Giro Di Jersey

by brian g

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Ok, let’s get a few ground rules out of the way before we, me being the author and you being the kind reader, enjoy this article together. The race being written of below takes place in New Jersey – the Garden State. Therefore there will be zero references to the following items – the Sopranos, landfills, strip clubs (Sorry, Mitch) and/or graft and corruption. I can hear the clicking away from here……

With the growth in amateur cycling in the New York City area over the last several years, various single day races have achieved high levels of popularity – the Bear Mountain Classic, Jiminy Peak Road Race, and Housatonic Hills are several examples. These races complement the local races, Central Park, Branchbrook, Prospect Park, Rockleigh and Floyd Bennett that round out the many choices that we have as racers. (Note to the bellyachers – we are VERY LUCKY to have so many different races to choose from..be grateful)

 

For a multi-day stage race, riders had the option of traveling to Owasco, which is not being held this year, or Christiana in the heart of Floyd Landis Mennonite country to put multiple racing days together. Stepping into this mix is the Giro di Jersey. Event promoters, EMG, have worked to merge two races held over concurrent weekends into a single event. This has led to a new race combining two previously held separate events and adding in a time trial. 

June 20th, – The Ringoes Individual Time Trial
June 21st –  The Rocky Hill Cycling Classic
June 22nd – The Corner-House Grand Prix

Local riders may find this race appealing as it offers an in-season stage race unlike the Green Mountain Stage Race (which, as a race, stands by itself in regards to difficulty and history) which comes at the end of the summer. This event offers riders a chance to test their legs at the beginning of the summer. The Central Jersey terrain is not as challenging as the hills of Vermont but many of us know that what is very often lost in incline is made up in speed. 

I had the opportunity to race the Green Mountain Stage Race last year and for those so inclined the ability to race multiple days back to back provides a pretty cool race experience. Having the chance to focus solely on racing, rest, nutrition over and over again is rather refreshing for Cat. 4 wannabe’s such as myself. Kinda like going to the bike racing version of a Yankee Fantasy Camp. Before the collective, judgmental and anonymous masses descend upon me please note that for many of us who frequent this site, that bike racing is actually, dare I say, fun to do. 

Registration for the general population opens on May 1st with pre-reg up until then only being open to New Jersey cycling teams. There are varying race distances depending upon your racing classification. Further info may be found here.

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