Anyone interested in a Ride in NJ in October?

[Roberta]

It won't be as big or as exciting as our wonderful Eastern ride at Mohonk for Riv's 25th anniversary, but I did notice a large number of New Yorkers, especially from the boroughs.  I know there are a few of us from NJ, and I'm not that far, in Philadelphia.

I'm trying to learn more routes and was thinking that perhaps someone (Bob E.???) could suggest something in NJ that we could meet at a NJ Transit stop, making it easier for the NY-ers.  If there are more New Yorkers than others, I'm willing to drive to you (as long as there's parking).  I really don't know any routes other than the ones around Philadelphia.

I can do any Saturday or Sunday in October except for Oct 9 and 10. I'm older and less strong than most of you; I cannot do "Mohonk" hills.

Roberta

[Kainalu V. -Brooklyn NY]

I'd like that.

-Kai

[John Hawrylak]

Roberta

The Cranbury 200K is fairly flat and some NJ Rando person may have a shorter version

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ, far southern NJ, The Garden Spot of the Garden State

[Brady Smith]

I’d be interested, though my weekends are hit or miss. I’m in Fort Lee but could drive anywhere. 

[Brady Smith]

For a shorter ride, here's the Half-Dirty Populaire: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27124941

[Brian Campbell]

I am interested!

[Dave S]

 NYC peeps can pick up the henry hudson trail or the edgar felix bikepath almost directly from the train stations.  Both are somewhat scenic with almost no elevation. Sandy Hook is great too but I think the ferry shuts down at the end of sept.  That said, you can just about ride the HHT to Sandy Hook.

https://www.co.monmouth.nj.us/documents/130/henry_hudson_trail_july_2020_web.pdf

https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/upload/MUP_Wayside-Map_rev5July2017.pdf

www.boblucky.com/Biking/NewJersey/Allaire.htm

Dave

[Michael Morrissey]

I'd be in. I just did part of the the Henry Hudson Trail on Saturday and it was great.

M

[Justin Kennedy (Brooklyn, NY)]

I would be interested, depending on the weekend. Planning to do the Nutmeg Nor'Easter in CT the weekend of 10/24 and of course Halloween is blocked off for the kiddo. Possibly 10/17 or 10/10? I'll be coming from Brooklyn, can meet up wherever. The Seastreak from Highlands is convenient for returning to the city. 

[Roberta]

I cannot make it 10/10 and Justin can make it only on 10/10 or 10/17, so how does 10/17 sound to everyone?   I'm assuming that whoever didn't note a date is probably fine with most dates and we can hope most can come?   

To me, all trails within an easy commute for everyone are fine.  Michael and Dave, the HH Tail looks nice.  Ride, pack a lunch, ride some more?   How does the HH Trail sound to everyone?   Those in NY should choose, really, as they are all new to me, but you might want something different.  For whatever trail we go on, someone who is familiar with the trail should name a meeting place.

The other rides look interesting, but too long for me, so perhaps the others will get together sans Roberta another time!  perhaps one day I'll ride 1/2 of the Half dirty populaire!  The southern most point is about 50 miles from me.

Roberta

[John Hawrylak]

The east west portion (along Raritan Bay) covers the same area as the Cranbury 200K.  The view from the Highlands is nice especially if it is a clear day.  10/17 sounds good to me.

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ

[Bob Ehrenbeck]

What kind of rides is everyone interested in? What distances do you have in mind? Here are some thoughts right off the top of my head:

The only scenic section of the Henry Hudson Trail is the very short section between Atlantic Highlands and Highlands. So, a nice ride could be to start from Atlantic Highlands, ride along the Raritan Bay into Highlands, then cross the bridge over the Shrewsbury River (a little bit of a climb) and hit Sandy Hook, which is really nice. Once there, you can ride along Sandy Hook Bay, ride past old officers quarters, gun emplacements, and a lighthouse. This is a 25-30 mile round trip. (But starting from the Matawan train station to the west would add another 20 miles to the round trip.)

Another option is Patriots Path, which one can pick up not too far from the Morristown train station (actually, Morris Plains might be better to avoid Morristown traffic). Starting from Speedwell Lake, the eastern part is paved, but it turns to dirt singletrack soon enough for the rest of the way westward. It's all off road, cross-country stuff -- diverse landscapes, mostly flat, but there are some rollers and a few short but steep hills in the middle with roots (you can always get off your bike and hike it up). The area gets progressively less suburban as you head further west, and by the time you reach Mendham, there's even a nice little water crossing. It's about a 20 mile round trip from Morristown to Mendham and back.

