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When it’s a great bicycling tour in New Jersey that you want, there’s no better place to begin than right here. I’m a big fan of bicycling, and would love to share with you some of the things I’ve experienced over the years. Whether you choose to bike on your own, or through a bicycle touring society, you have some amazing options right here at home. Read on for a few favorite picks.
Great Swamp Ride Tour
Intersection of White Bridge Road and Pleasant Plains Road, New Vernon, NJ
Two loops make it an easy-to-handle trail for any skill level, and there are also a couple of hills to add a little interest. The trail, at just over sixteen miles long, makes for an invigorating ride. You will circle around the last remains of a gorgeous glacial lake. Look for occasional detours to extend the ride—and offer a bit of pleasant diversion in the process. One caveat to take note of: parking is hard to find. Your best bets are at the wildlife management area and the wilderness observation trails.
Round Valley Roundabout
Round Valley Reservoir in Hunterdon County, NJ
It’s moderately hilly, yes, but the blue waters of the Round Valley Reservoir are always in view. There are country roads and villages dotted throughout, and during the summer months, it is not unusual to see the sky peppered with colorful, vibrant hot air balloons. It makes for excellent photo ops, as do the picturesque little towns of Oldwich, Mountainville, and Stanton located nearby.
Washington Rock and Roll Tour
Begins and Ends at Bernard M. Degnan Park on Alida Drive by West Orange High School.
The twenty-two-mile trail is a cultural and historic goldmine. You’ll see several Essex County Parks as you ride along. There will be a steep climb as you ascend First Watchung Mount– twice—but the view of the New York City skyline is so worth it! You’ll also find the Edison National Historic Site and the Montclair Arts Museum. As if that weren’t enough, there’s also the Millburn train station, one of the first stations originally served by the Morris and Essex Railroad. The end of the ride will wind near the Turtle Back Zoo, Richard Codey Arena, and historic Washington Rock Lookout.
Bike Touring Societies
Bicycle clubs frequently host their own tours. Here are three popular New Jersey bike touring groups that offer a bit of social fun and a bit of fitness all rolled into one.
- Morris Area Free Wheelers
Dr Silverman is a member! One of New Jersey’s largest and most active bike clubs: Over 1400 scheduled rides a year on some of the state’s most scenic roads.Rides start from more than 50 different locations:
From the Highlands in the north to the rolling hills near the Shore, the majority in
Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Hunterdon, and Warren counties.
- Jersey Shore Touring Society
This social bike club schedules regular bike tours. Look for the Tour of Somerville on May 30, 2016, the JSTS Summer Tour June 16-18, 2016, and Bike Vermont with CJSC in August. There’s always something going on, especially during the warmer months. Check out their calendar for more details.
- NJ Bike Tours
14 Trumbull Ct, Princeton, NJ 08540, 801.548.2285
Grab your bike and helmet and hit the back roads of New Jersey. NJ Bike Tours’ mission is “to share le joie de vivre” in ways you wouldn’t expect. New Jersey is more than concrete. On this peaceful tour, see farmland, trees, enjoy history, and fresh food all on one grand bicycling adventure. And don’t forget your sunglasses!
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Don’t let your less than stellar vision hold you back. Contact OCLI to schedule a LASIK appointment. See what you’ve been missing on these bike rides. Make the call and make the change.
