When I arrive at the starting line, I am happy to see that the weather hasn't dampened the mood. Thousands of excited riders are gathered and a speaker keeps the crowd pumped. The tour will start at 7:30 am and while we wait I am entertained by music, the other riders and of course the American national anthem, which is concluded by loud cheers from the crowd and thousands of ringing bike bells. This year’s event draws 32,000 riders so we start in different shifts. I luck out and depart with the first group at 7:30 am, when it is still relatively dry. As the starting shot is fired, Frank Sinatra’s ‘New York, New York’ blares from the speakers and we are off. I’m in a New York state of mind!