I have to say, I am giddy with joy. I have been thinking about getting to LaGuardia Airport from the Upper East Side of Manhattan by bicycle for quite some time. Today I did it. And on my 1965 one speed Schwinn with coaster brakes. Giddy I tell you.
It’s between 8 and 10 miles from between where I live (82nd Street) and LGA. So the distance is not the issue. Things like bringing a fully packed case loaded for business plus an overnite bag for your good clothes. That’s an issue. Doing it all on a one speed, that’s an issue. Doing it in 30degrees F. And making sure you don’t smell and your hair dosen’t look funny. And making sure you don’t get hit in the dawn light. Those are issues.
Gearing up:
Briefcase strapped to rear rack (like every morning but this time it includes a projector as well as MacBook). Clothes and toiletries for trip are put in satchel that goes around chest and hangs off back NYC messenger style. Helmet lit to full. Plastic rain jacket mostly un-breathable (to keep heat in) over sports jacket. Plastic rain pants (it did in fact snow shower the eve before) for heat and spray.
The Route:
At exactly 6:30am I leave 82nd and Park. Down Park Ave, left at 59th St and over to York, left to grab Ed Koch bridge entrance on 60th. Over that beautiful span. See at least four bicyclists coming into Manhattan. They are all Asian or Hispanic. The bicycle is the real the People’s Transport. Pick up 21st Street past 24hr diners, cab repair shops, window tinters, and The Pep Boys (have me show you the matchbook joke someday). Under the RFK Bridge and first real stop for traffic. See a sea of single occupied cars making turns onto 21st Street towards LIC. This country has screwed itself with its dependence on oil. Hook a right onto 22nd Ave until it hits Ditmars Blvd.
Queens is beautiful.
Past the airport car rental places. Thinking that TSA or police will be stopping me any moment. After all, here is a man with a Semitic nose and complexion going on a bicycle past the runways with bags on his back and lit up by flashing lights on his head. But no, it must be too low tech for anyone to notice.
Arrive at American Terminal 7:22am.
Did I mention I was giddy with joy?
