From Edison · Route 519 · Phillipsburg to High Point

This full-day version starts in Edison (Menlo Park). The first 55 miles go out on back roads, mostly US-22, CR-626 and CR-529, 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: 76 miles on NJ-15, the Garden State Parkway and NJ-24 back to Edison. All in, it's about 185 miles and 5 hours in the saddle, before any stops for gas, food or photos. Plan on a long day and an early start.

Full-day version that starts in Edison: 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.