Federation hosts communitywide cycling and Family Fun Day event

WHIPPANY, NJ — Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ’s second Tour de Summer Camps NJ will be Sunday, Sept. 22. Proceeds of this community cycling and Family Fun Day event will make it possible for more children across Greater MetroWest NJ to attend Jewish summer camp through One Happy Camper grants and need-based scholarships. The start and finish line, as well as the Family Fun Day activities, take place at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown.

“This is one of the biggest events of the year for our Greater MetroWest Jewish community,” event Co-chairman Gary DeBode said. “The bike ride is the perfect way for cyclists to come together to ride some beautiful routes and raise money for a great cause. And the Family Fun Day event is going to be a blast for families!

“For cyclists,” he continued, “we are offering a 62-mile route with nearly 4,000 feet of climbing. Intermediate riders may opt for the 36-mile route with significantly less hills, and for novice riders we suggest the 18-mile route with a modest 800 feet of climbing. All routes are fully supported and are on scenic and less traveled country roads in Northern New Jersey. You’ll be traveling through the middle of the Great Swamp Wildlife Preserve and have a rest stop at the Raptor Trust, a facility that rescues injured eagles, owls and other birds of prey. You will also pass through Jockey Hollow where the Continental Army encamped during the harshest winter of the Revolutionary War.”

Cyclists at this year’s event will be joined by riders from Israel, participants of the Cycling2Gether program with partnership community Ofakim/Merchavim. 

The Family Fun Day event, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature an optional 1-mile family-friendly bike ride, a live concert by Jewish rock star Rick Recht, a kosher barbecue lunch, and lots of camp-led activities. Children will enjoy gaga, arts and crafts, inflatables, and face painting, as well as a woodworking program with Maplewoodshop and a group drumming program with Path to Rhythm. There will also be sensory resources available for children who need them.

For more information about the event and to register or make a donation, visit the Tour de Camp NJ website at www.tourdesummercampsnj.org. For any additional information or questions, contact Fara Gold at [email protected] or 973-929-3179.

  Jewish Federation of MetroWest