Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Event Schedule?
Sunday March 24, 2024
7:30 AM   Event Day Package Pick-up Opens at the Elks Lodge
7:30 AM   Ride Start Window Opens at the Elks Lodge
8:45 AM   Event Day Package Pick-up Closes
9:00 AM   Ride Start Window Closes at the Elks Lodge
10:45 AM Cut Off Time for the Long Route- all riders on the Long Course must be past the Medium/Long Course Split
11:30 AM  Post Ride Party Begins (Food & Beverage Service)
2:45 PM   Cut Off Time All Routes- all riders who have not crossed RT-518 at Aunt Molly Rd must take the shortcut
3:30 PM   Course Closes
4:00 PM   Post Ride Party Ends

Is the Hell of Hunterdon a Race?
The Hell of Hunterdon is a challenging RIDE.  The roads are open to traffic and there are no prizes for finishing order.  Participants should obey all traffic rules and are responsible for their own safety.

Will we be riding as a group?
Since COVID we have suspended the mass starts and instead offer “At-Will” Starts, meaning all participants will be allowed to start their ride at a time of their choice within a designated start period (ex. They may start anytime between 7:30AM – 9:00AM). The time period will open at the same time as registration, so there will be no delay in participants starting their rides.

Social/Physical distancing is highly encouraged. Anyone choosing to start or ride with people outside of their household shall so at their own risk

What type of support does the ride offer?
There will be staffed & stocked aid stations (feed zones), riders will have access to GPS Files & the Ride With GPS App, there will be a post-ride party, Several Bike Shops are providing Technical Support, and there will be broom wagons.

Is the course marked?
We are NOT marking the course.  Riders must rely on GPS Files, Complimentary Access to the Ride With GPS App, and/or Cue Sheets. 

Will there be any SAG, Technical Support or Medical Services?
Yes, there will be technical support.

However, all participants must bring spare tubes, tires, tools, and anything else you might think is required to perform repairs yourself. Treat this like you would a normal training or club ride.

There will not be dedicated emergency medical services on course; thus, if you need or see some who requires immediate emergency medical attention, please use your cell phone to Dial 911.

Is there an Entry Fee for the Hell of Hunterdon?
Yes, please see the Registration page for details

What do I get with my Entry Fee?
You will get a great day on the bike, on a unique and challenging course, a post ride party, and pre-registered riders are eligible to win door prizes. Plus you get the support of the Aid Stations, neutral support, access to GPS Files, Free Access to the Ride With GPS App on ride day and some schwag.

Who is the ride open to?
The Hell of Hunterdon is open to any cyclist who wants to take on the challenge.  Riders under 18 must have the written permission of their parent or guardian.

How do I Register?
On-line registration is available here.

For full details on registration, please visit our registration page on the Hell of Hunterdon website.

Will bad weather cancel the Hell of Hunterdon?
Typically Not. Since this ride is a tribute to the Northern European Spring Classics, bad weather comes with the territory, thus the ride is rain or shine. But that said, rider safety is paramount, and if conditions warrant it (such as an Official Storm Warning), the organizers reserve the right (but not obligation)  to reschedule the ride to a date of their convenience. 

Please check this website the morning of the ride and on Facebook. An email message will be sent to all pre-registered participants.

How Bad are the Un-Paved Roads?
The dirt/gravel roads on the Hell of Hunterdon are normal maintained public roads, suitable for daily vehicle use; they just are not sealed with asphalt or other paving material. Some of the roads are hardscrabble, some are packed dirt. Most of them also have some loose gravel.  But the roads are generally in good condition.  The amount of gravel and pot holes vary year-to-year, based upon how hard a winter there has been. The chip sealed roads are not counted as unpaved roads.

What Type of Bike Should I Ride?
The course is suitable for the use of standard road bikes.  Since the courses have more paved roads than unpaved roads, we do not recommend the use of mountain or hybrid bikes.

Should I use a Cyclocross or Gravel Bike?
Cyclocross and Gravel bikes are viable choices, but certainly not required. Keep in mind that cross/gravel. bikes are no stronger than road bikes.  They are designed to offer better clearance for wider tires and mud, but may be heavier.  If you use a cross or gravel bike, please consider what tires you use, as most of the courses are on paved roads, so knobbies will be slow.

Can I use a Fixed Gear Bike?
You are welcome to give it a try; we get a few fixies or single speeds each year.  There are a few stiff climbs, and some rough descents, but if you are comfortable on such terrain, we welcome you to give it a go. You may get mocked, but you will also be greatly admired.  Please note that all bikes must have at least 1 working brake, so pure track bikes are not be permitted.

Can I use a Time Trial or Triathlon Bike, or another bike with Aero Bars?
No, unfortunately the course is not suitable for such bicycles; it just isn’t safe.  The same rules would apply to Fabian Cancellara and Craig Alexander if they were to miraculously participate.

What Tires Should I use?
Normal road tires typically are just fine, however we recommend using tires wider than 23mm to improve traction, to increase comfort, and to reduce the chances of punctures.  Tire treads typically are not very important; knobbies will be slow. An important thing to consider is tire pressure; most people over-inflate their tires, which not only are less comfortable, but often lead to poor traction, and flat tires.

Are there any Awards?
This isn’t a race, so there are no prizes based upon performance. However, we do have drawings for great merchandise door prizes during the post-ride celebration. You must be present to win, unless you have made other arrangements with the organizer prior to the event.