All are welcome to participate in the 13th annual Sourland Spectacular bike ride on Saturday, September 7th to enjoy natural beauty, fresh air, fun, and food. The event will raise critical funds to support the Sourland Conservancy’s forest restoration efforts.
This year, the Spectacular is offering an exciting opportunity for friends and family to support their favorite riders! Riders who solicit $200 in sponsorship donations will receive a free cycling jersey ($85.00 value). The rider who solicits the most donations will earn bragging rights plus a wonderful gift basket filled with all manner of Sourland region goodies: Sourland Cycles and Boro Bean gift certificates, a free bike fitting at Sourland Cycles, a King Cage water bottle and cage, tasty treats, and Sourlandish surprises! Visit the website for more information, www.sourlandspectacular.com/fundraising.
Proceeds from the Sourland Spectacular will support the Sourland Conservancy - a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect, promote and preserve the 90-square mile Sourland Mountain region. Their work is more critical than ever. The NJ Forest Service estimates a recent loss of over one million trees due to the invasive emerald ash borer. Proceeds from the Spectacular will help support the Conservancy’s tremendous forest restoration project, now underway. Conservancy staff and volunteers have planted almost 50,000 trees since 2020!
“Our staff, volunteers, and community partners are working hard to restore the forest. We need help,” said Laurie Cleveland, Sourland Conservancy’s Executive Director. “Millions of people and animals rely on the forest to filter air and drinking water, provide critical habitat for threatened and endangered species, prevent flooding, sequester carbon, and more. Now, the forest faces serious threats. The work we’re doing today will help leave a healthy legacy for future generations.” Sourland Conservancy staff will be on hand to answer questions about the forest restoration, planting native at home, volunteer opportunities, and more.
Riders of all ages and fitness levels may use their favorite bicycle, tricycle, tandem bike, or electric bike. This year’s participants may choose from four routes: a Family Ride on the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, 28 mile, 42 mile, or challenging “metric century” 63 mile ride with a 3,942’ climb. All routes begin and end at the Watershed Institute 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington, NJ 08534.
Registration is open online, and the Conservancy asks everyone to register in advance, if possible, to ensure that there will be enough food and beverages for everyone. The ticket price (Adult $80, Children $25) includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, a beverage, dessert, rest stops, swag, and SAG (support and gear) services. Walk-up registration will be open from 7:00am-10:00am. Riders are encouraged to choose a start time that allows enough time to complete their route in time for lunch.
Volunteers will staff rest stops with snacks (all-natural peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, a variety of fresh fruit, etc.), water, and porta-potties along the route. They will also provide SAG (support and gear) services. A phone number will be provided on the cue sheet, so stranded riders (or those who simply run out of steam) can call at any time from 7:00am to 2:00pm. A friendly volunteer will provide an air conditioned ride for the rider and their bike back to the Watershed. Don’t miss lunch!
Lunch will be served from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Riders will have their choice of a sub or wood-fired pizza from New World Pizza, Montgomery, followed by the Spectacular’s famous gourmet ice cream sundae featuring Bent Spoon ice cream. You’ve earned it! Additional lunch tickets may be purchased in advance on the event website www.sourlandspectacular.com.
Riders over 21 will also receive one Spectacular pub glass and a refreshing, ice-cold beer from Lone Eagle Brewing, Flemington. Water and Gatorade will be available at the Watershed and at rest stops along the route. Riders and spectators are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles!
This year’s sporty commemorative jersey is available in mens and womens sizes. “Our jerseys are very popular, and make a great gift!” said Joanna Fiori, event co-chair. The design, created by Michelle Baker Design, features the Conservancy’s mascot, a yellow spotted salamander, and bold, bright colors to improve visibility on the road. The jerseys will be available to order until September 7th on the event’s registration page.
The Conservancy invites everyone to join the fun on Saturday - at the event, on the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, and on social media. Please help spread the word, connect with your friends, share your experiences, and challenge each other. When posting, please include the hashtags #SourlandConservancy and #sourlandspectacular.
The Sourland Spectacular will be held September 7, 2024 on Sourland region roads. Participants may choose from four routes: a Family Ride on the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, 28 mile, 42 mile, or challenging “metric century” 63 mile ride with a 3,942’ climb. All routes begin and end at the Watershed Institute, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington, NJ 08534. Ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, a beverage, dessert, rest stops, swag, SAG services, and more. Proceeds will support the work of the Sourland Conservancy. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.sourlandspectacular.com or email info@sourland.org.