5 boro bike tour checklist, part 1

My beautiful but dusty but well-seasoned but heavy
one-up-from-bottom-of-the-line mountain bike
locked to itself, with no sign of a key.
A mystery.

Seeing as I am doing the 5 Boro Bike Tour for the first time ever, I thought I'd write some regular updates until Tour date, Sunday May 2, 2010. So that gives me 3 months to train (spinning classes once a week, swimming, weights, running, and eventually riding my actual bike in my actual neighborhood), get outfitted (yes that means new gear because all my old gear is really old), and find the key to my U-lock, else have my bike be forever locked to the railing in my hall, with 2 flat tires.

1. First things first. Get UV protection cycling gear. Check. I got an awesome wicking hoodie from the Asics store on 42nd, near Bryant Park. The fabric is so cool and waffle-y. And it's purple to match my bike!
   
2. And while I was there, I got a shirt that wicks too (in blue, not orange). Also UV blocking. You can never have too many wicking layers while on the bike.
3. What sneakers should I wear? Probably just my basic Brooklyn-style Saucony's.
   
4. Should I buy a new pair of cycling tights? I have my eye on these by Pearl Izumi.
5. Or these from Bike Nashbar. These could be really comfy.
   
6. Must buy a Bic pen to pop my lock and free my bike from its shackles. I hope it works.

My new UV blocking hoodie and shirt from Asics!