Just another reminder about the CR Jersey Shore Ride this Saturday, leaving 7 President's Park from Long Branch NJ at 10:00. We've got a 22 and a 29 mile route and the short route is ultra fixed gear friendly. The long route should be fixed gear possible but variable gears recommended. The short route runs straight up the coast to the Sandy Hook lighthouse, and then straight back. The long route adds an inland loop on the way back, and features some lovely views of the NY city skyline (weather permitting) and a long, twisting downhill into Atlantic Highlands. A parking lot swap is possible at the end of the ride, with lunch & refreshments at a local watering hole afterwards. I have, through tireless research and several late nights, discovered a local pub with Bass and Guiness on tap for a lunch possibility. Directions to the park are at:
http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/
FYI, a local shop owner looked over my proposed long route, and pointed out a short cut that avoids a sizable chunk of the Mt. Mitchell climb, the only really tough hill on the long route. More traffic, but less hill. Not being a fixie rider, I hesitate to opine whether the optional "less hill" route could qualify as fixed gear friendly, but I was able to climb it Saturday in the 45x28 gear on the Ephgrave and only saw a few stars, whereas the full Mt. Mitchell experience requires at least a 39x28 low gear (for me, anyway) and hurts plenty (but builds character). I am, of course, a poor climber. Lots of choices to suit your palate!
This early in the season, there ares no snack bars open in Sandy Hook Park, so be sure to carry food if you'll need some. There's a couple of possibilities for snack stops on the long route around mile 18 or 19. The weather forcast is for highs around 57 degrees, with the possibility of a few scattered showers. Hope you can come!
Tom Adams, Shrewsbury NJ