By Kevin Coughlin
The overnight rain gave way to a dry, comfortable start for the fifth annual Gran Fondo New Jersey on Sunday morning.
More than 2,000 cyclists from 10 countries and 30 states were among the participants who pedaled around the Morristown Green shortly after 7 o’clock, according to event founder Marty Epstein of Marty’s Reliable Cycle.
Rides of 18-, 42-, 62- and 107 miles began rolling through the central Jersey countryside, with bikers scheduled to return to Morristown throughout the day on Sept. 13, 2015. Festivities will line North Park Place, facing the Green.
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Mayor Tim Dougherty welcomed the cyclists, and Council Members Alison Deeb, Michelle Dupree Harris and Stefan Armington were among the registered riders. Council President Rebecca Feldman signed up for the 107-miler.
The Morris County Freeholders have declared this as “2015 Gran Fondo NJ Weekend” across the county.
Morristown Police, meanwhile, are advising motorists to avoid the Green if they can until midday on Sunday. Speedwell Ave is closed from Spring Street to North Park Place. Traffic on the Green is restricted and detours are in place.
MORE COVERAGE OF THE 2015 GRAN FONDO NJ
Would you consider Hunterdon and Somerset counties to be northern Jersey?
Central jersey countryside?