First, a shortcut across Bryant Park, dodging leathery old men sunbathing. Sidewalks near Macy’s three-deep with heedless tourists.

Nearly clipped by a cab trying to beat my “opponents,” I lose anyway. Simply no good public transit between Grand Central and Penn.

Smooth ride across 42nd Street to Broadway, but at 35th Street, I get sprayed by a deli guy hosing a rubber mat.

Ten minutes to haggle with a pedaler, who stops once to clean grease on the chain with tissue I offer. Gentle morning breeze downhill.

I plan to take the M train, which would have been more direct. After at least 10 minutes, I hop an E train instead.

Main challenge while navigating buses and yellow cabs on Fifth Avenue: explaining bike share to tourists at every light.

Race 4 Traveling Downtown Penn Station → City Hall

Bike 31:40 CONGESTION A man with a cane warns: “The taxi cabs will hit you in the rear!” Bike lane crowded, obstructed, so pace is leisurely.

Subway or bus 20:47 LUCKY The 3 train runs on the 1 track at night, and I am not sure if it will on holidays too. I take a bet on the normal track, and the 3 arrives soon after.