Fun Fall Cycling for Everyone

Fall cycling fun shifts into high gear this month as colorful autumn foliage combines with cooler temperatures and low humidity, enhancing cycling enjoyment. If you’re looking for new trails to explore, the Princeton, NJ Bicycle Map is a great resource. It lists popular trails in town for the entire family with details of each route. A printed map can be picked up at the Princeton Recreation Department, Princeton Public Library, Visitor Info Center at Princeton U Store, Kopp’s Cycles, and Jay’s Cycles. Below trails noted on the map.

Princeton Trails

• Forrestal Loops – short loop 6.2 miles, long route 13+ miles
• Pretty Brook Loop – 6.4 miles
• Greenway Meadows Loop – 7.5 miles
• Littlebrook-Riverside Loop – 5.3 miles
• Kingston Towpath Loop – 6.2 miles
• Quaker Road Loop – 5.4 miles

Regional Trails

• Delaware and Raritan Canal (the D&R) – 2,500 miles
• Six Mile Run Reservoir – Red Trail 3.9 miles, Blue 3.8, Orange 1.7, White 1.3
• Lawrence Hopewell Trail – 11.8 miles (as of fall 2014)
• Lenape Trail – 2 miles
• Freedom Trail – 10 miles
• Mercer County Park  – various trails

In addition, Duke Farms has 12 miles of paved and gravel bike paths and 18 miles of walking paths for you to enjoy. Bike sharing is available plus sandwiches and salads can be purchased on site at the Farm Barn Café.

Cyclists do not have to be affiliated with a cycling club to participate in a number of cycling events. Tour de Farm New Jersey combines the love of food and the joy of riding through New Jersey’s farmlands. There are different tours for various fitness levels starting with the Weekend Warrior Tour (13.9 miles), the Not-So-Extreme Tour (37.7 miles), and the Extreme Tour (61 miles). Cyclists enjoy food catered by Jeanny Race from Race Farm at the end of their journey.

The Covered Bridges Ride is another favorite among cycling enthusiast. This year marks the 35th year the event will run. Hosted by the Central Bucks Bicycle Club, the event offers five different rides, from a family friendly 20 mile tour to challenging 63 mile tours, and of course, historic covered bridges.

Try Princeton Free Wheelers if you are looking to join a cycling club. This not-for-profit corporation focuses on recreational bicycling and related activities. You must be 18+ years old to join as an individual. However, family memberships are available for riders under 18 and at least one adult in the same household. In search of a more challenging cycling experience? Get in touch with the South Jersey Wheelmen. This club caters to the recreational and touring cyclist with weekend getaway conventions, out of state trips, and long distant races.