Ray Hominski and I were talking about a potential bike sale, and what with setting up a test ride, I've decided to go ahead and hold the Second '04 Jersey Shore CR ride. All CR members are invited. Please RSVP so I have an idea of how much food to buy.
The ride will be about 30 miles, starting from Fort Monmouth, east and north to the shore at Sea Bright, through Highland, over Mt. Mitchell and along the south shore of Raritan Bay with the possibility of NY skyline views (weather permitting), before returning through the quaint town of Red Bank. It takes me about 2.25 hours for this ride w/o stops, so I'm guessing 30 miles. Definitely some climbing and high speed twisty down hills (as much as you can get on the Jersey shore) so not fixed gear ideal but possible. But I wouldn't say you're crazy to bring a triple, either. I've been getting over the hills with a 40x28 and keeping a reasonable cadence, so base your gearing choices on that and how much better a climber you are than me :-)
Start time is 0900, return by 11:30 and lunch noonish at my luxurious Army quarters. Lunch will (probably) be an outdoor sandwich buffet with veggies, chips, fruit and cookies for dessert and a variety of cold drinks (but if I get too busy this week I reserve the right to switch to plan B and make lunch a trip to a local restaurant). Offers to bring exotic beers and Doritos cheerfully accepted.
Directions to start: Exit 105 off the Jersey Garden State Parkway (east on 36). As you exit off the Parkway, immediately get in the far right lane, go through the 1st light (Hope Rd) and take the right hand clover leaf turn lane so as to end up going North (left) on Hope (the infamous Jersey "right/left turn"). Go north two lights to Tinton Ave, turn right on Tinton, go east about 500 yds (the 4th hole) and take the next right into the North parking lot of Suneagles golf club. I will be there around 0830. http://usag.monmouth.army.mil/
If you get lost or are running late, call my cell (816) 838-9721.
Come on out and help Ray decide to buy my bike!
Tom Adams, Shrewsbury NJ