Gran Fondo New Jersey postponed till September 18th

No refunds but those that can't make the new date can apply this year's registration fee to cover all of the registration of next years event.

I knew a hurricane named after my only sister would cause untold trouble.  Unfortunately due to the likely perfect timing and bulls-eye hit of the approaching Hurricane Irene, Marty and his team have decided to postpone the Gran Fondo New Jersey till Sunday September 18th.  Marty has this to say about their decision to postpone the event:

After coordinating and negotiating with the State Police, the 22 different municipalities through which we will be riding in Northwest New Jersey, and our volunteer support teams, we have made the decision to postpone the ride and all associated events until the weekend of September 18th - the ride itself will be on the 18th.

We realize that we are a “Rain or Shine” event, but a hurricane of the projected strength of Irene is unprecedented and brings with it a much higher level of danger due to forecasted torrential rains, high winds, and the potential for significant storm debris and flooding along the route. Our primary concern is the safety of both our riders, and our volunteers.

This has not been an easy decision to make, and we hope that you will understand the dilemmas we faced in making it.

Unfortunately for me, I will now not be able to participate in the Gran Fondo that I've been looking forward to and training for all Summer, as I'll be high in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State on the new date.  However, the information provided in the email or on the website does not mention any means for refunds, partial refunds or if refunds will even be offered or not. (Refunds will not be offered but those who cannot make the new date can apply their registration fee to next years event).  Also, since the date has been postponed by three weeks, there was no mention if registration would be reopened.  Again, one is likely to find more information and any other updates can be found at the Gran Fondo New Jersey Website.

Gran Fondo New Jersey to feature some of the best U.S. cycling roads

There are a number of good reasons why I refuse to take work outside of New Jersey.  Family, the shore, easy access to Philly / NYC (and great hiking too) but a big reason is because I found few places in this country that can top the quality and beauty of New Jersey's roadways for cycling.  The sell-out Tour de Long Valley on July 31st, organized by the David D. Hammar Foundation gave riders a good sampling of the best our state has to offer.  If you missed out on that ride, there is still another even "grander" opportunity.

On Sunday, August 28th you too can get a big taste of New Jersey's great roads by taking part in Gran Fondo New Jersey being organized by Marty Epstein owner of Marty's Reliable Cycles.  Marty told me that part of the reason behind his organization of Gran Fondo New Jersey is to put on full display how good cycling can be New Jersey.  I've review all three routes, (Piccolo - 43 miles, Medio - 63 and the 103 mile Gran) and can say without reservation that Marty and his team have chosen three, most spectacular and challenging routes. To accentuate the joy of riding there will be themed rest stops, challenging timed hill climbs, plenty of food and, of course, a finish line festival.

If you want to participate you'd better act fast.  Registration closes August 19th.  Marty also told me that he is already approaching 1,000 registered riders and that there is a possibility that he might reach the maximum number riders the event can handle.

I'll be there all weekend in Morristown.  Just look for the guy in the older Rutgers jersey with the red and chrome (now) vintage lugged steel Italian road bike!

Marty announces New Jersey's first Gran Fondo in Morristion

Those of us in attendance at yesterday's NJ Bicycle Map workshop, we were given a bit of a scoop from Marty Epstein of Marty's Reliable Cycle as he let us know that he would be announcing New Jersey's first Gran Fondo cycling event today. Scheduled for Sunday, August 28th in 2011, the Gran Fondo will be the feature event of a three day bicycle extravaganza that Marty expects to attract 1000 to 3000 participants to Morristown.

For more, read the article in today's Morristown Green. More details to come as we get them at WalkBikeJersey.