The second annual Tour de Blairstown will take place in less than a month on Saturday, August 5,  to benefit the Foodshed Alliance to help New Jersey’s family farms thrive, provide access  to farm-fresh healthy local food for all, regardless of means, and protect our rural environment.

Registration for the ride, which offers a choice of three scenic routes through the northwest NJ countryside, is open (http://tourdeblairstown.org); $45 online and $50 on site the day of the event.

The event, which is being professionally managed 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.

Those who register by August 1 will get the following benefits from Marty’s Reliable Cycle: $25 off any adult bike purchase, 10% off your next part and accessories purchase, and a free bicycle safety check. Just bring proof of Tour de Blairstown registration to any Marty’s location.

Cyclists have a choice of 25-, 40- and 62-mile scenic routes, which begin with an easy registration/check-in process with free coffee and a light breakfast from 6:30 to 9 a.m. The 62-mile ride leaves at 7:30 a.m.; the 40-mile ride leaves at 8 a.m.; and the 25-mile ride leaves at 8:30 a.m. It 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 the Blairstown Museum.

Lunch after the ride is included in the registration fee and will be catered by Race Farm Café and Creamery. The first 300 registered riders will get a free ride t-shirt.  Following the ride, participants will have the opportunity to shop at the Blairstown Farmers’ Market and enjoy Historic Blairstown Day, sponsored by the Blairstown Museum, a celebration of Blairstown’s heritage on Main Street, just one block from the market. Spend the afternoon enjoying the ambiance of a bygone era with live entertainment; antique, craft and food vendors; antique/vintage car show; a celebration of John Insley Blair’s birthday (his birthday is 8/22) and much more.

Organized by Marty’s Reliable Cycle to benefit the Foodshed Alliance, the Tour de Blairstown is sponsored by the Blairstown Rotary Club, the Greater Blairstown Business Association, Re/Max Ridge Real Estate and the Blairstown Museum. It is supported by the Blairstown Enhancement Committee, YMCA Camp Mason, Community Supported Garden at Genesis Farm, Township of Frelinghuysen, Township of Stillwater and Triple Brook Camping Resort.