The Belgian Bumrush

So far, the 2008 Bike the Big Apple scene has most certainly been dominated by the Belgians. I'm not sure why (or why now), but I am almost inclined to believe the Belgians are becoming the new Dutch! So, to all of you Dutch 'fietsers' (aka cyclists) out there, you need to come back and represent and stop leading us to believe that Belgium is the bigger cycling country!

Last weekend was no exception to this Belgian trend and I was overtaken by Belgians on both days! On Saturday George, John, and I led 17 ever-curious Belgian university students and their professor Alex on a great ride through much of Upper Manhattan. Overlooking the Hell's Gate and Triborough Bridges we had a great discussion about the portion of the East River originally known as Hellegat. Although this term was coined by the Dutch, the Belgians had no problem helping to clarify its origins!

After a great lunch in Harlem, we encountered several passionate protesters on 125th Street. In the same vein as Adam Clayton Powell, Jr in the 1930s, local residents have been protesting the plan to rezone this major thoroughfare. A few days after this tour, a comprise was reached. I'd like to think that these protests had a positive effect on the future of Harlem and I hope that this compromise can help the neighborhood to retain its character despite all the new money pouring in.

Shortly after Harlem, we made our way up to Morningside Heights and Columbia University. The Belgian students felt right at home in the center of campus and took a bit of time to mingle with their New York peers. Sunday afternoon brought us 47 French-Belgians on a corporate trip. Pat, Levi, I split them into three groups. Despite the size of the groups, these guys really flew through the city. In a three hour window, we devoured over 150 dumplings and 30 sesame pancakes in Chinatown, stopped in for a short game of bike polo on the Lower East Side (it was their first time playing but these guys were REALLY good), crossed both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, got 6 flat tires, and still made it back to the bike shop right on time for all 47 Belgians to roll out in 6 stretch limos!