If you're looking for just a little chill ride for a get-together, another place is the Loantaka Brook Reservation (Morristown area), coupled with some road stretches in the area with the Traction Line Trail. (Getting off the train at Convent Station will put you off literally right alongside the Traction Line Trail.) Nice, varied terrain, although the trails tend to get crowded on the weekend.

The D&R Canal towpath is nice. The more scenic section is the one that runs along the Delaware River (but might be too far for New Yorkers). There's also a section between New Brunswick and Trenton with a nice stretch around Princeton. An option could be to get off the train at Bound Brook, pick up the trail there, and head south to Kingston and Princeton (but that's around a 40-mile round trip, mostly through nothing but trees along a canal).

The Columbia Trail is another nice one. There's a train stop very close to the southern trailhead at High Bridge, but the trains don't go that far west on weekends. But from there, it's a 22-mile round trip between there and the Long Valley Brew Pub.

Bob E

Cranford, NJ

[John Hawrylak]

I would perfer the Hudson Trail area. Sandy Hook sounds nice.  I think Mt Mitchell Overlook is a nice view with the climb coming from the west.

Is parking available???

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ .

[Justin Kennedy]

You should be able to park in Atlantic Highlands or at the ferry terminal in Highlands. 

A good friend owns a brewery in Atlantic Highlands (Carton Brewing) so we could grab some beers before/after if anyone is up for that. This location is v convenient for NY’ers via the Seastreak ferry. It is kinda pricey tho ($50-ish roundtrip with a bike, I think). 

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[Brady Smith]

If the 17th is the weekend for this ride, I’m all in. Atlantic Highlands/Henry Hudson Trail works for me.

[John Hawrylak]

I'm OK with 10/17 and the Atlantic Highlands sound good.   I only know the area from doing the Cranbury 200K in 2016.

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ

[John Hawrylak]

A possible Start/End could be the Henry Hudson Trailhead at Broadway/Lloyd Rd/Gerard Ave in Aberdeen/Keyport.  Looks like 32 parking spots at the trail head.  The Matawan train station looks to be < 1M and has city streets to the trail head for the NYC folks.

12M along trail to Popamora Point (Highlands??) and you avoid Rt 36.   Don't know how far it is to Sandy Hook from there.  Possibly 60 to 70M total if going out to Sandy Hook.  Would need to start about 0900 or earlier??

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ

[John Hawrylak]

Roberta

I was thinking of 12-14 mph on flat ground, others could go faster, but I'm content with slower pace.  The HHT is a railroad bed, so grades are minimal and gradual.  

We could start at the east end of it (by Highlands), if distance to Sandy Hook is too great.  It saves 12M and about 1H.  But I don't know about the distance to the train station at the east end.  The Red Bank line goes south east after Matawan, greatly increasing the distance between a station and the HHT.

Sounds like a ride might be coming together.  We need input from a "local'.

I would like to see the Rivendells and possibly ride one (never did, need 53-54cm "normal' frame size).

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ

On Sunday, September 27, 2020 at 8:45:06 PM UTC-4, Roberta wrote:

I think we'll need two rides, then (and I do realize I might be the only one on the slow ride. I’m ok with that ),. as I cannot go as fast or as far as most (probably  all) of you.  We could all meet together and then split perhaps after a few miles - I don’t want to hold anyone back, but a bit of pre- ride social distant socializing and ogling of bikes would do the soul good.

Look forward to meeting everyone!

Roberta

[Melanie]

I’m happy joining the slower group, presuming I can get to the start. 

[Bob Ehrenbeck]

Starting from Atlantic Highlands (First Ave & Hennessey), it's about 4 miles to the ocean (after passing through the town of Highlands and then crossing the Rt. 36 bridge, which has cycling/ped infrastructure). From the bridge, the basic loop to the end of Sandy Hook and back to the bridge is around 12 miles (of course, it's more if you decide to ride around and hit up all some interesting points up there). So, the trip from AH to SH and back to AH will be about 20-25 miles.

