Cyclists to Partake in Scenic Long Valley Charity Rides

The Tour de France may be an internationally renowned, televised event, with world-class athletes testing their limits on the French Alps. However, in Long Valley, a community-based, charity-oriented bike ride may be just as impactful, if not more beneficial, as a foundation, first aid squad and state charity will be recipients of proceeds.

The Tour de Long Valley, hosted by Cycle Craft bike store, is coming to town this Sunday at Rockspring Park. Riders of all ages and talents will be coming together to bike on three courses that test abilities and help raise money for The David D. Hammar Foundation, Long Valley First Aid Squad and New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition.

The $35 registration fees will be processed after the day’s events and divided evenly amongst the three organizations.

This will be the fourth consecutive year of the scenic bicycle ride, and it will be exclusively organized by the Cycle Craft store. Previously administered by the David D. Hammar Foundation for bicycle safety, the event has shifted hands from previous organizer Mike Savino, to the Long Valley- and Parsippany-based cycle shop.

“We’ll still be working closely with Mike (Savino) this year,” said Cycle Craft marketing and events manager, Mike Gibney. “We’re expecting about 400 people, and anyone can show up. It’s a big charity ride and you can register online.”

Once registered, riders receive a stringed bag, metal water bottle, a free t-shirt, free breakfast as a donation from Chester Bagel, free lunch provided by The Café and Wine Bar in Long Valley, and the entertainment of The School of Rock of Randolph, which will be performing an hour-long set upon the cyclists’ finish.

All sponsors of the event include local organizations, providing for a more "community-oriented" feel.

“These are the type of events we like to run!” said Gibney.

The Courses

As riders arrive to Rockspring Park, they will then embark on one of three different courses. First there’s a 62-mile course, called a ‘metric mile,’ leaving at 8 a.m. Next, there’s a 40-mile course which riders depart for at 9 a.m., and finally a less-demanding course which rides above Schooley’s Mountain and incorporates only a few hills, leaving at 10 a.m.

According to Gibney, some of the faster riders complete the 62-mile course in about three hours, while others drag out the course to make it a daylong event.

For the 20-mile course, riders usually finish in about one to two hours.

If you’ve been late to the ‘party’ thus far, you can even register for the event up to 15 minutes before the ride.

Volunteerism Utilized Wisely

Another notable feature of the festivities include the local volunteers. According to Gibney, there will be 20 Long Valley First Aid volunteers out on the course, helping at rest stops and locations as needed, and an additional 10 who will be stationed at Rockspring Park.

“It’s really a community effort to get the project up and running,” said Gibney.

Also in attendance Sunday will be the Cycle Craft owners, Gibney, and a few store employees onsite to mechanically help any riders beforehand.

What’s In Store?

The goal of Cycle Craft, as per Gibney, is to do a lot more community-related work out of Long Valley, and some events are already “in the works.” At the bike shop, owners and employees would like to see it become a “community center” where “people get together and have fun.”

Next on their agenda is a September 22 event, called Hillier Than Thou, a witty play on ‘Holier-than-thou,’ which consists of demanding, 100- and 62-mile-long courses.

“In the 100-mile ride, cyclists will endure 12,000 feet of climbing,” said Gibney. “What we did was basically go out and look at New Jersey, picked up the biggest hills to ride, and made it into a course.”

Along the tiring uphill climb, which will also be held in Long Valley, there will be rest stations and SAG vehicles on hand. It costs $50 and begins at 7:30 a.m. Gibney said that he hopes the turnout will go from about 50-75 last year, to over 100 this September. To register online, go to www.bikereg.com/hillierthanthou.