The Princeton Freewheelers are inviting newcomers to join them on Saturday, Sept. 17. Three rides will leave from the Hamilton YMCA at Sawmill Road at 9a.m.: ?D+, C and B-level rides.
The D+ ride will cruise on flat terrain at 11-12 mph (or an average moving speed of 9-10 mph) for about 20 miles.?The C ride cruises about 14 mph for about 25 miles and the B ride at about 17 mph for about 30 miles.
Most importantly, though, the D+ and C rides are social rides.?? New riders may expect much encouragement and support.? No one will be dropped for going too slowly.
This new-member ride has a preliminary stop after 4.5 miles to be sure everyone is in a group appropriate for their ability. That?s in addition to the usual rest and/or food break somewhere in the middle of a ride.? Most people who choose these rides enjoy the camaraderie of others who also like cycling, as well as the beautiful scenery.
Helmets are required.? Riders need to be sure their equipment is in good working order. There will be a brief discussion of safe riding practices for group riding and about the Princeton FreeWheelers (also see the group?s website, www.princetonfreewheelers.com). Snacks will be served.
The PFW provides opportunities for recreational bicycling and related activities, including the promotion of safe recreational riding, fellowship among cyclists, advancement of the general interests of cyclists, and education about the rights and responsibilities of cyclists.
May is turning out to be a bicycling extravaganza! And that’s before West Windsor’s own BikeFest. These are some “event” rides that have caught our eye:
May 7 brings the 27th annual Farmlands Flat Tour (yes, flat!), organized by the Central Jersey Bicycle Club. Routes range from 15 to 100 miles and depart from Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, off exit 109 on the Parkway. Register by April 28 if you want the T-shirt.
If you’re missing (or are opting out) of Bike New York’s Five Boro Tour on May 1, there’s what we’ll call Tour de Manhattan, sponsored by the East Coast Greenway, on May 14. This is a 32-mile ride around the perimeter of Manhattan, starting at 10 a.m. from the East River Greenway and 61st Street (just south of the 61st St.? Dog Run at the bottom of the ramp).? The ride will be at a 10-12 mph pace and include the 13 miles of the Hudson River Greenway from Northern Manhattan all the way down to Battery Park. It also will highlight some of the gaps on the East River Greenway. The ride will finish at Glick Park at 37th Street around 2 PM.
Or head to Pennsylvania the same day for the Route 113 Heritage Corridor Ride (the revamped, rebranded River to River Ride). Routes through through Bucks and Montgomery counties range from 10 to 65 miles. Starting point is Souderton, PA, west of Doylestown.
A day later, it’s Tour de Montclair (and that’s its real name). The ninth edition of this annual ride starts at 9 a.m. on Sunday May 15 in Essex County?s Brookdale Park.
Finally, tour historic Trenton with the Trenton Cycling Revolution on May 21. The leisurely 15-mile police-escorted ride through Trenton?s historic streets and sights, diverse neighborhoods and community gardens leaves Cadwalader Park at 9 a.m.
Monthly meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month via Zoom. We will eventually resume meeting in the West Windsor Municipal Building. Email us at [email protected] if you would like the Zoom code.
Find us at the West Windsor Farmers Market (Vaughn Drive parking lot) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every other Saturday from May through Halloween.
The Princeton Freewheelers are inviting newcomers to join them on Saturday, Sept. 17. Three rides will leave from the Hamilton YMCA at Sawmill Road at 9a.m.: ?D+, C and B-level rides.
