General Discussion Triathlon Talk » How fast do you bike Central Park? Rss Feed  
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2009-07-19 7:44 AM

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Subject: How fast do you bike Central Park?
I was just wondering how fast you can bike a full loop in central park (including the North hills)? I bike it in about 21 minutes, my husband can do them in about 18-19 but it still seems like a lot of cyclists go much faster than us (especially the groups). So, we were just wondering how fast everyone else is biking!


2009-07-19 10:03 AM
in reply to: #2294110

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Subject: RE: How fast do you bike Central Park?
For 4 laps, I avg 18 minutes, solo.  In a group, I'm in the 16 min range (due to drafting or fear of getting dropped!)

Here are some numbers for ya:

The fastest guys, the "A" field in Century Road Club Association (CRCA) bike races,  do 7-8 laps avg 13 or 14 minutes.    The CRCA women's field do 6 laps avg. 15-16 min.  So for them, 18 min is a Sunday cruise.


Here's a speed chart from the New York Cycle Club.

4-lap time Speed (mph)
1:10 or less22+
1:10 to 1:1321
1:13 to 1:1620
1:16 to 1:2019
1:20 to 1:2518
1:25 to 1:3017
1:30 to 1:3816
1:38 to 1:4815
1:48 to 2:0014
2:00 to 2:1413
2:14 to 2:3012
2:30 to 2:5011


2009-07-19 12:25 PM
in reply to: #2294110

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Subject: RE: How fast do you bike Central Park?
Its illegal to ride faster than 15 mph in Central Park unless you are in an official race.

But anyway.... I usually do recovery, small chain ring loop in about 21-23 mins and a tempo ride w/ intervals at about 19-21 mins and race pace/big ring in about 17-19.

I usually ride in the late morning or at night when the road is basically mine.
2009-07-19 1:14 PM
in reply to: #2294110

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Subject: RE: How fast do you bike Central Park?
My fastest solo training lap of CP was 15:46, but I usually do 4-6 laps somewhere between 17-18 mins per lap. Now the sun has come out (finally!) and the park is a lot busier I kind of like the excuse just to take it easy on the descents and lower loop and then just work on the hills.

It always amazes me when I see the times of the bike racers in Central Park - something to work towards I guess!

Phil.
2009-07-22 8:12 PM
in reply to: #2294378

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Subject: RE: How fast do you bike Central Park?
Thanks everyone!

Matt - Is it really illegal to ride faster than 15 mph? Even when the park is closed to cars? I think we could solve the budget crisis giving tickets at 6:00am!
2009-07-27 10:01 PM
in reply to: #2294110

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Subject: RE: How fast do you bike Central Park?
It is really illegal, there are actually a bunch of park regulations against cyclists in Central Park, or any city park for that matter.

Just to give fair warning, over the next few weeks due to some incidents which have occurred involving cyclists, tickets are going to be issued to riders wearing headphones. It is illegal to have headphones in both ears while riding so if you ride Central Park only keep 1 ear bud in.

Also, watch the speed and the style of riding that you are doing. Due to the incidents, reckless biking tickets are going to start being issued to riders going over the speed limit (15mph), and/or weaving in and out of others on the park drives (reckless is a broad term and is at the discretion of the officer and his feelings on the surroundings at that time).

As a cyclist, and a cop, I have to agree with this enforcement. If you have the need to ride fast, do it at off peak hours. Not at 5-7pm during the week, and 10am-4pm on the weekends. The park is too crowded during the summer. On Saturday alone, there were 4 bike accidents in a 3 hour period of 10am-1pm. I ride the park all the time, but you will never see me there at "peak" hours. I usually ride mid morning or at night, around 9:30pm.

Again, the above items are just for your info and you can do as you wish, but I wanted to give BTers in the NYC area a heads up.


2009-07-27 10:21 PM
in reply to: #2311635

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Subject: RE: How fast do you bike Central Park?
Isn't the road being resurfaced at the moment in Central Park? It's been a week since I've been in there but I think it's started now.

I tend to do laps of about 21 minutes, although I can just about break 20 if I'm not doing many.
2009-07-27 11:37 PM
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Subject: RE: How fast do you bike Central Park?
They do it in sections, right now they are doing the East Drive going North from 59 Street. Last I saw they had it done up to about 65th St or so but no lanes yet. They do it pretty quick at night. I havnt been there in a few days.
2009-07-31 7:13 AM
in reply to: #2311635

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Subject: RE: How fast do you bike Central Park?

Thanks for the heads up Matt! I only bike in CP in the early mornings - 5:30 to 7am. I agree that there are just too many people during peak hours so that makes sense to be giving tickets then to reckless bikers.

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