Because of the fact that she knows how impulsively I buy things and get caught up in pretty shiny things, I answered “ugh….. oooohhhhh… yeah…. fine.” There were too many reasons why I should buy a used bike that in those few seconds I realized that maybe she was right.  We tend to share the idea of “Why build more when you can utilize what already exists?”  Sometimes this fact makes my inner impulse buying side grumble, but its true.  Especially in Staten Island.  Just look at the housing.  There are so many developers tearing down beautiful historic homes and putting up cheap row houses everywhere.  If they bought up old houses, and spent money fixing em up instead of putting crappy row houses that look crappy, then the Island would look much more quaint in more areas.

Anyhoo…

So I started looking around on Craigslist on the suggestion of a few people and found all these ads for bikes from a guy (BY THE FERRY)

A remember a friend of mine mentioning a person selling these bikes and getting a great deal on a vintage bike.  Why not.  I texted him and we met up.  He showed me his collection of vintage cruisers and road bikes, and saw a beautiful yellow Columbia.  I mentioned that I blog about bikes, and said not to mention his number.  Understandable.  He was great and awesome.

I’ve also been told that the (NEW DORP MAN) is also a great place to find some great commuter bikes for cheap.  I haven’t met him yet, but am looking forward to see him in the future.  Evidently he has access to alot of abandoned bikes, so I’d check him out as well.

So I’m off to ride my vintage road bike. You should definitely just check out whats around if you are in the market.  If you are not racing or just need a bike to get around, why not get used.

There’s gonna by bikes, and bike films, and bike repair, and bike dogs… i dunno but it should be awesome.  Check out more info on this event at

http://bikemonthnyc.org/event/2840

Hills are the bane of SI riders’ existence.  The flip side is that if you grew up riding these hills, you know that Staten Island riders have a decent amount of endurance due to the rocky terrain we deal with on a daily basis.  After seeing an Alleycat Competition route on Ride with GPS, I decided to create a route that is a true representation of our toughest abilities here in Staten.  I believe i rode over Ocean Terrace as a teenager, but haven’t done it since.  I created this route for the hardcore off-islander cyclist that wanted a little taste of Staten, so the route actually passes some beautiful jewels.

Richmond Terrace – Snug Harbor

Clove Rd – Staten Island Zoo and Clove Lakes

Manor Rd – Camp Pouch

Lighthouse Hill – The Lighthouse and the Tibetan Museum (Around the corner is the Frank Lloyd Wright house)

Bay St – Tappen Park

By the by, this site is awesome for drafting up Staten Island routes due to our rocky terrain, and can give other NY riders a sense of what its like to ride here.

Click here for Joe Vs the Volcano bicycling route #mce_temp_url#

Although hills are a part of SI riding and is a good metaphor of the cycling status quo, I can’t help but think of how much fun the downhills are.

After all the great response we’ve had for our last ride, Bike Staten Island is keeping with the momentum for Bike Month Staten Island. Make sure you you tell your friends and especially encourage other people to come out with your night lights, bells, and to make sure Staten Islanders know what a friendly experience having more bicyclists on the streets can be.

Meet at the steps of Borough Hall at 7pm across the street from the ferry.

For more info where to meet up check out:

http://foursquare.com/venue/868566

Bring your night lights, helmets, and free expression.

7pm