Bicycle mania has bitten Baristaville this week. Sunday's Tour de Montclair got a good showing of about 600 cyclists, despite drizzly weather. Tonight in Upper Montclair it's not a ride, it's a race, as dozens of would-be Lance Armstrongs ride in Giro New Jersey. There'll be three bike races on a one mile closed course along Bellevue Avenue, Park Street, Lorraine Avenue, and Valley Road. There's also a family three lap fun ride ($5 per person/$15 family) and a three mile running event on the route. A festival with kid rides, contests, food, fireworks, and continuous live entertainment from 4-10 p.m. is wrapped around the cycling events. Part of the funds raised for Bike Montclair will go towards bike paths and permanent bike racks. More information is available here, or call Montclair Bikery: 973-744-7252.
Meanwhile, we hear that at least one resident along the race course is less than thrilled, receiving a notice only two days ago that streets along the course would be closed during the event. The tipster writes: " Since we have not received communication from the Township about this, I hope that the event is legit and that the proper permits have been procured. Undoubtedly this event will cause a major traffic snarl in the Upper Montclair business district and in adjacent residential areas. Will residents be able to get their cars out of their driveways? Have the organizers of this event made provisions for non-ticketable parking on nearby streets for residents of the blocked-off areas?"
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I love the idea of bicycles getting used in Montclair. Let's get those bike lanes! (Though please raise the money privately--taxes are already too high.) Oh, I wish I had become a bicycle mechanic (instead of a famous brain surgeon, like I am).