Event Info

RoutesEducational RideScheduleServicesRules

Routes

Start/Finish Location: All rides start and finish in Highlands, New Jersey. Riders choose from among four distances: 30, 50, 75, or 100 miles.

Elevation Profile: Click here (PDF) to view the elevation profile for all routes. Check out our comparison chart to see how this ride compares to other Bike New York events.

Note About Youth Participants: We welcome the participation of families with children and ask that families with younger cyclists choose the 30-mile route. Cyclists 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and everyone under 18 years old must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

30 Miles/Oceanport Loop: A ride through the Monmouth County communities south and west of Highlands including Rumson, Oceanport, and Middletown. Flat to rolling terrain with a couple hills. Riders have the option to join a group ride led by experienced leaders or an instructional ride led by two cycling instructors certified by the League of American Bicyclists, with special attention paid to learning how to handle traffic challenges.

50 Miles/Colts Neck Express: A ride with varied terrain and scenery, from sandy coastline to horse farms and woodlands. To the 30-mile route, we add a loop through Colts Neck and Holmdel. There are some long and rolling roads and a few hills. This ride is harder than the 42 miles of the Commerce Bank Five Boro Bike Tour. Riders have the option to join a group ride led by experienced leaders.

75 Miles/Earle Roundabout: A loop into Howell Township around the enormous military facility in central Monmouth County and along the Manasquan Reservoir. Long roads and gently rolling terrain provide a speedy ride into Colts Neck, where we reconnect with the 50-milers and the hillier part of the ride. Several long stretches for fast riding. The ride is recommended for experienced and enthusiastic cyclists. Riders have the option to join a group ride led by experienced leaders.

100 Miles/Monmouth Challenge: This is an exhilarating ride through nearly the whole length and breadth of Monmouth County, including a loop around the Turkey Swamp Wildlife Area near Freehold. Plenty of long stretches for fast riding. The ride is recommended for experienced and enthusiastic cyclists.

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Educational Ride

30-Mile Class on Wheels: A 30-mile ride for novice cyclists led by a certified cycling instructor. On flat to rolling terrain through Monmouth County communities, learn skills necessary to ride predictably and confidently in traffic. You'll follow the regular 30-mile route with special attention paid to learning how to scan, signal, change lanes, and how to approach and navigate intersections. Adults and mature teens should be able to start, stop, balance, and control their bikes in order to participate in this session. Sign up when you register for the event--there's no extra charge, but space is limited.

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Schedule

The Twin Lights Ride is a self-paced cycling tour with start times based on distance--the longer the ride, the earlier the start. You must be on the road within the start window for your distance. If you start early or late, you will miss out on services. Cue sheets will be available 15 minutes before ride start times.

Route ChoiceRiders Start BetweenGroup Ride Option
100 miles7:30-8:00 a.m.N/A
75 miles7:30-8:30 a.m.8:15 a.m.
50 miles8:00-9:45 a.m.9:45 a.m.
30 miles9:15-10:30 a.m.regular group: 10:00 a.m.
instructional ride: 9:00 a.m.

Check-In: At the start area in Huddy Park, go to the check-in tent to pick up your ride wristband and cue sheet--and then you'll be free to ride! A light breakfast will be available, and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions. Should you wish to do a different distance than you signed up for, that won't be a problem.

Bike Safety Check: Don't let your bike ruin your ride! Learn how to inspect your bike for mechanical problems in 2-minute sessions at Huddy Park between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. All participants will get a free bike safety item courtesy of BNY's Bicycle Education Program.

Festival: The free post-ride festival in Huddy Park, open to riders and the public from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., will feature live music, food vendors, and T-shirt pickup (first 1,500 entrants only). As you know if you've done this ride before, there are also plenty of great restaurants in this seaside town!

Additionally, stop by Bike New York's Bicycle Education Program tent for help with things like how to properly fit a helmet, how to inflate your tires, and how to bring bicycling education to your community. Certified Bicycle Education Program instructors will also offer hands-on workshops:
  • Bike Maintenance Light, 2:00 p.m. Learn how to keep your bike working like a Swiss watch. We will cover chain maintenance, brake adjustments, tire inflation, and other minor adjustments. Mechanical experience not necessary.
  • Fix a Flat, 3:00 p.m. Avoid the SAG wagon by learning how to fix your own flats the easy way. All participants will get a free patch kit with tire levers.
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Rider Services

Route Markings: All routes will be marked with painted pink arrows on the road, and signs will be posted at key intersections. Riders will receive cue sheets with ride directions.

Rest Areas: Rest areas with snacks, beverages, and toilets will be located every 10-17 miles along the route. Those riding 30 will have two rest areas, 50-milers have three, 75-milers have five, and there are six for the 100-milers.

Rider Support: "SAG" support and gear marshals will be traveling the routes in vehicles and on bikes. Look for them if you need assistance. You can also call the Rider Assistance Hotline listed on your cue sheet if you need help.

Bike Repair: Bike repair services staffed by area bike shops will be provided at the start in Highlands and at one or more rest areas. SAG marshals will also assist with basic bike repair.

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Rules

Stay safe by following these few simple rules:
  • Stay right. Ride as far to the right side of the road as is safe.
  • Stay alert.
  • Separate. Maintain adequate distance between you and the cyclist ahead of you, especially on downhills. If you're passing someone, call out "on your left" so they know you're coming.
  • Wear your helmet. Always, all day.
  • Keep your ears and eyes clear. No headphones, picture taking, or cell phone use while riding.
  • Obey traffic laws. Watch for and obey stop signs and stop lights.

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Photo: Rider choosing snacks Rest stops are stocked with a variety of snacks including fresh fruits, energy bars, and local treats.

Photo: pink arrow painted on road Arrows painted on the roads direct cyclists throughout the route.

Photo: Rider getting clam chowder at festival After the ride, fill up with delicious seafood from local restaurants.