May 14th
Another Split Rock Beginner Biking event since the last one was so much fun!

Split Rock Beginner Ride # 3:
Back by popular demand we are doing another beginner mountain bike ride! A true mountain bike is required for this 8 miles out and back ride. We will again stop at the overlook 4 mi. in while the better riders do an additional single track loop before we all ride back out.

Riding tips will be given until you tell me to shut up. On the last ride people were riding terrain on the way out that they walked on the way in. When we returned to the parking lot they were beaming with pride. BEAMING I tell you! I got all misty eyed.
We will meet at the Rockaway Mall in order to car pool at 9:00 A.M. Parking is limited so try to make it. For those who are running late here are the directions.

DIRECTIONS:
Rt 80 to exit 37 Hibernia Rockaway
513 No.
6.3 mi. right on Upper Hibernia Rd.
.9 mi. left on Split Rock Rd. ( turns to dirt )
1.5 mi. to parking lot on left

All Riders Welcome:  Yes, YOU

WHERE: Wellsboro, PA  (Grand Canyon of PA)

WHEN: June 24, 25, 26

DISTANCE: 180 miles to the Canyon

COST: $103.50 for the weekend if you share a room.

ALL STYLE OF BIKES WELCOME!

CONTACT: Please click here to contact Justin Stone

            Jay Peak during the last week of March was INCREDIBLE.  Conditions were winter fabulous and those who attended were pleasantly pleased.  Kudos to Mark Smith for putting together this incredible trip for all 18 of us.  There were 5 Highlife Ski Club members who were part of our pack and they were an incredibly friendly and cordial addition. Being on this trip taught us that there is something to be said for slopeside condos. The convenience of popping into and out of the units made for quick and easy lunches, siestas, bathroom breaks and even wardrobe changes into dry clothing.  This trip was inexpensive to start with (all things considered), but having access to your own food during the week made it even more so.

            Lessons, Lessons, Lessons!  The majority of us took lessons, which is extraordinary considering we had such mixed levels.  There were glade blasters on ski and boards as well as an individual who had never seen snow before.  Hey, if Olympic champions have coaches, trainers and teachers, it is evident that we all could use a little help from a qualified professional.  The resort was so empty that most of us had private lessons, and what wasn’t a lesson ended up being a mountain tour showing the best spots in the glades, some of which weren’t even on the map, and the softest snow on the mountain.  Not, of course, that soft snow was difficult to find.

            We got the fluffiest, softest snow ever at least 3 out of the 5 1/2 days with winter temperatures.  Only about a day and a half was “springy” when the snow got a little soft.  The views were dazzling and the runs inviting.  Jay is known for its trees.  There were learning wooded areas with only slight steepness with scattered, thin, bendable trees.  Most other glades were tight at the top which opened down below so it was possible to pick your point of entry based on your ability.  For those who like steep, the face of the mountain under the tram would have satisfied the most aggressive of the bunch.

            All in all, Jay was a huge success. Great people, wonderful mountain and fabulous conditions left us with hopes of returning soon.  Thanks again Mark, for all of your work.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 30, 2011, 10:00 AM.

This bike ride will start at 10:00 AM sharp, at the Kingwood Boat Launch just one mile south of Frenchtown on Route 29. Rain or Shine!

Here are some important highlights of this bike ride:

• This bike ride will be on flat ground on a defunct rail road that is now a trail (rails to trail).
• We will be riding on the historic Delaware & Raritan trail.
• The scenery will be awesome. Along the way we will be able to view the serenity of the Delaware River and canals that are parallel with the trail. We also stop along the way to rest and view interesting sites like the Prallsville Mills.
• An interesting bit of history – George Washington crossed the Delaware River just south of where we will be.
• Our destination will be Lambertville for the annual “Shad Festival,” which starts at 12:30pm.  The festival features the area’s finest artists and crafters, great food, and family entertainment.  You are on your own at the festival once your arrive, BUT WE WILL MEET AT 2PM at the “Beverage Garden” under the bridge along the river for a GOODBYE GET-TOGETHER.  Then you may ride back to your cars at the Kingwood Boat Launch at your leisure.  Please click here to learn more about the Shad Festival.

This bike ride will be on flat ground on a defunct rail road that is now a trail (rails to trail).  Motorized vehicles are not  allowed to use the trail and there are only a few places where cars cross the trail. The ride is a comfortable 24 mile round trip and is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.  It is also a moderate tune up bike ride if you are planning on participating in the  NY Five Boro Bike Ride. I recommend mountain bikes or hybrid bikes for this ride since the trail is composed of hard packed dirt. There will be plenty of food at the festival. Be sure to bring an ample amount of cash.

Please bring the usual necessities for the bike ride e.g., water, rain gear, sun blocker, bike lock, and a good sense of humor.

Approximate driving time from Morristown to the Kingwood parking lot is 45 minutes.  Directions for Kingwood Boat Launch parking area:

Please GPS or Map Quest this address:

Cycle Corner
52 Bridge Street
Frenchtown, NJ 08825
908-996-7712

After you get to the Cycle Corner bike shop and assuming you are passing it on the left, make an immediate left on Route 29 South. From there travel about one mile and lo0k for the Kingwood Boat Launch parking area on the right side. The trail itself is conveniently next to the parking lot.

Please contact Olivier Monod if you have any questions.