My Favorite Day in NYC Happened During COVID

And How Riding a Bike Helped Me Do It

In the midst of a pandemic-ridden world in a city that was once the United States’ hotspot of COVID, I managed to have one of the best days I’ve ever had in New York City.

I’ve lived in New York City since college making it almost 10 full years that I’ve been lucky enough to call New York home. Like many NYC residents, I fled the city at the height of the Coronavirus pandemic that is still alive and well across our nation and the world. My parents scooped me up in mid-April. At that point, the sirens in my neighborhood in Harlem were still constant and it was nerve-wracking to go outside. I began to sink deeper and deeper into a strange depression and I knew the space my childhood home in the suburbs could provide me with a literal and figurative breath of fresh air.

While my mental health continued to change regularly, as many people have experienced throughout this time, leaving the city was the right move even though I was heartbroken to leave my favorite place and the home I’ve carefully cultivated over the years. After almost exactly four months at my parents’ though, I decided to head back to the city. No, I didn’t (and still don’t) have a job to return to, but it was simply time. I was excited to see what this new form of NYC would be like.

While I’m not physically going to appointments often these days, many doctor’s visits are now virtual for example, I did have an appointment scheduled for the Monday after I returned. Honestly, it was laser hair removal and while that may seem frivolous during these devastating times, it was something that had been scheduled for months and I didn’t want to fall behind any further on my treatments. Frankly, it helps my self-esteem.

I wasn’t sure how I’d get down to the appointment because I still feel cautious when it comes to public transit. I know Governor (Daddy) Cuomo says it’s safe, and I know I’ll always be wearing a mask and following the social distance guidelines, but why ride the subway which is traditionally disgusting if I don’t have to? What options did that leave me? Should I walk the near 100 blocks since I quite literally have the time these days? Should I take an Uber? Should I sneak on the back of a garbage truck and hope no one notices me?

And then I realized how I could get downtown. It was something I always vowed I’d never do for fear of dying a gruesome death…

I could ride a bike.

Riding a bike in New York City and in general has never been something that appealed to me. I believe I had training wheels until I was about 12-years old, and I’ve always had a distrust of bikes, skateboards, and the like. You see I like to be in control, and I never really trusted my abilities to control a bike. No, I never had a horrific experience with biking, but it’s always been a somewhat inexplicable fear I’ve carried.

But I decided to give bikes another shot on the 17th of August in the year 2020. Lots of people have switched to this mode of transportation in our modern COVID times. It’s exercise, it gets you where you need to be, and there’s much less human contact. Plus, CitiBike stations are popping up everywhere making it convenient for me to give up and dock the bike a few blocks away from where I picked it up if needed.

So it was decided, I would borrow my roommate’s helmet, only ride in parks and bike paths, and I would make a day of it. I under no circumstance would ride on the streets. NYC traffic, and pedestrians for that matter, are ruthless. As someone who isn’t very confident in her biking skills, I thought it best to introduce as few obstacles as possible. If I’m going die in the year 2020, please don’t let it be from someone opening their car door without noticing me rolling up beside them.

I set out on my journey downtown around 10 am giving me ample time to make it to Central Park South in time for my 12 o’clock appointment. I picked a bike up, strapped on my helmet, and walked the bike a block or so to Riverside Park. It took me a few minutes to remember how to ride, and when I made my first sharp turn I got scared and tipped over slightly, but I didn’t let that deter me. And I would like to mention that CitiBikes are far from agile. They are bulky and the gears are wonky making them at times challenging to maneuver.

As I began making my way downtown, I noticed how free I was feeling. It was a hot, sunny day and the breeze was just right. I passed people out with their families, on little dates, as well as other cyclists and runners. The salty air from the Hudson River was carrying me downtown with a smile on my face that was hidden behind my mask, but I’m sure it reached my eyes.

Most people were practicing social distancing and wearing masks, which also made me extremely happy. Wearing a mask is quickly becoming one of the ultimate signs of respect.

As I reached 68th street, I decided to dock my bike and walk the rest of the way to my appointment. I hadn’t been in midtown since early March, so I wanted to see for myself what this new version New York City was like. I was pleased to find that even though many businesses were still shuttered, the energy that I’m so familiar with wasn’t gone. Between it being summertime and because so many people have fled the city due to COVID, the streets are emptier but it allowed me to see the city in a new way. And let me tell you, she’s still gorgeous.

I was so happy as I was walking to my appointment that I was greeting all of the doormen I passed, something I’d rarely do in the pre-COVID non-stop world. It was lovely. I felt a bounce in my step and a smile throughout my whole body.

After my appointment, I was so hopped up on endorphins I decided to pick up a bike again and ride it through Central Park. As I cruised up the east side, I once again was able to experience my city in a completely new way. I felt so cool! Look at me go, riding a bike in New York City as if I’ve done it a million times! There were a few times throughout my journey where I needed to stop and walk the bike uphill. I need to build my stamina, but I persevered nonetheless!

When I arrived at Central Park North, I once again parked my bike and decided to walk the 40 or so blocks back to my apartment to eat lunch before helping my friends move into their new place. I blame the endorphins for making me think that I could do so much physical activity in one day, but the soreness was worth it.

After I picked up an iced tea at Dunkin’ Donuts as a little treat for my walk, I continued my journey uptown. I saw places I haven’t seen before. I clocked every new CitiBike station. I listened to the music coming from peoples’ windows and watched as police officers handed out masks to people at subway stations. I left a message for a friend who lives in a neighborhood I passed through just to say hi. I bopped along to music and podcasts. It was nothing short of beautiful.

New York City is different now. There’s no denying that. However, the magic is still there. NYC, I’m pleased to say, is alive and well. This city has a way of breaking you and then when you least expect it, building you back up. Even without a job and with so much uncertainty lurking, I was reminded of how lucky I am to live here. I was also reminded of how strong I am and how much happiness I’m capable of when I move outside of my comfort zone.

This day was by far one of my favorite days I’ve ever had in New York and maybe in my life. I can’t remember the last time I felt so empowered and connected to myself and the world around me. The city doesn’t have all of the same bells and whistles as it did before, but it does have new ones, subtler one, that I’m loving just as much. And the energy is still there along with the grit and kindness.

I’m excited to continue to learn how to live in this new version of New York City, and something tells me I’ll be riding a bike as I do it.