Difficulty Rating:
2 out of 5
This is a gorgeous ride from central New Jersey to the NJ Coast along scenic lesser travelled roads. The ride starts at the Princeton Junction New Jersey Transit Station. From there you head east through central New Jersey towns like Cranbury and Englishtown, and tour lots of quiet and scenic farm country before hitting the famous Jersey Shore.
A great lunch stop is at Five Corners, mile 28, with a Minit Stop Deli, pizza joint, and Uncle Louie's ice cream. Indoor and outdoor seating available. The final pit is at a Dairy Queen in Sea Girt at mile 46 before riding up the coast to end in Long Branch at the NJT station.
This ride is very flat so you can really move. While it is longer than the typical C ride length, it would probably be appropriate for a C14 ride given how flat the terrain is. However, NO GOOD BAIL OUTS before you hit the Jersey Shore at mile 50.
It is also possible to extend the route from Long Branch to end at other NJT stations along the North Jersey Coast Line, or plot a route for an additional 12 miles to the Seastreak Ferry that departs from Sandy Hook, Atlantic Highlands. The ferry is expensive (as of July 2022, $28 one way + $5 for the bike). Also check schedules if you consider this option. JB 7/28/22