"It ain't over till it's over".  In other words, coming soon; will you be part of it? 

The Hell of Hunterdon – “I think we’re done with the serious climbs after this.”

By CJ Rudy

Each year the Hell of Hunterdon (L’enfer d’Hunterdon) has increased its participation. This year’s wonderful weather helped increase last-minute rider registration looking to take on 76 miles of New Jersey back roads. Under cool sunny skies and leaf-less trees, 140 riders departed one block from the ride’s home base, Pure Energy Cycling and Java House in Lambertville. This was remarkable compared to last year’s thirty-five riders. Early arrivers had the choice of Belgian waffles provided by one of the ride’s sponsors, Caffe Galleria. Due to increased sponsorship, all riders got a SWAG bag, while pre-registered bikers were eligible to win raffle prizes.

Three groups departed on course, giving people self-evaluated packs in which to ride. Those unaware of the amount of climbing involved were greeted with a mile-and-a-half long climb of Quarry Rd., which hit six percent.  According to the official maps, this would be the first few feet of gain along the way to 3,600 feet.

The weather proved to be workable for the day. During the first few miles, riders experienced intermittent cloudiness and fog, but this would prove to be the last inconsistency with which we would have to deal. Temperatures would reach 70 degrees by midday, and the sun was visible from start to finish. The lack of leaves on the trees was indicative of an early season ride.