Route Overview

The route owner by frozen Watchung Lake en-route to Summit

The New Jersey Transit 200k starts and finishes iin Hillsborough at the Mountain View Plaza on Route 206. The Gulf Express Convenience Store, Plaza Deli, Joe’s Pizza and the Star Diner are all convenient to the plaza. Most of the route features lightly traveled roads with the possible exception of the first and last segments. These sections are still quite pleasant when ridden on a Saturday, Sunday, or Holiday as opposed to a weekday with commuter traffic.

Hillsborough to Summit = 29.2 miles

This section begins gently as you head north out of Hillsborough and remains mostly flat for the first 11 miles. After crossing over US 22, the first substantial climb of the day presents itself. Morning Glory Road winds its way up the Watchung Mountain Ridge delivering riders to Washington Valley Road in the town of Warren. The route follows this ridge to the east and is mostly flat until the three mile gradual climb at Sky Top Drive which ascends the remaining elevation to the top of the ridge. Riders will enjoy passing through the tranquil and scenic Watchung Reservation. Once beyond the reservation the Summit control is just a few turns away. The Starbucks coffee shop across from the NJ Transit Train Station in the quaint downtown section of Summit is the suggested stopping poiny. Although riders may select another nearby business, such as the Dunkin Donuts, or Bagel shop just prior to the Starbucks.

Summit to Budd Lake = 31.3 miles

During this stretch many large rolling hills are encounted. Budd Lake is the second highest elevation lake in New Jersey. The net gain in elevation is 700 feet from Summit. Arguably, this section is the most difficult as the climbing is relentless. There are no major climbs but some of the rolling hills are fairly steep. Jockey Hollow State Park is passed along the way. This section ends at a strip mall which faces US Hwy #46. Entry is from the back on Old Wolfe Road. In addition to the Dunkin Donuts control there is a Convenience Market and Pizza Shop in the Mall.

Budd Lake to Changewater (Information Control) = 16.6 miles

This section begins with more of the same rolling terrain, but soon modifies to smaller less frequent rollers. The route passes over Schooley’s Mountain and into the valley town of Califon. The area becomes more rural as one approaches the Musconetcong River. The information control is at the United Methodist Church on the left just past Forge Hill Road.

Changewater to Hampton = 8.4 miles


From the control riders will reverse direction to Forge Hill Road and undertake the steep climb. While not terribly long it is quite steep. Small gearing is reccomended. After descending the hill into the town of Hampton route # 31 is crossed. Immediately followed by another challenging climb. Finally there is a descent to the Spruce Run Resovior. The Hampton control is just a couple of flat miles away. The Exxon/Tiger Mart with Dunkin Donuts at Rt 179 by I-78 is the place to stop.

Hampton to Bedminster = 24.6 miles

A relatively flat stretch begins this section as you backtrack to the Spruce Run Recreation Area. However, more climbing will be encountered soon. After crossing Route 31 the first climb is a short steep incline up Creegar Road followed by a gradual descent into the town of High Bridge. After passing under the NJ Tranist train station and through the downtown area the next major climb shows up. Wilson Ave gets the most voted for the toughest climb on the route. After cresting the hill a down hill section is enjoyed followed by another climb which is Herman Thou Road. After another descent the back to back climbs of Haytown Road and Cokesbury Road represent the final serious inclines of the day. There is a long descent down Bissell Road which will deliver riders to Rockaway Road beside the river. Flat and lightly rolling terrain is enjoyed for the remaining miles to the control which is a Burger King.

Bedmister to Hillsborough = 16.7 miles

This segment is without question the easiest. Country Club Road is more downhill than up ending at the town of Raritan. A flat run along the river will bring riders to Beekman Road and a gently climb. On the outskirts of Hillsborough farms are passed by until the more populated South Branch Section. After one more easy climb it is a fast two mile run to the finish at the Mountain View Plaza. Depending on the time of day there are several choices for verification and calorie replacement. Joe’s Pizza is always my first choice for post ride meal. Enjoy!

Please read the "Things to Remember" post on this blog for more inportant information.

Things to Remember

# 1). The same Rules for Riders applies to Permanent Brevets. These are available to review on the RUSA web site. If you are unsure of something please check it out. Personal support is not allowed with the exception of the controls. You may have someone meet you at a control and provide you with any type of support you wish. However, no vehicle may follow you, meet you, or interact with you in any way on the route.

#1a) Lighting and reflective gear are required if you will be riding before sunrise or after sunset. A reflective vest or sash and ankle bands are the minimum required reflective gear. A light on the front and on the rear of the bicycle are also required.

#2). Your passage through controls must be documented. A time stamped cash register receipt is the best way to do this. Please remember to look at the receipt to verify that it has the correct date/time printed on it. You may also ask a store clerk to initial your brevet card, after you have filled in the time. This should be a back-up to the receipt. Although, the controls selected should be open when you pass it is always possible that you may encounter a control that is closed for an unknown reason. Permanent routes are ridden only occasionally, therefore store hours can change, or a store can suddenly go out of business. I would suggest finding the closest possible business that is open and get whatever documentation you can. In a pinch a picture taken with a cell phone camera of your bike in front of the control or nearby landmark showing the date and time can serve as proof of passage.

#3) Information controls on the route are at strategic locations required by RUSA because of potential short cuts. It is important that you correctly answer the question on the brevet card. I suggest carrying a pen with you so you can write the answer in immediately. Trying to remember the answer until the next control, or the end of the ride is an ill advised plan.

#4) It is imperative to follow the prescribed route. If you accidentally go off the route you need to resume the route at the point where you went off course. You cannot resume riding at a point beyond the error point. It is always possible, and within the rules, that the permanent owner will have arranged a secret control somewhere on the route. Should the rider not pass the secret control it would be an automatic DNF.

#5) Please text or call the emergency phone number on your brevet card if you need to abandon the ride. Also, if you decide not to start the ride as planned contact the route owner as soon as you know you will not be going.

#6). At your earliest convenience please sign your brevet card and mail, or drop off, so results may be submitted to RUSA for validation and credit.

Enjoy the ride,
Joe Kratovil, RUSA #3416