Ride, Run or Hike to Help Restore our Local Forest from Sept 5 – 13

The Sourland Conservancy has released the official routes for the 9th Annual Sourland Spectacular. Typically a one-day cycling rally, this year’s event invites registrants to choose their own route (and fee) to cycle, run, or hike anytime during the nine-day event.

The Conservancy changed the rate structure and format of its annual cycling rally to welcome more members of the community, encourage them to enjoy the fresh air and beauty of the Mountain, and allow enough time for them to safely complete their routes while following CDC guidelines. “I’m a hiker, my husband is a cyclist, and our kids are runners,” said Executive Director, Laurie Cleveland. “This year, we’re forming a team of our own and challenging our friends. We’re all looking forward to it!”

“Many people are experiencing economic hardship because of the virus, so we are not setting a fixed registration fee. Rather, we are asking you to pay what you can,” said Jim Andrews, Event Co-chair.  “If you donate $60 or more, we will send you a wicking workout shirt.” T-shirts will be available while supplies last.

Dante DiPirro, the Conservancy’s Board President, said, “Cancelling our largest fundraiser, the Sourland Mountain Festival, due to COVID-19 dealt a serious blow to our organization. We are hoping that the community will rally together to support our work.”

Proceeds from the event will be used to fund the Conservancy’s stewardship, education, advocacy initiatives. This work is more critical than ever. The 90-square-mile region is on track to lose over one million trees within the next few years, according to New Jersey Forest Service estimates, due to an invasive insect: the emerald ash borer.

“Our staff, volunteers, and community partners are doing all we can to restore the forest. We need help,” continued Ms. Cleveland. “Millions of people rely on the forest to provide clean air and drinking water, habitat for endangered species, carbon sequestration, and more. We will all need to work together to protect it.”

Cyclists and runners from all around the tri-state area will challenge themselves on one of three Sourland region routes: 25.8miles, 38.2 miles, or 62.2 miles. The longest of these, the Metric Century, requires a punishing 3,903 total feet of climbing. The published routes begin and end at the Otto Kaufman Center at 356 Skillman Road, Skillman, NJ. Participants may begin and finish at any point along the route. Riders will follow cue sheets available online now at www.sourlandspectacular.com/routes.  Temporary arrows will be affixed to the roads, marking every turn.  Each route is marked using a different colored arrow.

Hikers and walkers may choose from 26 public parks and preserves that feature unique hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty – something for everyone. Visit www.sourland.org/sourland-trail-maps to learn more and find a trail near you.

Water stations will be located at Larison’s Corner Presbyterian Church and Cornerstone Christian Church throughout the duration of the event. Porta-potties and a handwashing station will also be located at Larison’s Corner Presbyterian,1000 Old York Road, Ringoes.

“The Sourland Spectacular offers people of all ages a wonderful opportunity to come together and enjoy the beauty of the Sourland forests, farms, and meadows,” Trustee, Joanna Fiori, said. “The board would like to thank the participants for helping to preserve and protect the Mountain.”

The Sourland Conservancy’s board and staff would also like to thank the many volunteers who work to make the Sourland Spectacular such a wonderful community event: Joanna Fiori, Jim Andrews, Michelle Baker, Tom Mason, Ingrid Ollquist, David Speis, and Cliff Wilson. The Conservancy would also like to thank the event sponsors and business partners: the Ryland Inn, Kilbourne & Kilbourne, The Whole Earth Center, Sourland Cycles, Sourland Mountain Spirits, Bank of Princeton, the bent spoon, Bullard Horticulture, Red Barn Printing and Michelle Baker Design.

The Sourland Spectacular will be held September 5-13, 2020 on Sourland region roads and public hiking trails. Proceeds will support the work of the Sourland Conservancy. “Pay what you can.” T-shirts included with registrations over $60 while supplies last. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.sourlandspectacular.com or email info@sourland.org.