Somerset Fall Gravel Epic p/b Pops Bike Shop

WELCOME TO THE SOMERSET GRAVEL EPIC

presented by POPS Bike Shop and Team Somerset

Enjoy a fall cycling adventure through some of New Jersey’s most scenic gravel backroads and rail trails.  Complimentary café and cider mill stops, pre- and post-ride refreshments and scenic routes featuring Ken Lockwood Gorge, Bedminster and Oldwick Gravel Roads, Columbia Trail and more.  It's all here.

All Bikes Welcome! Non-technical, beginner-friendly gravel and rail-trails. Perfect for 35mm+ tires (40mm+ recommended). Gravel, mountain, hybrid, fat tire, endurance, road bikes… you name it.  Anything with decent tire clearance.

Pace Groups with Ride Leaders! Our experienced ride leaders will maintain a steady pace, stop for mechanicals and all rest stops. Choose the pace group that matches your fitness or ride it your own pace.  Your choice.

“This is not a race.”  We host a lot of races, so we thought we should point that out.

Registration

• Online Registration Closes: Friday, November 13 at midnight.
• Day-Of Registration: $15 price increase applies.
• Team Somerset Members: Save big on registration!  Not a member yet? Join here for $40 and we'll extend your membership for all of 2027.

Schedule & Info

• Location: Pops Bike Shop, 34 East Main St, Somerville, NJ
• 8:00 AM: Coffee, bagels and Check-in/number pickup.  Basic pre-ride mechanical support by Pops.
• 9:00 AM: Rolling start (please depart by 9:30 AM).
• Pace Groups: Led by experienced ride leaders (Ride leaders will stop at rest stops, for mechanicals etc. and will attempt to hold the advertised pace.)  Choose your group based on your fitness.
  • C Pace: ~12 mph avg
  • B Pace: ~14 mph avg
  • A Pace: 16–18 mph avg
  • Or ride self-paced!
• Parking: Free street and public lot parking all day! (Parking Map).
• Course Maps: RideWithGPS / Strava links will be emailed a couple of days prior.
• Pizza after-party for everyone back at the shop!

Choose Your Route

1. Cider Loop — A 39 mile / 2,500 ft Elevation Gain loop through the rolling hills and gravel roads of Bedminster and Chester. C Pace Group or Self-Paced.  Free hot drink & snack stop at Hacklebarney Cider Mill.

2. Long Route — A 70 mile / 4,800 ft Elevation Gain loop that adds iconic Oldwick gravel segments, Ken Lockwood Gorge, the Columbia Trail and more.  Ride leaders at A Pace, B Pace, or Self-Paced.  2 free mid-ride stops at a cafe and the cider mill.

• Note: Brief hike-a-bike sections may occur if storm damage is present in Ken Lockwood Gorge.

Rider Rules & Safety

• Helmets: Required for all riders.
• Bells: Recommended (especially on the Columbia Trail).
• Road Rules: Open public roads; follow all traffic laws. Max 2-wide when traffic permits; single file when cars are behind.
• YIELD TO HORSES: Horses are a common site on the Columbia Trail and our local gravel roads alike.  ALL CYCLISTS must yield to horses on trails and roads. Slow down, ring your bell and pass slowly with plenty of space.  This is a state law.

Weather / Cancellation Policy

• This is a rain or shine event. Registrations are non-refundable/non-deferrable. Only canceled if a State of Emergency is declared.

Photos Courtesy of Strava.

Special thanks to POPS BIKE SHOP for being our primary sponsor and prize supplier! Marc Cianfrone and his son Danny offer bike sales and service in a friendly, inviting atmosphere. Call 908-836-7677 or visit them at 34 East Main St, Somerville, NJ.