New For 2024: Introducing the Escape New York “Road” Jersey

The all-new ENY Road jersey is designed to be viewed by a motorist overtaking a group ride. From a distance, they see a cluster of faces staring back. The effect is arresting and humanizing—a reminder that cyclists deserve the same respect and consideration as other road users. Then, after passing, the motorist checks their rearview mirror and sees “Escape New York” proudly rendered.

The design is by NYCC members Joe Lertola and Neile Weissman.  It is available as standalone purchase—or as part of a matching kit.

We hope you like it as much as we do!  And if you like some of our past year’s jerseys - the variety of colors remains available if you scroll down in the store.

You are welcome to shop directly at our Escape New York Apparel Store by Pactimo!

Sign up now for the ride and your confirmation e-mail will let you know how to SAVE 20% on your order.

Pactimo will send to production whenever the store sales reach required minimums, roughly every 2-3 weeks. There is a 4-6 week production and shipping process. So get your orders in early and you will likely be wearing your jersey at some point over the summer.

A Note from Ride Director Allan Friedman

Just a little bit more about Joe and Neile, and what they’ve done here.

I first joined NYCC in 2011 taking the C SIG.

I was not a very active member over the following decade, choosing instead to cycle and be on the board of the Five Boro Bike Club in various positions. In July of 2019, I met with then NYCC President Peter Storey with a proposition. At the time, I was a first (of three) term President of 5BBC; and he was a first (of three) term President of NYCC. My proposition was - with the TA Century ride announcing that it would be its last year - would he be willing to have NYCC - a model club in terms of its volunteer spirit - share its experience running large rides, and partner with 5BBC to bring the ride back to life.

Little did I know that Peter had a challenge on his hands at that moment (to say the least) where his marketing lead had resigned and his Ride Director declared that he would not be back next year.

“Allan, if you want to learn how to run a large scale ride - understudy the current Ride Director and take the role on for next year”. And I never looked back. I became more active in the club, taking a B SIG in 2022 and leading Escape New York for several years, running very profitable rides each year that it ran.

Why the long background?

The volunteer spirit of this club shined through my experiences with SIG leaders in 2011 and 2022. Even though Covid sapped NYCC’s energy (only a bit), the club’s volunteer spirit has bounced back with a palpable vengeance. I can see it monthly on the board. I see it through friends taking the SIGs now. I see it in the scores of members who volunteer to make Escape New York happen in September, and the dedicated management team I eventually find each year that help make the ride possible. (Check out the roles in management - we can always use fresh perspectives on the team)

This jersey is another example of this tremendous volunteer commitment and spirit.

Neile, who everyone knows from the many different things he brings to the club (just search his name on the ride listings and you will see what I mean), had an idea. The moment he spoke it, I saw it’s potential. It took him some time, and work with his friend Joe, a great graphic designer who realized his vision after only very few iterations to the final version you see us launching here. There are so many areas of the club, made possible by such volunteerism. I am truly excited and proud to bring you this design. Building on the other great designs our board has brought the club over the past few years - it fits right into our growing store offering a variety of apparel new and old. Members can always buy something they like to show the club colors.

To Neile and Joe - it was a pleasure working with you on this - your attention to detail is amazing and I look forward to seeing many great pictures of teams riding together with lady liberties impressing the cars that pass us - and with looks in the rear view mirror, hopefully they will tell anyone the know who rides - check out NYCC and it’s Escape New York ride, they seem like a cool and hip crowd.

Can’t thank you enough - Allan Friedman, Escape New York Ride Director (2020-2024)