Every week this summer, as they have for the last 20 years (except in cases of lightning, a pandemic, or Canadian wildfire smoke), anywhere from four to 24 people will climb into carbon-fiber boats called shells and row down the Harlem River. These intrepid athletes, who range from former-D1 champions to total beginners, are part of Harlem River Community Rowing, or HRCR. “People ask where you row, and you say, ‘On the Harlem River!’ “But when I bike to practice along the Harlem River, the path is completely potholed and really in need of repair and investment, and I think it’s important to remind people.” “When you’re rowing on the water you’re simultaneously in the city and in nature, and you’re exercising, and you’re also just really focused,” Lussenhop said.