Come along with us on our celebration of all things bicycling in Hunterdon County!
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Bicycling in the Age of Coronavirus
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all been asked to use social distancing.
The good news is that we can still ride our bikes on the road, and now on certain trails and towpaths as well.
As we kick off Hunterdon Bike Month and celebrate cycling in Hunterdon County, we’ve provided you with some great resources to get you started!
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed several Executive Orders restricting congregant activity. Here is a quick list of how this impacts bicycling.
Bicycling is permitted. However, cyclists should not be riding in large groups which does
not allow for adequate social distancing of at least 6 feet.
Solo riding or riding with immediate household members is most appropriate.
Maintain at least 6 feet of social distance from others, including pedestrians you may
encounter.
Bicycle shops are considered essential services and may be open for service, repairs
and sales pick up only.
State and County Parks are currently open. Locally, this includes the D&R Canal Tow Path, Columbia Trail, Round Valley Reservoir, Spruce Run Reservoir, Landsdown Trail and others. Use discretion if the park is busy; limit your time in parks to no more than 2
hours.
Wear a facial covering.
Always wear a helmet.
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Getting Back on your Bike
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Some of you may be getting back into cycling for the season while some are brand new to riding. Either way, welcome to the Hunterdon cycling community!
Here are some basic tips to get you started:
Check your Gear:
Is your bicycle ride ready? If your bicycle has been sitting, be sure to check the tire pressure, brakes, cranks, and cassettes.
Watch our
ABC Quick Check
video to guide you. How about your helmet? Make sure that it fits properly. Take a look at our
Helmet Fit
video to be sure you are adjusting and wearing your helmet properly.
Prepare for your Ride:
Do you have extra tubes, CO2 or small pump, and tools to take with you on your ride? If not, make sure to purchase before your ride.
Local bike shops are open
, but may be on reduced hours. It is best to call ahead.
It’s not a bad idea to carry an extra face mask and some latex free gloves. If you need assistance from someone or you want to offer assistance while on your ride, you will be able to do so safely.
Plan to bring a sufficient amount of water and energy snacks. Many shops and restaurants are open, but may have changed their hours and/or only allow online ordering.
Choose your ride carefully.
Although restrictions are beginning to ease, right now may not be the right time to go on that challenging, long ride you have been putting off. It is best to stay closer to home for your rides. Visit the
www.bikehunterdon.org
website to find routes in your area.
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Ride Opportunities this Week
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Each week, we'll be featuring some of Hunterdon County's best bicycle riding opportunities. Here are a few for your consideration this week:
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This 30 mile route offers scenic vistas, fast long flats and a few good climbs. Beginning and ending in Flemington, the route travels through Clinton and Pittstown as well.
Start anywhere on the course or try riding it in reverse. In either direction, from any starting point, this route offers everything for the advanced beginner to the most experienced rider.
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This popular "family friendly" ride does not disappoint. With beautiful views of the Delaware River and the canal itself, the D&R is the perfect flat trail for individual and family riding. Access in Frenchtown, Stockton, or Lambertville.
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Mountain Bike Ride:
Round Valley Reservoir
offers everything that a mountain biker could want. There are steep rocky climbs, gnarly single track and plenty of spectacular views. While the majority of the trails are not beginner friendly, there are a few shorter, easier trails across from the South Parking Lot.
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This the perfect beginner gravel route. It is a relatively short distance that can be combined with other routes for the more advanced rider. A gravel bike, road bike with wide tires, a fast hybrid, or a mountain bike are all capable of handling the roads on this route.
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Neighborhood Ride
: Your own neighborhood can provide a great bicycling great location.
Whether you live “in town”, a residential development, or on a quiet road, your own neighborhood can provide a great place to ride.
Children under the age of 10 may ride on the sidewalk, but older children and adults should always be riding on the road in the same direction as motorists.
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We’d love to see how you are celebrating cycling in Hunterdon County! Please share your photos from your rides! Email your photos and questions to
charris@gohunterdon.org
With your permission, we’ll add your photos to our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages. Be sure to hashtag your photos!
#hunterdonbikemonth #viewfromthebarshunterdon #hunterdoncelebrationofcycling
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#viewfromthebarshunterdon #hunterdonbikemonth #hunterdoncelebrationofcycling Lower Creek Road, Stockton, NJ
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Bike Hunterdon is an initiative of goHunterdon to promote Hunterdon County
as a bicycle tourism destination and to support bicycling as a sustainable transportation option.
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goHunterdon | (908) 788-5553 | www.gohunterdon.org
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