The Sourland Conservancy is set to host its second annual Sourland Spectacular bicycle tour on Sept. 7.
The event offers challenging routes for serious cyclists, as well as shorter alternatives for more casual bikers. Routes of 23, 35, 50 and 63 miles are planned, all of which include some climbing.
Sourland Conservancy president, Cliff Wilson, said the routes include 1,000 feet of climbs. He recommends the bike tour for physically fit individuals.
“The highest ski mountain in Pennsylvania is 1,000 feet,” Wilson said, “If you can’t climb that in a couple of hours then you shouldn’t do (the tour).”
All routes begin and end at the Otto Kaufman Community Center, 356 Skillman Road, Skillman. Parking will be across the street at Montgomery High School.
Proceeds benefit the Sourland Conservancy, formerly Sourland Planning Council, a non-profit organization working to protect the ecological integrity, historical resources and special character of the mountain region. Along with their preservation advocacy and education programs, the conservancy is currently working on a deer management plan.
Wilson said there are 80 deer per square mile of the Sourland Mountain; the sustainable number of deer per square mile is five to 10. The deer browse and eat young saplings and seedings, which results in fewer new trees to replace old trees that are destroyed in storms.
The conservancy’s multi faceted plan includes opening up more land for hunting and lobbying the state legislature to lower the deer population level. Wilson say the current level is too high to make it easier for hunters to find prey.
“The level is set to make New Jersey a hunter’s paradise,” Wilson said.
The registration fee is $40 per person, with discounts available for early registration. The fee for children between the ages seven to 17 is $20. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The morning rides will be followed by a gourmet lunch at the Otto Kaufman Community Center. The Nomad Pizza truck is set to be on site serving crispy thin-crust pizza from their portable wood-burning oven. Not Just Q of Stockton is set to serve barbecue sandwiches. Dessert will be a homemade brownie sundae made with the Sourland Spectacular gourmet chocolate sauce.
There will be coffee and snacks at registration. Designated rest stops along the routes will offer beverages, snacks and bathroom facilities. Hart’s Cyclery of Pennington is set to provide SAG services.
Participants who register in advance will receive an embroidered cycling cap commemorating the event.
More information is online at sourland.org/spectacular.
