August 27, 2024| Community, Events, Fundraising, Recreation
By: Caitlin Doran
From atop a bicycle seat, you gain a whole new perspective and find yourself appreciating just how gorgeous the landscape is here in Northwestern New Jersey. And that’s exactly the word I would use to describe the upper reaches of the cycling routes of this year’s Lake Loop: gorgeous.
Leaving Hopatcong State Park and entering the town of Hopatcong, you’ll cross the River Styx Bridge. You’ll hug the turns on Lakeside Boulevard and be treated to sweeping views of Lake Hopatcong’s Crescent and Byram Coves. You’ll pass by rocky outcrops on your way into the Northwood section of the lake, and zip by a proverbial field of lily pads at Roland-May Eves Mountain Inlet Sanctuary.
If you choose the 40-mile ride, you’ll travel through quiet, green neighborhoods and then quaint main streets in Sparta and Ogdensburg. If you’re looking for a more challenging ride, with our 62-mile route, more lakes – like Lenape, Aeroflex, Illif, and Gardner’s Pond – are on the menu, before traveling under covered bridges and past landmarks like the Sterling Mineral Mine Museum. All of this is well before the challenging climbs (and panoramic views) up Edison Road, and the welcome break at picturesque Heater’s Pond.
All three routes come together again at Yacht Club Drive, across from our good friends at Charley’s Tavern, who will once again open their doors for those who need a final break before traversing the last 8 miles down the east shore of the lake and back to the beginning at Hopatcong State Park.
And while you’re cycling, others are hiking an educational 2-mile hike along the trails in the State Park or paddling a 2.5-mile course out to Bertrand Island, around King Cove, and back. Everyone will come together from 11am-2pm, for a finish line party with sandwiches, soups, refreshments, live music, fundraising prize announcements, and comradery around our shared cause: enjoying recreation on and around Lake Hopatcong and supporting the Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s efforts to protect and improve this critical natural resource!
Visit lakeloop.org today, to read all the details about this year’s event – including our cycling routes, rest stop offerings, SAG (support and gear) support from our friends at Cycle Craft - and learn why we’re biking, hiking, and paddling for a vibrant, healthy lake! We’ll see you on October 6!