Now if one were to start at the Matawan train station, it's around 11 miles to reach Atlantic Highlands, so the trip from Matawan to Sandy Hook and back will then be roughly 45 miles. (To use Jan Heine's terms, think of that portion as the "transport stage" to reach the start of the "official" ride at AH!)

Another option for those coming by train would be to continue south along the ocean after Sandy Hook and take Rt. 36/Ocean Ave for most of the way to pick up the return train at Long Branch (it's 7 miles from the Rt. 36 bridge to the station). So that trip from Matawan to AH to SH to LB would be around 34 miles.

Bob E

Cranford, NJ

[John Hawrylak]

I checked the mileage from Atlantic Highlands to Sandy Hook light using Bing maps.  They show 9.3M, which is shorter than I thought.

So here is a summary with mileage rounded up:

Henry Hudson Trail (HHT), North Section, Matewan  to Atlantic Highlands,                      12M   HHT brochure, Monmouth Co Parks

Atlantic Highlands to Sandy Hook Light,  city streets, NJ36 bridge over bay                      10M   Bing Maps

Total 1 way Distance                                                                                                            22M  

Round Trip Distance, with some extra miles thrown in                                                        50M   Really FLAT terrain, RR bed and sea level streets/roads

If the Basic Group is 12-14 mph, then Total Riding Time is about 4H.   Total Clock time is probably 5 to 6 H depending on how many stops.

The Matewan trail head has these advantages

1  Easy access from/to the GSP for folks coming in car.  Exit GSP, turn left, go over the GSP on overpass, make 1st right and 1 block to HHT.  Very minimal local road travel required.  99M from southern NJ on NJTP, NJ440, & GSP,  1H 45M travel time

2  Easy access from/to the Matewan RR station for folks from NYC on NJ Transit.  About 1M of city streets and NO major highway travel

The eastern end of the HHT in Atlantic Highlands has a HHT Activity Center, which may have restrooms and water fountains.  Can stop going out and coming back.

Overall starting in Matewan makes a lot of sense: reasonable 50M ride distance and time over FLAT terrain,  possible restrooms at 12M out and 35M back,  good  commuter train access.  A 50M ride is reasonable given the distances folks will be travelling to get there.

Can someone local confirm or correct this.    I would check out myself, but it's pretty far to travel (99M, and tolls) 

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ, the Garden Spot of the Garden State

[Paul Richardson]

heartened to see this is happening but sorry i won't be able to join!  ride on!

paul

takoma park, md.

[Roberta]

Paul,

I will miss you. I know it's a longer drive for you, but would have been great if your wife and daughter could have come up, too.

I am excited about a nice, healthy ride.  I still probably won't be able to keep up with the fast crowd for the entire time, but I'm OK with that.  All the ride options look like lovely.  Thanks to John and Bob and everyone else for offering suggestions.    NY people, are the meetup suggestions easy enough for you? 

Roberta

[John Hawrylak]

Bob

1st Ave and Hennessey appears to be be the Shore Casino with plenty of parking and hopefully restrooms.  It seems like a good Start/Finish point.  This would be the 20/25M loop out to Sandy Hook

Driving seems to be GSP to NJ36 near Matawan and then NJ36 to AH and 1st Ave.  There don't appear to be direct roads if you stay on the GSP further east and then come north to AH.   Is this correct or are there better routes?

Only problem would be the NYC folks coming by train to reach the Start.   Would the HHT be the best way for them to come from Matawan or are there better choices if they stay on the train past Matawan and get off at another station??   They could go down to Long Branch for the return trip.

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ

On Monday, September 28, 2020 at 12:18:20 PM UTC-4, Bob Ehrenbeck wrote:

Starting from Atlantic Highlands (First Ave & Hennessey), it's about 4 miles to the ocean (after passing through the town of Highlands and then crossing the Rt. 36 bridge, which has cycling/ped infrastructure). From the bridge, the basic loop to the end of Sandy Hook and back to the bridge is around 12 miles (of course, it's more if you decide to ride around and hit up all some interesting points up there). So, the trip from AH to SH and back to AH will be about 20-25 miles.

Another option for those coming by train would be to continue south along the ocean after Sandy Hook and take Rt. 36/Ocean Ave for most of the way to pick up the return train at Long Branch (it's 7 miles from the Rt. 36 bridge to the station). So that trip from Matawan to AH to SH to LB would be around 34 miles.

