The Sourland Conservancy is set to host its third annual Sourland Spectacular bicycle rally on Sept. 6.
The event offers challenging routes for serious cyclists, as well as shorter alternatives for more casual bikers.
Routes of 23 to 63 miles are planned, all of which include significant climbing, through the Sourland forest and adjacent farmland. Bikers will also ride past historic sites, like the Charles Lindbergh estate.
The routes begin and end at the Otto Kaufman Community Center on Skillman Road in Skillman. Parking will be across the street at Montgomery High School.
There will be coffee and snacks at registration, and designated rest stops along the routes will offer beverages, snacks and bathroom facilities. SAG services also will be provided.
For the first time, several farm stops have been added to the routes. Riders can stop at the designated sites and sample locally grown food treats.
Following the morning rides, bikers will return to the starting point for a gourmet picnic lunch, with brownie sundaes for dessert.
Participants who register by Aug. 22 are set to receive a free “polar-style” insulated water bottle commemorating the event.
Proceeds benefit the Sourland Conservancy, a non-profit organization working to protect the ecological integrity, historical resources and special character of the Sourland Mountain region.
The 90-square-mile Sourland region is home to the largest contiguous forest in Central New Jersey. The sparsely populated area is home to an incredibly rich diversity of animal and plant species, many rare or endangered.
