On Sunday, September 8, the West Windsor Recreation Department presents the 20th annual West Windsor BikeFest, a popular family event that offers rides for every age and skill level.
The event launches from West Windsor’s Community Park, where riders will embark on the ride of their choice, exploring West Windsor and neighboring towns. Pick among 8-, 20- and 40-mile routes as well as an in-park ride for young children. Each features historical and cultural highlights along the way.
Wrap up with a full lunch at the park pavilion with your choice of a hoagie or Indian fare.
Road Maestro, a mobile bicycle mechanic, will be on hand to help bicycles get the last-minute attention they may need.
As a special treat this year, the Historical Society of West Windsor is offering the Schenck Farmstead/West Windsor History Museum as a mid-ride restroom, water, and snack location. The 1700s-era farm is a time machine to a quieter age, with an 18th century house and barn, mid-1800s schoolhouse, early-1900s wagon house and other structures. The schoolhouse will be open during Bike Fest, and the entire museum property will open for tours the same day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The West Windsor Arts Council is providing support for some of the in-park events especially geared to children. The West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance will lend logistical assistance.
Many West Windsor members of the local bicycle club, the Princeton Freewheelers, have not only assisted in planning the route but are providing ride leaders and volunteers to help guide the group of experienced cyclists.
BikeFest route highlights
Young children will delight in the 1.5-mile “In-Park” option. A scavenger hunt will stop at various points to learn about local history. For instance, did you know that the indigenous Leni Lenape once lived in the area, and artifacts are often found along local waterways like the Bear Brook that runs just north of the park?
The shortest ride for older children and adults will be the 8-mile ride. Start on the historic Trolley Line Trail — the route of a long-gone trolley line that once ran through town. Take a bathroom break at the historic West Windsor History Museum at the Schenk Farmstead. You will then ride into the 1700s-era community of Dutch Neck before heading back to Community Park.
More experienced riders might enjoy the 20-mile route. Head out of the park and north through the historic 1700s-era Grovers Mill neighborhood. Cross into Plainsboro and ride through hundreds of acres of farmland before turning onto Old Trenton Road. Stop at the West Windsor History Museum before meandering through more of West Windsor before returning to the park.
The 40-mile riders will explore Princeton, Plainsboro, Cranbury, East Windsor, Hightstown and Robbinsville. They will first head northwest through the historic Penns Neck neighborhood, cross scenic Carnegie Lake and explore the heart of Princeton. Then they will meander back to the 1700s-era Dutch Neck hamlet. They will stop at the West Windsor History Museum before looping over to the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham — the second-largest Hindu mandir in the world — before returning to the park.
Registration is now open. The deadline for early-bird pricing is Aug. 30. For more info, visit wwbikefest.weebly.com.
Tags: bicycling, bike ride, BikeFest, Community Bike Ride