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Dust off your spandex and grease that chain: the NYC Century Bike Tour is back. After a six-year break, the city’s legendary 100-mile ride returns on Sunday, September 21 and New York’s cycling community is ready to roll.
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Billed as the only urban century ride in the U.S., the NYC Century isn’t your average park loop. Organized by Transportation Alternatives and revived in partnership with WNYC, this year’s tour honors the late Roger Herz, a transit advocate and TA co-founder. His estate helped bring the ride back for a one-time return, now officially called the Roger Herz Memorial NYC Century Bike Tour.
Launched in 1990 with just 200 riders, the event grew into a major cycling milestone, attracting over 5,000 participants at its peak. The route covers four boroughs (sorry, Staten Island), with riders cruising through parks, along greenways and across 100 miles of NYC streets—grit, cracks and all.
Not ready for the full century? No problem. A 15-mile family-friendly route will be offered, with more options expected to be announced soon. The course won’t shut down streets, but it will include marked paths, staffed rest stops and a Finish Festival at the end.
Training tips from veterans? You don’t need to be in pro-peloton shape, but a decent bike, plenty of carbs and a padded seat go a long way. “What suffers is your ass,” one rider told Gothamist. Still, it’s not about speed—it’s about showing up and seeing the city in a new way.
Registration is now open: $105 for adults, $60 for children under 14. Rental bikes are available through Bicycle Habitat.
After a long hiatus, the NYC Century is more than just a comeback. It’s a chance to take over the streets, connect with thousands of fellow riders and experience the city from the saddle.