METUCHEN — A tradition that has spanned more than three decades will take on a new spin this year when a local bicycle club partners with Habitat for Humanity for the Farmlands Bicycle Tour.
Set for May 2, the 31st annual bike tour will again start and finish in Lincroft. Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County will provide volunteers and information at rest stops along the various routes.
Ray Gabler, executive director of Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County, said he is proud his organization is partnering with the Central Jersey Bicycle Club (CJBC).
“Our Monmouth County service area is home to some of the best scenery the Garden State has to offer,” Gabler said. “We are honored to be a beneficiary of this year’s race, and hope that the participants enjoy the amazing backdrop Monmouth County provides.”
CJBC is one of the oldest, largest and most active bicycle clubs in the United States, according to its representatives. Originally founded as the Metuchen Bicycle Touring Society in 1968, CJBC officially changed its name in 1979 and was incorporated in 1993. It now has more than 200 active members throughout the state.
Since 1984, the Farmlands Bicycle Tour has taken cyclists through several of New Jersey’s bucolic country and farm areas in Monmouth, Middlesex and Mercer counties, primarily along rural roads. The family friendly ride covers six routes, and is organized into segments of 17, 25, 36, 50, 62 and 100 miles.
The ride weaves its way through several scenic towns such as Colts Neck, Freehold, East Windsor and Bordentown.
The tour began with just a handful of cyclists, but it has grown to become one of New Jersey’s most popular rides, averaging more than 500 cyclists annually.
Cyclists will start and finish at Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. Participant registration runs 7 a.m.-noon on the day of the race.
Along the travel route, CJBC will provide snacks, energy drinks and water, along with support to assist cyclists as needed. All riders travel at their own pace, with all CJBC support services concluding at 6 p.m. for participants.
For more information or to register for the Farmlands Bicycle Tour online, visit www.cjbc.org.