Bob E

Cranford, NJ

Woodstown NJ

[Dave S]

The SeaStreak dock is right there.  Someone mentioned earlier it's about $50 compared to $30 for the train but way more fun and convenient..  maybe safer too (there are outdoor seats)

[Bob Ehrenbeck]

Yes, John, those driving directions are the best way to get there.

Regarding restrooms: According to the Monmouth County Park System's website, there a restroom at the HHT Activity Center at Rt. 36 and Avenue D, and there's also one at Popamora Point, at the eastern end of the trail in Highlands. There are also some restrooms along the way in Sandy Hook at the beach complexes:

https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/upload/MUP_Wayside-Map_rev5July2017.pdf

But looking just now at Seastreak's schedule, it doesn't show a stop at Atlantic Highlands! (Might be a temporary thing because of reduced demand due to COVID?) It does stop further east at Highlands, though. Also, the earliest Saturday or Sunday arrival at Highlands is 11:45am, and the last two boats depart Highlands at 4:30pm and 7:30pm.

So, just to throw out an idea, maybe those taking the train (or who want to get a longer ride in) can start at Matawan (NJT North Jersey Coast Line train #7229 leaves NYP at 9:07am and arrives at Aberdeen/Matawan at 10:11am), head east to meet up with those who want to start at Atlantic Highlands at, say 11:30am, and then continue east (IMO, the most scenic portion of the "mainland" is between Atlantic Highlands and Highlands) to pick up those arriving by ferry at Highlands at 11:45am and then cross the bridge to hit Sandy Hook. (Similar situation for the return, but the train riders have the option of returning to Aberdeen/Matawan or heading south for a shorter trip to Long Branch).

Any thoughts on this? 

Bob E

Cranford, NJ

[John Hawrylak]

Bob

I had the same thought for the train riders:  NJ Transit to Matawan, bike the HHT to meet main group at either:

*  HHT Activity Center at approx 1130   or     

*  Shore Casino, Ferry Dock in town at 1145 (ferry arrival)

Train riders could return to NYC via Long Branch or Matewan (if a longer rider is desired).

The HHT avoids the city streets if a station further east than Matawan is used for the arrival

This also allows for drivers to meet at the HHT Activity or the Ferry Dock  or   park at the western end of the HHT and ride to the eastern end and meet the main group.

Is the path from AH to Bridge to Sandy Hook flat or do you climb Mt Mitchell??  This cold be the ONLY 'climb' for the ride, other than the bridge approach.

Any suggestions for a place to eat???

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ, the garden spot of the Garden State

[Bob Ehrenbeck]

The HHT Activity Center has no parking and it's right along busy and noisy Rt. 36; the Shore Casino appears to be a banquet hall (not a casino), so I suggest the Atlantic Highlands meet-up location be the parking lot along First Ave (left side as you head toward the pier). We can then ride to Highlands to meet up with anyone arriving by ferry. (Remember, according to Seastreak's website there is no ferry at Atlantic Highlands at this time.)

Most of the path from Matawan to Highlands is a former railroad grade, so it's basically flat. Between Atlantic Highlands and Highlands, it runs right along the bay, so it avoids Mt. Mitchell. The only climbs are the bridge approaches, but they're not bad. 

It should also be noted that the trail is segmented in Atlantic Highlands -- once one reaches Avenue D, turn left and head down Avenue D, make a right onto Center Ave, and pick up the trail resurfaces at the intersection of Center and Hennessey. Also, the trail ends at Popamora Point, so the ride continues on Shore Drive through Highlands to reach the bridge.

Regarding food, there are some places in Highlands along the main drag (Bay Ave). I might probably just bring my own lunch and avoid going inside.

Bob E

Cranford, NJ

[Justin Kennedy (Brooklyn, NY)]

First ferry arrival to Highlands on Saturdays is 1145a, so aim to meet at Highlands around 12p? The group meeting at Atlantic Highlands can factor this into their meet up schedule. (It's a very short ride b/t the two towns, maybe 15 minutes?) Attaching ferry schedules from/to Manhattan below. How many folks are coming from NYC?

 

[John Hawrylak]

Bob

I got confused by Atlantic Highlands and a town further east called Highlands.  I see the difference now.

