Photos by Amy Bolger, Ed Haas, and Michael Toomey. Click on a photo to see an enlargement and scroll through, and check out the photo contest for more images from the 32nd Tour.

NYC DOT Deputy Commissioner Leon Heyward and his daughter sounded the starting horn at 8:00 a.m. sharp.	A light rain was just starting to fall as riders rolled north from Battery Park.	Rain was predicted all weekend, though the previous day turned out to be rather nice.
Most riders prepared wisely with layers and waterproof gear. Not all were lucky enough to have helm-brellas.	Riders passed through a lively TD Bank cheer zone just north of the start.	Within moments, Avenue of the Americas was filled with bikes--nearly 30,000 of them.
Midtown is a whole different scene without cars.	About half of the participants were first-timers to this unique tour of NYC landmarks.	Spectators human and canine look for dad on a hill in Central Park.
North of the park, in Harlem, city-dwellers were just stepping out for church.	The Tour had a new water station in the Bronx, the second borough of the day.	Back in Manhattan, it wasn't far until the first full rest area. Hard-working volunteers braved the rain all day to help the ride flow smoothly.
FDR Drive, along the East River.	One of the youngest riders, sealed inside a trailer. About 6% of participants are children.	The upper level of the Queensboro Bridge, leaving Manhattan en route to borough #3. The Queensboro turns 100 in 2009.
The 42-mile Tour route crosses five major bridges.	Its usual bike path is on the lower level, but today bikes rule the top.	A brightroom photographer on the lookout for your helmet number.
More young riders, taking it easy on the downhill into Queens.	Rest stop #2, Astoria, was relocated from a potentially muddy hill into a parking lot in the shadow of the RFK Triboro Bridge as part of the rain plan.	A whopping 60,000 Bonita bananas get eaten at the Tour.
New York provides some great backdrops for camouflaged flat-fixing.	The Pulaski Bridge, over the Newtown Creek, delivers riders to Brooklyn.	The DUMBO neighborhood has many artistic touches, some color-coordinated with cycling jackets.
Lookin' good at Fulton Landing, an unofficial rest stop.	Flowers thriving in the May showers. Not since 1983 has the ride been subject to so much rain.	A flat tire on the BQE normally causes a jam, but when it's a bike tire and bike traffic there's no pile-up.
After crossing the magnificent Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, riders reached the Festival at mile 39.	Fort Wadsworth, part of Gateway National Recreation Area, plays host.	Many sponsors and exhibitors gave out goodies and information, including handy cell-phone cases courtesy of Con Edison.
Warm Starbucks coffee was one of the most popular giveaways.	The First Aid station's space blankets also proved useful for many.	The Michelin man drew a crowd to his tent, with prizes including socks and a road atlas.
Massages courtesy of TD Bank also helped people warm up and relax.	After the final leg through Staten Island, a congratulatory stop at the bar proved tempting.	And finally, the ferry ride back to Battery Park, completing the 42-mile loop.