Sourland Semi-Classic

The Spring Classics are not all about the Monuments! In tribute to the second tier classics, we present the Sourland Semi-Classic (SSC), a ca 60 mile ride that explores the Sourland Region of Central New Jersey. It will offer a gentler way to prepare for the main spring events .

There is much more excellent riding to be had in the Sourlands; the SSC is our attempt to showcase it. If the HoH is the Ronde; the SSC is Het Nieuwsblad; it will take in some of the same roads, but it will hit them differently and go other places as well.

Of course there will be a few unpaved roads to go with the famous Sourland climbs and flats.

The ride starts and finishes at Sourland Cycles in Hopewell, and traverses the Sourland Region over mostly rural roads including some climbs on Sourland Mountain.  The route passes through preserved farmland, preserved woods, past pre-revolutionary houses, the quaint town of Hopewell and crossroad villages such as Ringoes. 

The provisional course is ca 60 miles long with 3550’ of climbing (according to RideWithGPS),  and 4 sectors of dirt and gravel roads.

This ride is mostly self-supported (like a randonee, brevet, and the original professional races):

The course will not be marked but we will provide cue sheets & GPS Data

There is only 1 aid station (at ca mile 37.5), but there are stores at mile 25

The unpaved roads are perfectly suitable for standard road bikes, but we suggest tires wider than 23 mm to increase comfort, improve traction, and to reduce the possibility of punctures. 

While we have a mass start, everyone is welcome to ride at their own pace.  This is a ride, and not a race, and the roads are open to normal vehicular traffic, so you are expected to obey all rules of the road. 

Support

The organizers will provide a Broom Wagon to pick-up participants who can’t make it back to the finish.  However there will not be an active SAG program or on-course medical assistance.  Participants are highly encouraged to carry cell phones, spare tubes, and tools.  Please be courteous, and aid your fellow participants as needed.  SInce the course is not marked, we highly suggest the use of GPS enabled devices.