Take in the natural scenery of Warren County by bicycle during the fourth annual Tour de Blairstown on Saturday, Oct. 5, with brand new routes that optimize sights.

The Tour, which benefits the Foodshed Alliance, working to strengthen sustainable farming, increase access to local, healthy food, and protect the environment for all members of our communities, offers three routes (22-, 40- and 65-mile options) through the Northwest New Jersey countryside. The new routes this year have also been modified to reduce (but not eliminate) hilly terrain.

Registration for the charity ride is now open on the Tour de Blairstown website. Rates are $60 online until 8 p.m. on Oct. 4 or $75 on-site the day of the event.

“The first Saturday in October should be a fantastic day for this event,” said Kendrya Close, executive director of the Foodshed Alliance. “The leaves should be turning their vivid colors and the cooler weather should provide for some great cycling.”

Previously, the Tour was held in August.

The event, which is sponsored by Marty’s Reliable Cycle, begins and ends at the Blairstown Farmers’ Market at 5 Stillwater Road, Blairstown, across the street from the Blairstown Elementary School. It is open to all ages; those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult. 

An easy registration/check-in process with free coffee and a light breakfast runs 7-9 a.m. The 65-mile ride and the 40-mile ride leave at 8 a.m. and the 25-mile ride leaves at 8:30 a.m. The Tour is a rain or shine event.

Official rest stops along the way with free water and snacks will be provided by community sponsors: Blairstown Rotary, Greater Blairstown Business Association (GBBA), the Community Supported Garden at Genesis Farm and Windy Brow Farms.

Lunch catered by Rogue Tacos & Catering and a craft beer is included in the registration fee. All registered riders will also receive a $5 gift card to spend that day at the Blairstown Farmers’ Market, Windy Brow Farms, or Buck Hill Brewery.

Sponsored by Marty’s Reliable Cycle to benefit the Foodshed Alliance, the Tour de Blairstown is also sponsored by the Blairstown Rotary Club, the Greater Blairstown Business Association, BMW of Newton and Windy Brow Farms. It is supported by the Blairstown Enhancement Committee, YMCA Camp Mason, Community Supported Garden at Genesis Farm, Township of Stillwater and Triple Brook Camping Resort.

Marty’s Reliable Cycle promotes cycling at the local level and sponsors many charity rides to support those in its community. Its three full-service cycle shops are located in Hackettstown, Morristown, and Randolph.