Morristown weather cooperates with Gran Fondo start; expect street closures

More than 2,000 cyclists awaiting start of 2015 Gran Fondo NJ. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
More than 2,000 cyclists awaiting start of 2015 Gran Fondo NJ. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
2
More than 2,000 cyclists awaiting start of 2015 Gran Fondo NJ. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
More than 2,000 cyclists awaiting start of 2015 Gran Fondo NJ. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

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.

Please click icon below for slideshow captions.

 

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

Marty Epstein, founder of the Gran Fondo NJ, prepares to cut the ribbon in 2015. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Marty Epstein, founder of the Gran Fondo NJ, prepares to cut the ribbon in 2015. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Awaiting start of Gran Fondo 2015 in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Awaiting start of Gran Fondo 2015 in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Mayor Tim Dougherty applauds cyclists at Gran Fondo 2015. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Mayor Tim Dougherty applauds cyclists at Gran Fondo 2015. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Capt. Darnell Richadson and Lt. Stuart Greer keep an eye on the Gran Fondo 2015. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Capt. Darnell Richadson and Lt. Stuart Greer keep an eye on the Gran Fondo 2015. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
RIDING IN STYLE at Gran Fondo 2015 in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
RIDING IN STYLE at Gran Fondo 2015 in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Cyclists in Morristown on Gran Fondo 2015 ride. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Cyclists in Morristown on Gran Fondo 2015 ride. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

 

 

2 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY