Tour of Somerset Hills Bicycle Race Proposed

MLH is Dreaming of a Tour of Somerset Hills – Competitive bicycle racing through the historic Somerset Hills region in New Jersey.

While watching the stages of the recent Tour de France, I thought how great it would be if there were a bike tour that showcased some of the most beautiful areas of New Jersey in the historic Somerset Hills area of northern Somerset County. It’s The Tour of Somerset Hills, a high-energy tour through the towns of Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Peapack, Gladstone, Far Hills, and Bedminster.

The route’s premise is to challenge the cyclists and give them a one-time opportunity to take over the roads of one of the most historic areas of New Jersey, giving the townships prime viewing capabilities. The tour would be a mix of flat areas and climbs.

Photo: A previous Tour in Basking Ridge called the Base Camp International Bike Race was held in 2012.
Credit Linda Sadlouskos

Mr. Local History’s Wear Your Local History Collection remembers Liberty Cycle, which held cycling events in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.

Proposed Tour Route

The proposed route starts in historic downtown Basking Ridge. The route then travels north past the landmark Ross Farm, the Old Mill Inn, and the former homes of the famous Child’s restaurant chain family. Traveling west down Childs Road, I saw a brief stretch along Route 202 through downtown Bernardsville. Then it’s a hard right turn and a climb into the Bernardsville Mountain Colony, known for some of the most beautiful estates of the landed gentry from the early 1900s industrial age. Then, the hill climb shifts through the beautiful winding roads of Peapack and Gladstone. A hard left onto Main Street takes you past the historic Natarir estate to the Far Hills fairgrounds. The left next takes you through the historic towns of Grant Schly’s Far Hills and over to the Larger Cross farmlands of Bedminster. The final stretch is a farmland flat track to the finish at the historic Jacobus Vanderveer House and park.