Record crowd cycles through Washington Twp. to save land
WASHINGTON TWP – . Rob Beck was too busy Saturday adjusting brakes, greasing gears and ensuring the safety of all brands of bicycles to join the 430 people who signed up to ride Columbia Trail or hike a portion of Schooley's Mountain — all to benefit the preservation efforts of The Land Conservancy of New Jersey.
The Land Conservancy, assisted by multiple sponsors that included BASF Corp. and REI, an outdoor retailer, hosted its fourth annual "Pedal for Preservation" event, designed to raise money for the nonprofit to continue preserving fragile and beautiful tracts throughout the state.
Since its founding 34 years ago, The Land Conservancy has preserved some 20,000 acres and is currently working on a restoration and land management program to preserve a sensitive area in Budd Lake that serves as the headwaters of the South Branch of the Raritan River in Mount Olive, said The Land Conservancy President David Epstein.
"We had 65 registrants the first year for this event and it has grown to 430 registrants," Epstein said. "It's a party, a celebration for open space."
Rob Beck works for REI, which has outlets in East Hanover, Paramus and Princeton. He was one of 16 company volunteers that checked tire pressure, gears, brakes and all safety features of bicycles whose riders had their choice of 30, 20, or 7-mile routes along the old railroad line now called Columbia Trail.
The parking lot of West Morris Central High School was the gathering spot for registration and route starts. By 8 a.m., hundreds of cars, many equipped with bicycle racks, filled the lot. Participants were treated to bagels, oranges, pizza, water and music by Hawk Owl.
Chad Wozniak brought his daughter Laurel all the way from Chesterfield in Burlington County to enjoy a morning ride. Laurel is starting to outgrow her Trek Mountaintrack bicycle, her father said, adding: "She doesn't know this yet but she's going to be getting a new one."
Larry Towner of Boonton and David Kahl of West Milford signed up for the 30-mile ride — a crawl compared to the 100-mile Gran Fondo Highlands ride they plan to participate in Sunday. Towner is owner of ProPower Endurance Sports Coaching, a Boonton-based bicycle coaching business.
"We ride six days a week — for the social side of being with friends and family, the competitive aspect of racing, and the health aspect, a plus of course," said Kahl.
Shannan Urgo of Wanaque bought a pair of cycling shorts that made their debut at Pedal for Preservation. She learned of the event through her aunt, who works for The Land Conservancy.
"I'm doing the 30-mile today. Let's see if I make it," she said, laughing as she adjusted her helmet.
One inventive man brought his dog along in a trailer attached to his bicycle while many parents brought along their toddlers, including Robert Price and Melissa Apgar of Pennsylvania. Their son Quinten, 2, rode in a trailer filled with a blanket and stuffed animals that was attached to his father's bicycle.
"Our son gets the plush ride. We'll ride until I get tired of pulling him or he gets tired of being in the trailer," Price said.
Staff Writer Peggy Wright: 973-267-1142; pwright@GannettNJ.com.