Press Release

NEW YORK, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The second Greater Harlem-Con Edison Historic Bike Tour on Sunday, August 6 at 10 a.m., promises to be a fun-filled event for the whole family to enjoy. The 12-mile bike tour through the village of Harlem incorporates live entertainment, a vintage bike display and an exhibit of some the hottest new vehicles around.

Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. proudly presents the unique tour in conjunction with the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.

"We are literally watching history in the making as this bike tour gains momentum each year," said Frances A. Resheske, vice president, public affairs, Con Edison. "Our established partnership with the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce makes the tour a productive community venture for all involved," Ms. Resheske added.

Registration and start line opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. at the U.S. Grant National Memorial Park at West 122nd Street and Riverside Drive. The historic bike tour is one of three "A Great Day In Harlem" family events hosted by the Chamber in honor of their month-long Harlem Week 2000 celebration. Live musical entertainment will be provided at the national park start line by local jazz singer Lonnie Youngblood. The Memorial Park will also showcase a static display of unusual and vintage bicycles, and a collection of new Chrysler PT Cruisers. The vehicle, which sports a creative retro look, is described as "a ZZ Top hot rod and Elvis in a tuxedo."

During the tour there will be one key rest stop in the central Harlem Historic District at 135th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue. There are also two water stops along the route for participants.

One site is located at 162nd Street at the Jumel Mansion in Washington Heights, the northern most tip of the tour. The other water stop is at 116th Street and Pleasant Avenue in historic East Harlem. Volunteers from Con Edison and from various local community boards will be on hand to assist riders at these locations.

The scenic tour route will encompass the former residences of famed poet Countee Cullen, author and scholar Alexander Hamilton and showman James Anthony Bailey of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Riders will pass by the historic districts of Hamilton Heights, Jumel, Audubon Terrace and Mount Morris Park. Marcus Garvey Park, Duke Ellington Street, The National Black Theatre, and the River Bank State Park are also included along the tour route.

"The tour will allow bike riders of all ages a chance to explore central Harlem, East Harlem and historic areas of Washington Heights. It's a great opportunity to see the communities of upper Manhattan as they've never been seen before," said Lloyd Williams, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.

The registration fee is $15 for adult riders and $5 for children and senior citizens. Proceeds from the tour will jointly benefit the Harlem YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) and the Harlem Week Scholarship Fund. Riders who complete the tour at the Memorial Park will join the Family Unity Day Festival, which is part two of the "Great Day" celebration. The picnic and outdoor concert will take place on the park grounds from noon until 6 p.m. This event also combines part three, "New York City Salutes International Music Legend Lionel Hampton." The tribute to the jazz vibraphonist will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

For more information about the Greater Harlem-Con Edison Historic Bike Tour call (212) 460-6942. To find out more about Con Edison's community service programs, including the founding sponsorship of the 28th annual Skyscraper Harlem Cycling Classic, and fourth-year presenting sponsorship of BIKE NEW YORK: The Great Five Boro Bike Tour, visit the website at http://www.coned.com.

Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with more than $8 billion in annual revenues and $16 billion in assets. The utility provides electric, gas and steam service to more than three million customers in New York City and Westchester County, New York. For additional financial, operations and customer service information, visit Con Edison's web site at http://www.coned.com. SOURCE Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.

CONTACT: D. Joy Faber of Con Edison, 212-460-4111/