This week was another ride to Belmar and back. I lead this ride the third weekend of Sept every year. This is when the weather is still warm but most of the crowds have left the beach so there is less traffic. Since this ride is late in the season I take the longer route to Belmar and the ride usually ends up being around 80 miles. This is always a fun ride and I always look forward to doing it.
Although the roads were wet at the start and the weather had a 30% chance of rain I still had good group of 7 people. The ride started from Cranbury so we headed out toward Federal Rd. We had to make a detour because the bridge on Federal Rd was under constructions and impassable. Luckily there are a lot of different ways to Belmar. With George leading and pushing the pace we make it quickly to Farmingdale. On the way we went around the Manasquan reservoir because there are some nice scenic views along the way.
George headed home after a stop in Farmingdale and the rest of us continued on the long way to Belmar pass Allaire state park and through Sea Girt before ending up on the beach in Belmar. The weather had gotten better as the day progressed so by the time we got to the beach the sun was out and it was getting humid.
The rest stop in Belmar by 16th street is always inviting with outdoor tables, a lot of places to get food, and plenty of activity to watch it is easily a place you can be temped to spend the rest of the afternoon.
The wind was lite so the ride back from Belmar wasn't too bad and we maintain a good pace. We had a couple of flat tires right out of Belmar but that is just par for the course on a long ride.
It was getting a little hot and humid by the end of the ride so but still wasn't too bad. We ended up with 82 miles even with the detour at the beginning and got back around 2:30pm. Joe ended up doing another 18 miles, with Mary, so he could say he did a century.
Although I have been to Belmar 3 times this year I still enjoyed the ride and may do another shorter one next month if the weather holds out.
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