Every year, riders from around the world gather for TD Five Boro Bike Tour—North America’s largest fun ride event, drawing some 32,000 participants. Once again, we joined the ride through New York, a global metropolis where the American dream and everyday reality coexist in the Gotham City skyline.
With major roads across all five boroughs closed exclusively for cyclists, this bold and luxurious urban ride offers a truly unique experience. But what brings each rider here? What are their reasons for taking part
Inspired by BNY’s slogan, “30,000 riders. 30,000 reasons.”, we present a photo album centered on the people of the ride itself.
Each rider has their own reason. Their own style. Here are the free-spirited metropolitan riders of New York.
Next up: our complete guide to TD Five Boro Bike Tour. Stay tuned!
The packet pickup venue for TD Five Boro Bike Tour is open for three days leading up to the event. On Thursday and Friday, local residents, retirees, and riders stopping by after work filled the venue, while Saturday drew many participants likely unable to attend during the workweek.
Ride mates chatting after packet pickup on a weekday afternoon. With shopping at the official TD Five Boro Bike Tour merchandise shop already done, they carry the relaxed confidence of riders fully ready for the big day.Lou, a resident of Staten Island—the location of the event finish—joined the ride on an e-bike. Although cycling is already part of everyday life, completing the 40-mile FBBT is, in Lou’s words, “a personal challenge.” Have a great ride!A simple, comfortable-looking road bike parked outside the venue—exactly the kind of ride you’d imagine a true New Yorker cruising on.Moarlow is a car mechanic with a passion for bicycles. For the FBBT, he rides a mountain bike, while his everyday bike back home is a custom-built small-wheel Bianchi. He also proudly uses Japanese components, including a Shimano hub dynamo and an Izumi chain.Planning a tour—or maybe a long journey? This e-bike looks capable of carrying both rider and luggage with ease.Tyler, who traveled from a town about four hours north along the Hudson River by train, joined the event with his girlfriend. The subtle color coordination on the frame and pedals showed off some seriously good taste.Riders stopping by the Global Ride booth after packet pickup. Great smiles all around even before the event begins. And the rider in the lower right? That playful arm-cover coordination is seriously cool.Speaking of cool, here are the riders from Black Girls Do Bike. Part of a cycling community and nonprofit organization active mainly across the United States, they work to create a welcoming environment where Black women and women of color can feel comfortable starting and enjoying cycling.Leon, Gian, Brian, Joe, and Shara rolled into Manhattan from Virginia by car, turning the trip into a casual camping adventure along the way. With their laid-back vibe and easygoing energy, they perfectly embodied the spirit of free-spirited American ride culture. Off the bike, they’re friends who enjoy sharing beers and heading out on bikepacking trips together.
2. On the Day of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour
A rider carefully choosing breakfast in the VIP area / Editor M taking a selfie in front of the public artwork by Anish Kapoor at the start area. For a guide to NYC public art, please refer to the article here.The official VIP rider jerseys for FBBT 2026 were available in two designs: “Skyline” on the right and “Gotham Lights” on the left. There’s something great about matching jerseys with friends.Achilles International is a New York–based international nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports. Their volunteers guide tandem bicycles for visually impaired riders and support athletes in a wide range of events. They also served as guides at the Tokyo Marathon 2026. At FBBT, they are the very first riders to start.In a city as diverse as New York, cycling is often said to play an important role in building local communities across different cultures and backgrounds. At FBBT, numerous clubs and nonprofit organizations took part wearing their own custom-designed jerseys and shirts. Top left: the jersey of Lighthouse Guild, an organization supporting people who are blind or visually impaired. Top right: a foundation T-shirt raising awareness for Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy.Fluorescent yellow stood out everywhere at FBBT—and each rider wore it with their own unique style.At the very front of the start line, the rider in the white-and-red helmet is Mayor Mamdani, a strong advocate for cycling in the city. It marked the first time a sitting New York City mayor had participated in the event, drawing intense media attention. Two riders beside the mayor, looking straight ahead, stands Kenneth J. Podziba, CEO of Bike New York.Robert arrived riding a Penny-farthing, the iconic high-wheel bicycle popular in the late 19th century. Shortly after the start, another rider bumped into him and caused a fall—but Robert handled it like a seasoned pro, clearly accustomed to riding (and falling from) the classic machine.There are plenty of e-bike riders at FBBT as well. After all, this is a fun ride—not a race.As demonstrators waved flags and called out “Free Palestine” from the roadside, riders responded by cheering back in support.Cheered on by a squad of cheerleaders, it was one of those moments that felt unmistakably American. Later, another performance featuring impressive lifts unfolded on the lawns of Central Park as well.FBBT is a fun ride where music is always part of the experience. The energy was already high from the very first aid station.Pedaling along with the Queensboro Bridge rising in the distance. Riders cruise in everyday clothes, yet this is still a highway—a once-a-year view everyone wants to savor. Though with the subtle uphill gradient, plenty of riders were clearly working hard just to keep moving.Looks like you’re a Mets fan… rather than a Yankees fan!Left / Despite the look of it, this isn’t advertising a real rental shop. “Deebo’s Bike Rentals” is a fictional store name inspired by Deebo, a character from the 1995 cult film Friday. Merchandise printed with the famous line, “That’s my bike, punk!” has apparently become a cult favorite. I should have bought one. Right / An elegant lady picked up a fruit-flavored protein drink. Even the aid station menu at FBBT is surprisingly well stocked.Riders speeding along with national flags raised high. Seeing people ride while expressing their own identities, beliefs, and messages is deeply moving—and also serves as a reminder that events like this can only be enjoyed in an environment shaped by peace.Cheerful volunteers are a blessing no matter where you are in the world.Riders somehow wearing helmets beneath their turbans (?). The rider code transcends borders, cultures, and religion.FBBT also offers excellent on-site mechanic support.At the fourth and final aid station, a rider flashes a smile that seems to say both “Which one should I choose?” and “This is great.” On the left hand is a Visa payment ring.Left & center / Riders we met at a pub that will be featured in a future article. “I joined because it’s not a crazy ride event,” said one. “A friend told me it was great,” said another. Both were first- or second-time participants. Right / As someone called out while passing by, we turned around to discover it was a rider we had interviewed a few days earlier. Apparently, he recognized Editor M by the Primal Pink Floyd jersey.Riders completing the 64 km course while taking in the city scenery. One by one, they flow through to receive the exclusive 2026 finisher medal.At FBBT, the diversity of cultures and religions is felt not only among the riders, but also among the volunteers and staff. Thank you—you made receiving my medal feel truly special.From Staten Island, riders board a large free ferry back to Manhattan. On board, cyclists mingle with everyday commuters and tourists, creating a moment that brings to mind the many different faces of New York.A fun ride isn’t over until you make it back home—or to your hotel. With bikes allowed directly onto public transportation, getting around is easy for riders, too. And those medals definitely stand out. Nice ride 🚲
Profile
Mayumi Kamura I’m a Global Ride editor. My expertise lies in visual expressions like design, art, fashion, and more. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted me to focus on my physical and mental health. I started playing tennis and resumed taking contemporary dance lessons. Considering that bicycle-related accessories often boast high design quality, I have a feeling I might become a fan during this experience.
