The D&R&R Marty’s Bikepacking Weekend!

The “D&R&R” Marty’s June Bikepacking Weekend! 63 miles each way (128 total for both days).

Registration includes Saturday breakfast fuel at the shop, campsite, guided ride and light mechanical support.

THE ROUTE: We start from Marty’s Reliable Cycle in Hackettstown and head southeast through a mix of backroads and some dirt roads to finish several miles on the D&R Canal Railtrail to camp at Washington Crossing State Park where a rustic group site awaits. The return trip will feature mostly the incredibly scenic D&R Railtrail north to Frenchtown, where we’ll cross over the Delaware River to the D&L Railtrail on the Pennsylvania side and enjoy the riverside views up until Riegelsville. From here we’ll cross back into NJ and follow rolling backroads along the Musconetcong River back to Hackettstown. There are several cafe stops and small stores along the way.

This route features awesome backroads through the rolling and rural parts of Warren, Hunterdon, and Mercer Counties, amazing riverside views, and endless stretches of farm roads and traffic-free countryside – all the elements of a perfect weekend on a bike!

DAY 1 Hackettstown to Washington Crossing State Park 63 miles/3400 ft of climbing
Day 2 Return 65 miles/2100ft

THE TERRAIN: 60% Paved back roads, moderate climbing with a few grades over 7%. 40% gravel railtrail and dirt roads. Saturday’s route is 63 miles with 3400 ft of climbing and Sunday is 65 miles with 2100 ft.

THE BIKE: A robust gravel road/cyclocross/touring bike will be the most fun! A quick-rolling plus tire/adventure bike would also be a great choice.

THE GEAR: A well-tuned bike capable of carrying everything you need to enjoy two days of riding and a night of camping! The group campsite is “rustic”, meaning pit toilets but no running water.

A rack and set of panniers, or frame/softbags will carry your gear. The short list:

-Packable tent with rain fly, sleeping bag, sleeping pad (thermarest)

-Small stove for heating water and camp food (optional, mandatory if you love coffee)

-Snacks for riding 60ish miles both days, heatable camp food for dinner and breakfast (we can stop at small stores along the way)

-Backpacking utensils and mess kit

-2 full size water bottles and auxiliary bottle if possible

-Toiletry items, sunscreen, bug spray

-Front headlight (can double as camp flashlight), rear blinky

-Flat kit, several tubes, co2/pump, chain master link, multi tool, zip ties, electrical tape

-Change of clothes and packable shoes for camp/sleeping

-Fresh riding kit. Merino wool is your friend!

-Rain gear (waterproof booties can be helpful)

-Garmin/phone/device charger. Camping is rustic so we might not have easy access to an outlet

THE RIDE: Our group will roll at an intermediate/social pace averaging about 13mph. This would translate to +/-15mph on road bikes. We will be going a bit slower due to loaded bikes, more rugged terrain, and a desire to enjoy the scenery and stop as necessary at cafes along the way! Although many of our miles will be on railtrail, this is northwest NJ so the backroads follow some steady and a few sharper climbs. No worries, we’ll regroup at the top of those! Riders are welcome to ride a bit faster or slower if following the course on their own, but remember there are no prizes for getting to camp early…

Questions on gear, bike setup, etc.? Marty’s Reliable Cycle can help you out! Attend our informational Bikepacking Seminar Friday June 1st at the Hackettstown shop, stop into any of our stores, or contact megan@martysreliable.com