From Allentown · Route 519 · Phillipsburg to High Point

This full-day version starts in Allentown. The first 21 miles go out on back roads through small towns to Phillipsburg, where the good part begins. The core stretch, Route 519 · Phillipsburg to High Point, runs 54 miles to High Point State Park.

The ride home is the quick way: 85 miles on US-209, US-22 and CR-653 back to Allentown. All in, it's about 161 miles and 4.5 hours in the saddle, before any stops for gas, food or photos. There's time to take it easy.

Full-day version that starts in Allentown: it adds the ride there and back to Route 519 · Phillipsburg to High Point. Here is what you'll find on the core stretch:

The rural backbone of northwest Jersey: Phillipsburg to High Point through farmland, rolling hills and long sweepers that flow one into the next, by way of Hope, Branchville and Wantage. It's a steady-rhythm ride, more scenery than technique, ending at the highest point in the state. Works for a mixed pack, newer riders included. Expect rough patches, tractors and deer, and speed enforcement through the towns.