On the Bing aerial map the whole 1st Ave/Hennessey area in AH looks like a parking lot with trucks with boat trailers (shouldn't be surprised close to the water).  Any particular spot to meet up? 

on the Bing aerial map, there appears to be a narrow trail between AH (eastern end of the parking lot) which runs right along the water to the next town further east.  Is this the old RR bed??  It appears to be between the water and Mt Mitchell.

Seems like a tentative schedule is:

*  People driving:  Be ready to ride in AH at the 1st Ave/Hennessey parking lot at 1130

*  Wait for NYC folks coming on the NJ Transit train scheduled in Matawan at 1011 and riding to AH on the HHT.  They should arrive by 1130.

*  Ride to Highlands ferry dock to get NYC folks coming on the 1145 ferry.

*  Everyone ride out to Sandy Hook.  

*  Retrace routes back with the train folks going to Long Branch to catch the train or riding HHT back to Matawan for the same or later train

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ

[John Hawrylak]

Just bumping this to see if there is still interest in ride starting in Atlantic Highlands NJ to Sandy Hook, NJ on 10/17

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ

[Roberta]

Yes, In still in!

[Roberta]

Thanks to everyone’s input for meeting places and route suggestions. Posts the week of the ride. Have we finalized the meet up spot? I don't read this board every day.

[John Hawrylak]

Roberta and others:

Tentative schedule for 10/17/20:

*  People driving:  Be ready to ride in Atlantic Highlands (AH) at the 1st Ave/Hennessey parking lot at 1130

*  Wait for NYC folks coming on the NJ Transit train scheduled in Matawan at 1011 and riding to AH on the HHT.  They should arrive by 1130.

*  Ride to Highlands ferry dock to get NYC folks coming on the 1145 ferry.

*  Everyone ride out to Sandy Hook.  

*  Retrace routes back to Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.  Train folks go to Long Branch to catch the train or bike ride back to AH and ride the HHT back to Matawan for the same or later train

Any Comments or questions?

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ

[Kainalu V. -Brooklyn NY]

Regarding the Henry Hudson Trail from Matawan, when arriving at 10:11 on the train from NYC, how leisurely is the ride to the Atlantic Highlands when shooting for 11:30? From the photos it looks like I might be tempted to stop and admire the scenery a lot,  maybe enough that I'd opt for an earlier train.

And the ride to Long Branch form Sandy Hook? Is that also lovely? Better to return to Matawan on the picturesque HHT? Or option #3? #4? 

Thanks

-Kai

[Dave]

The ride south from sandy hook is cool but not as scenic.  There is a huge ocean wall that would block your beach view for a lot of it but i guess its sorta neat itself.  When you get to long branch, there are a lot of restaurants (its a college town) and a microbrewery type place (whitehouse chapel).  

On the flipside, atlantic highlands has one of the top rated pizza places in the country (una) and an awesome craft ice cream place (nicholas) and as someone else mentioned Carton Brewing.  Im not really sure what the covid situation is for any of these place but I know Nicholas is open (wife’s fav).

Dave

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[Kainalu V. -Brooklyn NY]

Thanks Dave, The sea wall to Long Branch does sound nice, having seen a lot of, maybe too much, ocean in my time...

If I can make the ride, I'll likely give an extra hour from Matawan to allow myself some meandering on the way.

-Kai

[John Hawrylak]

Bob

Concerning parking in Atlantic Highlands for those coming by car, you suggested:

"I suggest the Atlantic Highlands meet-up location be the parking lot along First Ave (left side as you head toward the pier)."

I looked at the map and the entire left side of 1st Ave seems to be a large parking, with lots of SUVs/truck with boat trailers attached (to be expected fo r a marine location).

Would a better place be the parking area on the west side of West Ave right after West Ave passes Bay Ave (going north on West towards the ferry terminal)???  The parking spots are lined and border the HHT.   Might be better than mixing it up with boat trailers??

Any thoughts???    

