elements. We decided to substitute hot chocolate for beers and attempted to warm up on the ride back to manhattan. We exited the ferry and went to take the 1 train, but it was not running.

Current Tally: 1 Subway Ride, 7 Bridges, 2 States, 5 Boroughs, 2 Ferry Rides

We jumped on the Q and went up to union square. it was pouring so hard we took a cab to our friend's place to pick up our stuff.

so that was it.

Grand Total: 2 Subway Rides, 7 Bridges, 2 States, 5 Boroughs, 2 Ferry Rides, 1 cab ride, 1 hot chocolate, and 25.02+ miles

I feel find today, although I have an overall general feeling of fatigue. My legs are a little sore, but nothing bad. My feet don't like me, but I'll probably be back out pounding the pavement on wednesday.

here's the rough map of the run for anyone interested:

Map

we have decided to make it an annual run, so the first sunday of June next year will mark the next run!
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