Cyclists from all around the tri-state area will gather on September 10 to enjoy the natural beauty, breathe in the fresh air, and have fun to “Save the Sourlands.” Registration is still open for the in-person “kickoff” event on September 10 and self-paced cycling, hiking, and running from September 11 through 17.
The $60 entry fee for the kickoff event on September 10 includes breakfast, lunch, swag (salamander socks), SAG services (Support and Gear) rest stops with porta-potties, snacks, and more.
For breakfast, Small World Coffee will provide coffee, and the Bagel Barn and Deli will provide bagels at the registration tent. For lunch, New World Pizza will prepare a variety of pizzas on-site in their truck-mounted wood-burning oven, as well as fresh, delicious subs. Dessert is the Spectacular’s signature brownie sundae, featuring award-winning ice cream from the Bent Spoon, homemade brownies, and special gourmet chocolate sauce.
The rest stops, located at the Larison’s Corner Presbyterian Church in Ringoes and the Black Shed in Stockton, will have all-natural peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and a variety of fresh fruit, among other snacks. Port-a-potties, hand washing stations, and water refill stations will be located at both rest stops.
There are three routes ranging from 29.3 to 62.4 miles. Arrows of different colors will be affixed to the roads, marking every turn. Participants can download draft cue sheets from the website as soon as they become available (within a week of the event), https://www.sourlandspectacular.com/routes-1. Riders may begin their ride at any time between 7am and 10am and should plan to finish in time for lunch.
The Sourlands are famous for their hills and winding roads, making them an attractive challenge for cyclists from all over the tri-state area. If your bike breaks down or if you run out of steam on September 10 between 7am and 2pm, SAG (support and gear) volunteers will pick you up! Each participant will receive a cue sheet with a phone number they can call if they need a ride back to the Otto Kaufman Center in time for lunch. They may even get a ride from Laurie Cleveland, Sourland Conservancy’s Executive Director!
Busy on September 10? Prefer to cycle at your own pace without the crowd? Are you a hiker, not a cyclist? The “At Your Own Pace” portion of the event is for you! From September 11-17, cyclists, hikers, and runners will be able to use the port-a-potties, handwashing stations, and water refill stations located at Larison’s Corner Presbyterian Church and the Black Shed. The route markers also will remain in place. Trail maps of the region’s 25 public preserves with hiking trails may be found on the Sourland Conservancy’s website www.sourland.org. Participants who opt for this part of the event may donate what they like. Proceeds will support the Sourland Conservancy’s work to protect, promote and preserve the unique character of the Sourland Mountain Region. Last year, the Conservancy’s staff and volunteers planted over 11,000 trees in the region. This year, they hope to plant another 10,000!
The Sourland Spectacular kickoff event will be held September 10 from 7am to 2pm. Hikers, cyclers, and trail runners are invited to participate “At Your Own Pace” September 11 through September 17 on Sourland region roads and public hiking trails. When posting, please be sure to include the hashtag #sourlandspectacular2022. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.sourlandspectacular.com or email [email protected].