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ

[Bob Ehrenbeck]

John,

Per the aerial map in the below link (scroll down), the area I mentioned earlier is free commuter parking for Seastreak (Lot 2). (The smaller Lot 1 also works, if spaces are available at 11:30.) I think you were looking at Lot 3.) I believe what you're suggesting is Lot 4, which would also work. But wherever you may want to park, you'll be sure to see Rivs circling about.

https://seastreak.com/what-to-know/port-locations-directions-parking/atlantic-highlands-nj/

Bob

[Dave S]

Mrs and I rode Sandy Hook over the weekend.  Afterward, we tried to confirm the route by backtracking to the Highlands but we couldn't do it exactly via car.  It does seem doable. The part of the henry hudson trail we'll be riding does turn to gravel. Climbing Mount Mitchell is not necessary but there is going to be a short kicker up to the bridge and then the climb over the bridge.  We're pretty spoiled living along the coast with no true climbing to speak of so she already second-guessing herself.  Anyone else concerned about a little climbing?  

There are many lots in Sandy Hook that are directly on the trail if you want to skip the climb.  Lot A or B are both very close to the entrance.  A is smaller and fills up early, lot B is huge and I think has rest rooms and maybe a food truck or two.  Hard to predict at this time of year.

Dave

[Roberta]

That looks beautiful, Dave. 

I was going to bring my A Homer Hilsen (42 tires), but that doesn't have fenders.  And, you mention gravel.  Would fendered Joe Appaloosa (47 tires) be better?  Or, is it whichever bike "speaks" to me that day?

I'm OK going up moderate hills that aren't too steep (but nothing like Leah's killer hill), but if your wife wants to walk it, I'll be happy to do so with her.  I'm also not used to big hills.  On my first ride for MS, I got over the bridge to Ocean City, NJ  OK.

[John Hawrylak]

Bob

Thanks for the link highlighting the Seastreak ferry parking Lots #1, #2, #3, & #4 as well as the text descripton.  It was a very big help. I was using Bing Maps and they show Hennessey Blvd as West Ave.

I suggest meeting in Parking Lot #1, at 1st Ave and Sutton Way.   It appears paved with painted parking spaces. 

The small lot I was referring to is at the southern end of Lot #2 and the eastern end of Lot #3 and boarding the HHT path.  The aerial map you provided shows this as a dirt lot.  The Bing aerial shows it as paved with parking spaces.  But Lot#1 is better and easier to find.

Dave S mentions the HHT between AH and Highlands is gravel.  Is it crushed gravel or loose???

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ

[John Hawrylak]

Roberta

Do you think we need any more directions for the folks coming???  The train and ferry NYC folks seem to know what to do.  Are the driving "directions" adequate wrt to getting there and parking.  Fairly simple:  Get to GSP South to Atlantic City, get off at NJ SR36, take SR36 to Atlantic Highlands and turn left on 1st Ave (it's a jug handle, make a right to the loop to 1st Ave and cross SR36 at the light).   Go down 1st to the almost the end and go in Parking Lot on Bob E's map. and parking?? 

I always worry about parking in busy areas.  Schools, parks and shopping centers are ok, but 'downtown' areas could be challenging.  Parking Lot #1 looks to be safe and the best choice.

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ

[Bob Ehrenbeck]

Regarding directions: Plug this into your GPS: 

2 Simon Lake Drive

Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716

Regarding parking: Lot 1 might fill up sooner, but Lots 1 and 2 are right next to each other, so it really doesn't matter; we'll see each other. Even if you park on the street somewhere, just come down to the trail.

Regarding the trail surface: I haven't been on the HHT since 2018, but I seem to remember that most of the trail is paved, and what isn't is a very fine crushed stone surface -- in other words, any bike and any tire will be fine on it. 

Regarding the climb: They are approaches to a fairly high bridge, but the grade really isn't bad at all.

Regarding the ride from Sandy Hook to Long Branch: It's a nice (and shorter) alterntive to going back to Matawan. As Dave pointed out, the ride from Sandy Hook to Long Branch starts off alongside a large rock seawall on a paved trail, but that's only for a couple of miles -- after that, you're on Rt. 36 as you enter downtown Sea Bright. After Sea Bright, there's a wide shoulder and you pass nice homes and some beach clubs. At Long Branch Rt. 36 turns into a four-lane highway (Ocean Blvd), so I've turned onto side streets from there to get to the train station. A ride along Ocean Ave (not Blvd) and on the promenade at this time of year (no crowds) would be very nice, as it's obviously right along the ocean.

