The first Gran Fondo NJ got high marks on Sunday from the people who count: Cyclists who pedaled 43-, 63- and 103-mile routes through the central Jersey countryside.
“I’d do it again,” said Michal Seidenman, an interior designer from Bergen County and member of the Montclair Racing Team.
Organized by Marty Epstein of Marty’s Reliable Cycle, the day was modeled after popular cycling events in Europe. Gran Fondo is Italian for “big ride.” Sunday’s rides began and ended at Pioneer Park at Headquarters Plaza in Morristown.
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Michal described the 103-mile course through Morris, Somerset and Hunterdon counties as very hilly.
“There was a lot of climbing–to the climbs! It was hard. But it was well organized and well marked. They did a great job here,” she said.
On Your Left, a bike club from Mountain Lakes, was similarly impressed.
“Fantastic,” said club member Dave Caton. “It was really well marked. The food was great.”
The rest stop menu included cannoli, brownies, waffles and ice cream.
“One of the best century rides I’ve ever done,” said John Previ. “Great scenery, lots of volunteers, lots of cooperation from police.”
“This is the best one I ever did,” said Penny Taylor, an attorney in Livingston. “Awesome rest stops.”
The only additional amenities On Your Left members want to see next year are free t-shirts, breakfast (a barbecue was served after the rides), and photographers along the route to record their participation.
Oh yeah, and no tropical storms, thank you very much. Valerie Whritenour of Boonton said she was more prepared to ride on Aug. 28, the original date of the Gran Fondo. But Irene put an end to that.
The do-over was crisp and sunny. About 1,000 cyclists participated, at fees ranging from $79 to $129. Morristown was well represented.
“It was tough,” said Morristown town Engineer Jeff Hartke, citing hills and bumpy roads (outside of Morristown, of course). He wasn’t complaining, however. There were plenty of porta-johns along the 103-mile route, he said, and the food was ample, with power bars, peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches and oranges.
“I’ve got to give it an A-plus,” Jeff said.
Morristown Councilwoman Rebecca Feldman still was beaming hours after completing the 43-mile Piccolo Fondo. She trained all summer for this event.
“It was a beautiful course: Challenging, scenic, with varied terrain,” she said, noting how Morristown is lucky to be near so many great biking routes.
Sunday’s routes were mapped by Bill Ruddick of Backyard Bike Tours in Randolph. “Every decision was made with someone in the saddle, riding. We wanted to remove all doubt from cyclists’ minds,” Bill said.
Marty Epstein was grinning long after most of the cyclists had finished.
“It’s everything we really hoped for,” he said. “We had aspirations of making it happen and we did it. It’s really rewarding. I love seeing all these people riding and having a great time. Everyone’s thanking me. I’ve never had anyone thank me for a perfect ride.”
READ MORE ABOUT THE GRAN FONDO
Way to go Penny!
It was a great day!!!!!