ay to Spend Your Day
The city that never sleeps also doesn't mountain bike. New York City riders have always had it rough. While road bikers get bike lanes and a velodrome, mountain bikers are forced to commute over an hour-by car-to somewhere like Long Island.
This is especially frustrating considering that despite an abundance of parks in the city, none recognize off-road riding, legally. Well life is going to get a little easier for the knobby-tire cyclist, and we have Long Island mountain bikers to thank. Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers (CLIMB) has accrued over 80 miles of Long Island-located trails, and now a splinter group, NYCMTB, has formed to carve out trails for all skill levels in every borough. One set in Cunningham Park, Queens is expected to be open by the end of the summer.
Another in Highbridge Park in Northern Manhattan looks to open Fall'06. The last obstacles in the way of New York's first legal off-road trails are approval by a state biologist and funding for roughly $5,000 in signage. The construction for other trails will be based on the success of these first trails (read about proper mountain bike etiquette at www.imba.com/about/trail_rules), so while it may be tempting to beat the crowd and ride these trails before they're open, relax. There's no point jeopardizing the work that's already been done. To learn about upcoming trail cleanups and more, click www.nycmtb.com or www.imba.com.
Hottest Way to Spend Your Night
Most recreation is hardly sexy (see examples below), but now there are plenty of risqué pursuits thanks to the folks at Metro Planners. Dedicated to spicing up your love life, all but the most hardcore sex enthusiasts can learn something new with Metro Planners' workshops. The aptly named "Couples in Love" events are designed with two in mind. His and her stripteases, hip-hop workshops (think sex club dancing), lap dances and Tantra are all explored. Most happenings, however, cater to women, including the tamer Dancing Goddess Events (hip-hop, reggae and belly dancing) to the more "empowering" Naughty Girl Series (lap dancing, stripteases, self-love and blow job classes). While the majority of offerings focus on women, don't worry guys, you won't be feeling left out for long. For more info, click www.metroplanners.com.
Hottest Way to Make a Good Impression on a First Date
Sure, if you live in most parts of New York you're witness to plenty of decaying waterfront industry on a daily basis. But have you ever seen it by canoe? The Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club runs scenic tours up and down the mostly defunct canal several times a month throughout the summer focusing on the history of south Brooklyn and the importance of the canal. What's even better, all events are free (though reservations may be required). If you're not wild about paddling through a murky post-industrial waterway-or, who knows, maybe you've had a bad canoe experience one summer at camp-the group also sponsors walking and cycling tours. But first try the canoe trip, because after all, there's a good chance you already own a bicycle and a pair of legs. For more information, visit www.gowanuscanal.org.
Hottest Gift to Give Anyone Who Gets on Your Nerves
That life is all about suffering can seem especially true in New York. After being trapped inside all day at some job, we tend to seek comfort by pounding shots at the bar or seeing how many times we can circle Central Park. These forms of recreation, however, too often only add to our affliction. If you're looking to really purify your mind, try the opposite of "letting loose." New York Insight, a non-profit meditation center offers a wide variety of classes, workshops and retreats aimed at reducing confusion and developing inner calm through the study of meditation. Programs exist for all "Dharma" skill levels and last for either an evening, weekend or few months. Prices are low considering you're on a path toward enlightenment. Visit
www.nyimc.org for more info.
Hottest Place to Re-enact a Scene From The Color of Money
Are table tennis sharks the new pool sharks? Hmmm? we're not sure, but if you step into Wang Chen's Table Tennis Club, watch out for those hotshot Columbia varsity players known to frequent the establishment. Formerly known as the Manhattan Table Tennis Club, Wang Chen, a former Chinese National Team member and No. 4 rank professional now runs the 100th Street space. Expect nothing less than a table tennis Mecca; the club is devoted entirely to the wacky sport. This means no pool tables, video games or air hockey-Chen keeps it pure. Memberships run from $75 for adults to $65 for juniors. Otherwise prices range from $6-8 per person, per hour. The club features weekly tournaments, coaching lessons, can be rented out for parties and even sells equipment (need table tennis shoes?). Just make sure you don't slip and show you true rookie colors by calling table tennis ping-pong; you'll be ecen more likely to be hustled by those sharks. For more info, click to www.wangchenttc.com.
Hottest Parks to Jam
Get Your B-Boy on every Thursday in June & July at Rufus King and Crotona Parks. Featuring DJs from legends like Charlie Chase of the Cold Crush Brothers to award-winning turntablists like Grand Master Roc Raida and radio personalities like Kool DJ Red Alert, you'll also most likely catch some special guest emcees. June 8, 15, 22, 29. The gazebo at Rufus King Park, 153rd St. & 90th Ave., Jamaica, Queens, 5:30, free.
July 6, 13, 20, 27. Charlotte St. & Crotona Park East, Bronx, 6, free.