To give you an idea of what some of the route is like, the photos in the below link are from a ride where I took the train from Linden to Aberdeen/Matawan, rode east along the HHT, turned right after the bridge (bypassed Sandy Hook that time), rode down Rt. 36 and hit the beach at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch to go for a swim before taking the train home:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskF1WUCh

And this one is of Sandy Hook itself:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskmyzgvz

Bob

[Roberta]

Bob,

Thanks for the directions, which answers John's question.  The pictures look lovely and I cannot wait for what looks like a wonderful route! 

Roberta

[Roberta]

Our ride is just three days away and, I'm very excited.  I want to bring my A Home Hilsen, but it doesn't have fenders, so I'll decide on Saturday morning.  I'll bring my Joe Appaloosa if I feel a fendered bike would be better.  The weather forecast might just be perfect:

                              A few showers in the morning, then sunny in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.

Look forward to seeing everyone.  Perhaps we can have a check in here, since schedules do change?

Roberta

[Roberta]

BTW, that 50% chance of rain is only for the morning.  The afternoon should be beautiful!

[Dave S]

Planning to be there, weather permitting.

[Roberta]

The day is looking even better!    From weather.com:

               Abundant sunshine. High 61F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.

[Kainalu V. -Brooklyn NY]

The Homer then? Could be puddles. I'll be on a blue bike too! I think I'm taking the unfendered bluey, puddles be derned.

-Kai

[Roberta]

Kai, it will be nice to see you again.

Rain is supposed to stop middle of night. . Most likely I’ll be on Homer. 

See you then!

Roberta 

[Brady Smith]

Hi all,

I was hoping to make it today, but alas, family obligations have intervened. 

It sounds like I may meet a few of you this spring when the NJ Randonneurs (fingers crossed) get going again. 

Happy riding!

Brady

[Kainalu V. -Brooklyn NY]

The good- 

The Weather!

The Sights!

The Pace!

The Company!

The bad-

In all likelihood, You weren't there..

I hope next year sees an end to this pandemic and a new epidemic of fun group rides begin.

Thank you Bobs! (specifically Roberta and Bob (sorry to Bob you Roberta, couldn't resist))

-Kai

[Roberta]

Yes, Kai, it was fantastic. 

I'll write more later and Bob, I think, will be our unofficial photographer.  He tool lots of pics of the beautiful ride.  Here's a few I took. (Last post pics came out sideways.  Perhaps they got fixed on this post?)

Roberta

[Bob Ehrenbeck]

Kai described the day perfectly (and succinctly)! My photos of the ride are here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGiT_n5ltBp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

And here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGiWgu_lgJr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Bob E

Cranford, NJ

[Patrick Moore]

Thanks to Bob and others for posting photos.

Bob: in photo 8, bike facing sea, big saddlebag facing viewer: What bar is that? And: how do you like it?

I hope before too long to get a Monocog 29er up and running, and I will probably want to replace the stock bar. I want a more upright than usual position, but with some lean, and some back-curve to the grips to assuage my very sensitive left palm. I generally prefer drop bars because of this palm, but heartily dislike the wide ones (anything over 44 cm at the center of the curves) this bike would require.

Thanks.

Patrick "And what is this thing called "sea?" Moore, in high-desert ABQ, NM

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Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

[Bob Ehrenbeck]

Hey Patrick,

That's a Sycip JJJ bar, mounted to my Clem H with a Paul Boxcar stem and a quill-to-threadless adapter. The bar has a 660mm width and a 20mm rise, with a 31.8mm clamp diameter.

I like it a lot -- comfortable and there's plenty of leverage. I can get a good hip angle the way it's set up, and I also use the forward taped area to get even more lean.

Here'a better pic:

Bob

[Patrick Moore]

Great; thanks for this information. Will keep the JJJ bar in mind for the build. It looks much like the Surly Open Bar; and I think Rivendell has a similar model, no?

At any rate, there looks to be enough rearward bend to assuage my left palm; we'll see. I may need a bar with even more back-sweep to get closer to the comfortable drop-bar hoods position.

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[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Congrats on a great ride together! I was so excited to hear all the details and see the photos. These are tough, solitary times; it makes getting together that much more precious. a huge pat on the back to #RivSister Roberta for organizing a Riv Ride! And great photos, Bob. Oh, and thanks for the details, Kai!
Leah