Ok folks so here the scoop...
My name is Kevin Smith and I am the Ride Captain, board member , and Longest Day chairman for the Central Jersey Bicycle Club. I've been on this forum since 2008 and have been a cycling enthusiast ever since. I joined the CJBC in 2014 to ride the Farmlands Tour and Longest Day. Since then my interests in furthering my enthusiasm for cycling has led me to becoming part of the team.
Truth be told, the CJBC has had a less than favorable image for quite some time and I thought throwing my hat into the ring would be something I'm willing to explore. Learning of the downfalls and sad stories from friends and fellow cyclists about our club is making this journey somewhat of a challenge, but nothing I'm not willing to tackle. I have expressed my optimism and positive vision to the board and membership of what I feel this club could be. My work is ahead of me and there is not a day that goes by I don't think of ways to further advance and better our club for our members and the enjoyment cycling brings to all of us.
The Longest Day has been my passion since
I first heard of it. This year I've put together rest stops and accommodations for this ride from start to finish. There are three rides offered 50, 100, and 200 mile events. This ride traditional begins on the NY/NJ border on NJ State Highway 23 which is as close to the "tip" of NJ as you can get on public land. It used to start from High Point state park as well. We have long since started this ride and held accommodations at the Days Inn in Port Jervis but that hotel will thankfully be under renovation at the time of the event so we moved it over this year across the river to PA. Next year we will most likely resume at the Days Inn.
Due to insurance reasons, all riders MUST be members of our club. Anyone can join and it's super cheap(and in addition to registration fees) only $15 for individuals and $20 per family.
Registration includes :
1). Discounted hotel rates at Best Western in Matamoras PA. for Friday, June 9, $144 I encourage riders/SAG to double up to save on the hotel room rate.
2). Free "high carb" dinner for all registered riders and SAG drivers. It's an Italian restaurant near the hotel which we will have pasta, chicken dish, salads, breads, soft drinks, tea and coffee. BYOB if you prefer.
3). Free shuttle from PA to starting line being offered to those who need it from 4am to 5:30am day of event.
4). Three well stocked rest stops. This is new and the first time ever has our club iffered this. Still working out the details but they will most likely be around mile 70, 135, and 170. More info to follow there but they shall include cold water, GU power drink, PB&J sandwiches, oranges, energy bars, pickles, pretzels and of course, bananas! Enough stuff to fill your bottles and stuff your jerseys.
5). Preferred vendors along the route. We worked it out with businesses along the route who "know we're coming" and have offered to let us use there bathrooms and facilities. All we ask is that you patronize them first should you need any supplies. These businesses will have a
Longest Day sign in their window.
6). We are in the process of reserving camp sites in Cape May Courthouse. You'd have to back track about 6 miles from the lighthouse to get there but one of our members will be having a campfire and party at his site and all are welcome to join. BYOB of course but we will have some food and refreshments there for riders and SAG.
All riders need to adjust their start times to make every rest stop(as they will only be temporary stops) and make it to the lighthouse by sunset, 8:57 pm. The park closes then and there are no exceptions. All riders should consider having or joining a SAG in place for a much better cycling experience. 200 miles is no joke and train you must. The best and fastest riders still take nearly 11 hours to complete the ride. I myself have a best moving time of 13:30. Saddle time can and will be a factor. An average speed(including stoppage time) of 14mph is required to finish the ride before the sun sets. Bring lights for morning and night.
I hope this answered a lot of your questions of the logistics for the Longest Day. We hope you join us and register for the event on our website. Have a great time but above all ride safe!
If I can be of any assistance and answer any questions or concerns about this event, please post it up here or PM me.