In 2010 New Jersey ranked eighth in Bike Friendly States by the League of American Cyclists, which was an improvement over its ranking of tenth in 2009. Bicyclists of all types can enjoy this state and its varied terrain, which includes everything from rugged mountain trails to sandy shoreline. With freeriding bike parks, indoor facilities and Xtreme marathons, there's numerous ways to have fun on two wheels in New Jersey.
Clubs
The Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey boasts itself as one of the largest cycling clubs in the Northeast. This club organizes many types of rides, events and multi-day tours. For a nominal fee, riders of all kinds can join this club and participate in events that will cater to their interests. They also have hosted the annual Ramapo Rally since 1978. This charitable event has six different rides, with something for every rider. Families to fanatics are encouraged to participate.
Bike Park
Diablo Freeride Park has 40 custom-built mountain trails for all levels of rider. Also available are 75 manmade trails. The park includes a wide variety of features to amp up the freeriding fun, including wall riding, jumps and drops. This ensures a different experience every time you visit. This park is open seven days a week during summer, and shorter hours in other seasons. Check the website for hours. It also has bike rentals.
State Parks and Trails
A biker can define her own fun on the many natural bike trails in New Jersey. You could choose to bike through farmland or valleys or see more than 120 miles of Atlantic coastline; everything from scenic to rugged is available to challenge every level of rider.
Ringwood State Park offers many trails on all types of terrain, from rugged mountain trails to paved roads. You can also bike along the boardwalk at the Jersey shore, or take in the sandy trails that wind along bogs and streams.
Indoor Cycling
If the weather outside isn't cooperating, you can still enjoy some biking fun in New Jersey's indoor bicycling facility, Hammer House. Their exclusive cycling equipment is more than just a stationary bike. It allows the rider to turn, steer or even lean side to side. This engages your core and helps you burn up to 20 percent more than an ordinary stationary bike. It also provides a more realistic and fun experience that better mimics outdoor biking.
X-treme Cycling
For those who take their fun and amp it up a few notches, there's the Xtreme Bikers Association. Their annual Xtreme Bike to the Shore takes bikers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Avalon, New Jersey.The 75 mile adventure concludes with a well-earned barbecue. What started with two riders in 2000 has now grown to 70 in 2009. This event raises money for charity while bikers enjoy a challenging and fun course across the state of New Jersey.
Member Comments