Getting a Bike for the 5 Boro Bike Tour - Part I (for Early Birds)

To give some background (and take a break from all the IKEA talk), the 5 Boro Bike Tour is an annual event in New York City where approximately 30,000 cyclists ride 42 miles in a route that is blocked off to car traffic. Make sure you register early as it may be sold out if you take your sweet time. This year, registration was full on March 14th. You can get more information on the event at the Bike New York website.

Your easiest, hassle-free-est option for renting a bike is to reserve through Bike and Roll because they deliver your rental bike to the start line and you can drop it off at the finish line in Staten Island. Basic packages for adults are $69 and go up from there depending on what type of bike you want. These packages sell out early so book yours asap! Unfortunately, I was not able to get a bike package through Bike and Roll this year, but there is a waiting list you can try -- check out the Bike and Roll website for more information.