Events: The 2025 Kermesse Sport Spring Calendar

Roughly around the same time as Mathieu van der Poel zips up another cyclocross world champion’s jersey, the road cycling world pivots to the ultimate crossover - the Spring Classics. These are the events that try riders’ spirits. It’s the eager outings early on the schedule. For some, it’s the prep season. For others, it’s the only season. 

Each year we anxiously await Kermesse Sport’s Spring Calendar, knowing the nod to Euro-cycling tradition will carry us through the frosty, dampy season. While we sprinkle in a few other Kermesse events, we prioritize the flagship event, the Hell of Hunterdon, but one cannot go wrong with any of the quality Spring Classics.

Sourland Semi-Classic - March 2

Usually the earliest event on the calendar, Sourland Semi-Classic moves to the month of March. Hosted by V5 Cycles in Flemington, NJ, the Sourland Semi-Classic is modeled after Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the serious start of the Euro season. Much like the European model, Sourland visits several similar roads as the Hell of Hunterdon, many in the opposite direction. As a welcome to the season, the Sourland Semi-Classic is the shortest route of the Kermesse Spring Calendar at 100 kilometers. 

We’ve rumbled through six editions of the Sourland Semi-Classic, an event that first graced the calendar in 2015 (though experienced a snow delay). The route features numerous enjoyable portions. The River Road gravel sector, almost immediately into the ride, provides one of the most enjoyable cycling experiences around. It’s not often one crosses train tracks whilst on gravel roads. The route also goes through the Sourland Conservancy, a mountain region full of natural and cultural diversity. The final miles give parting views and enjoyable tasting notes for everyone to talk about at the finish. 

Once Zion and Montgomery Roads have been summitted and the gravel sectors slain, participants relax at V5 Cycles in Flemington, to recap the outing. It is here riders are overheard postulating what sort of season they expect after completing the Sourland. One thing is for sure: the Sourland Semi-Classic is the must-add pick to the Spring Classic Calendar.

Hell of Hunterdon - April 5

Hardly is there an event that dictates the summer schedule quite like Hell of Hunterdon. Got surgery planned that day? No you don’t. Birthday party? Canceled. Your birthday? Also canceled. When the Hell of Hunterdon sets the date, the devout spring classics riders descend on Blawenberg, NJ, to continue the tradition started in 2009 with 35 people. With three distances, riders can be a part of one of the greatest gatherings on the cycling calendar.

The Hell of Hunterdon has been a mainstay to hundreds of riders each spring. The long route demands respect: Eighty miles (128 kms), nearly 6,000 feet (1820 m) of climbing, and nineteen unpaved sectors means the Hell of Hunterdon is a commitment. Complete it, and you join a long list of names of those who have ridden to hell and back. It is a test of seasonal legs as well as machine durability. Bikes that are tuned up specifically for this event are walked right back into the bike shop Monday morning for a second round of repairs. We wouldn’t have it any other way: we’ve ridden in unseasonable warmth along with frigid rain. The allure of the Hell of Hunterdon is managing every variable as they emerge.

Once the course has been conquered, the post-ride event gathers at the Princeton Elks Lodge for a catered sit down meal. This setting has staged the best conversations of the year with complete strangers. Each year we talk to numerous first timers eager to brag about their accomplishment. If you haven’t ridden the Hell of Hunterdon in a while, it’s time to come back. Let’s all converse again after finishing.

Fleche Buffoon - April 26

The Fleche Buffoon Spring Classic hosted by Kermesse Sport is arguably the hardest event of the four. Swapping unpaved sectors for Belgian-like bergs, the Fleche Buffoon is the Ardennes tributes. If ever there is a location in the continental US for similar climbs, the roads coming off of the Delaware River are a great place to start. Stringing together roughly thirteen of the areas most notorious climbs, the Fleche Buffoon makes each digit of ascent earned. 

Started in 2011 with sixty registrants, the Fleche Buffoon departs from New Hope, PA, and winds north for the Pennsylvania climbs before crossing the River. The route heads north for a spell, into some difficult Jersey bergs, before wiggling south to re-cross the Delaware River. Each climb - from Comfort Road to Uhlerstown to Adamic Hill Road - deserves proper respect. This is a gouging effort where recovery is fleeting and the next ascent is relentless.

Each time we’ve crossed the Fleche Buffoon finish, an intense sense of pride lingers for days. This is one of those outings that takes the riding to the next level. We’ve learned from participants who have figured out the little secret - bring camping chairs to the finish and take time to savor. The Fleche Buffoon begins the transition from spring fondos to competitive racing. Thirteen intense hills will prepare every rider better.

Pinelands Gravel - May 4

Started in 2022, but in the works for much longer, Kermesse Sport’s newest event, Pinelands Gravel, has been an immense success. With three courses, there’s enough gravel for everyone. The long course, at 76 miles, features 33% gravel with barely 1,000 feet of climbing. This is proper mixed surface riding just outside of Trenton, NJ.

Benefiting the Pinelands Preservation Alliance, Pinelands Gravel explores the unique area carpeted by sugar sand. The region’s quintessential feature is its provisions of pure water, an attribute gaining the region protected status. The result is a pristine playground for mixed surface riders looking for a wilderness feel. If one is [un]lucky, the Jersey Devil may spring from the underbrush to give you a story none of your friends will believe. Pinelands Gravel explores the stitched-together four state forests in the form of sandy, loamy roads. It is guaranteed to be an outing not easily emulated. The experience of the Pinelands Gravel will linger, leading to the possibility of revisiting the Pinelands region to explore further.