Events: Dirty Jersey Ride

(2021) Imagine an event so challenging it demands finishers clear the course after twelve hours. First there was the Fool’s Classic, a Kermesse Sport spring ride that started with a route that crossed the Delaware River. Then there was the wildly successful Hell of Hunterdon. With Kermesse Sport’s ability to locate gravel roads, it was only a matter of time before something bigger came out. 

A few years ago Kermesse Sport took a route farther north and east with the Bastille Day Randonnee. Routing the Bastille Day revealed hidden gravel roads noted by the planners and compiled for a future event. What has come of this information is a 124-mile experience featuring nearly fifty miles of gravel. Who knew there were fifty miles of gravel around here, much less in northern Jersey? Dirty Jersey, Kermesse Sport’s new event is bigger, longer, and more demanding. And it’s why you’ll sign up for the July 11th event.

As this Pennsylvanian knows, New Jersey’s gravel roads are better than Bucks County’s paved roads. It’s close to stating that New Jersey’s gravel roads are enjoyable to ride. However the only time we’re crunching down country roads is when Kermesse Sport sends us that way. If these cinder roads are what brings you to the event, here is the chance to test the ability in a twelve-hour period.

There are particulars to the number crunchers regarding the day. Departing from V5 Cycles in Flemington, NJ, the route covers the aforementioned 124 miles. There are approximately 47 miles in gravel, approaching the length of Kermesse’s season opener - The Sourland Semi-Classic. According to route mapping the course has 7,500 feet (2300 meters) of climbing. The self-starting route can be entered as early as 6:30am with starts no later than 7:30. The event is also self-supported due to the mitigation protocols still in effect for large events.

Given the popularity of the Hell of Hunterdon and the general feeling of remoteness during the Bastille Day Randonnee, this event is a must-do for the revitalized 2021 cycling season. With events in our area getting longer and longer, it was only a matter of time before Kermesse Sport would produce something bigger than the Hell of Hunterdon. Given the schedule adjustments of the Pandemic, it might be the biggest event of the year for participants. 

Registration for the Dirty Jersey Ride is open via BikeReg.