Sept 27, 2015 – I did an unofficial Cranbury 200k solo ride. The route map and cue sheet are available from the NJ Rando home page. Downloaded the map from RideWithGPS, Cranbury 200k, and uploaded the course to my tandem gadgets, Garmin Edge 305 and Garmin Forerunner 310xt. Both, by the current lineup of the Garmin products, are old and outdated. But they still work, and at the end of the day, they did their job and got me home safely. I have the 305 on breadcrumb trail display and the 310xt on compass direction display. Photos below taken about 10 miles to go back to the start.

The day’s forecast was breezy and cloudy, without rain. Wore a windbreaker jacket and stashed a waterproof shell, just in case Mr Weatherman got it wrong, and started from my place, about 3miles from the official start of the course @ Knapp’s Cyclery on Main St. Followed the breadcrumbs from 305 and the compass from 310xt. I did not enjoy the 1st 45-50miles of the course, with so many turns, directions leading to housing communities and back roads. Both my 305 and 310xt would occasionally beep, with matching ‘Off Course’ display, to inform me that I was off course. The course became better upon reaching the Atlantic Highlands, with a nice hilly section on Bayview Ave/Ocean Blvd. The official route has a controle at the Mt Mitchell Scenic Outlook, where, on a good day, you could actually have a view of the whole New York city. I decided to skip the view and went on to continue. On the course and not far from this Mt Mitchell Outlook is a popular and my favorite MTB trail, Hartshorne Woods, followed by another popular MTB trail, Huber Woods. This part, I enjoyed.  The course hit the best part on a long stretch on the coastal road on Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach, Long Branch, Asbury Park, and Belmar. It has been 4+ hours since I started when I arrived at Sea Bright. First stop was at a 7-11 along Ocean Ave. Quick bite of 4 pieces of mozzarella sticks and a big bottle of water for refill, and off I continued. The part I enjoyed the most was the section in Long Branch that followed the NJ Marathon course. Smooth asphalt, nice views, and a much-appreciated TAILWIND!  Asbury Park and Belmar were also a welcome, with the absence of the boardwalk fanfare typical on a summer weekend. The end of this stretch came at Sea Girth, turning right and heading west back to the mainland. Some scenic places, and some like the 1st-45mi section of confusing turns. A little past 4pm, I reached Wawa at Jerseyville, a controle in the official course. Wawa is my go-to stop on every unsupported ride I do. Bought another big bottle of water and my favorite on-the-go nutrition, Stuffed Pretzel with Sweet Cream Cheese. The best.

Did not stay long at Wawa because I was getting concerned with time. I still have some miles to cover to get back home. Pushed a little harder and had some relief when I saw some familiar roads. Now I was getting closer to start. The near end section of the route was mostly farm lands, very refreshing when you have tired legs. More pedal pushing and I was back at the official start of the course. But, it’s not over yet – I still have to go home. Told myself it’s just a a cooldown stroll back home. Stopped at the Plainsboro sign and took a picture. Cranbury 200k+ done.

At the end of the ride, I said my thanks. Salamat Po.