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Events > Twin Lights Ride
Sunday, October 1, 2023

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Named after the iconic Navesink Twin Lights up the hill from Huddy Park in Highlands, New Jersey, this ride has been a favorite of local cyclists, New Yorkers, and visitors from around the country for more than a decade.

 

Five routes ranging from 15 to 100 miles take you along the Jersey shore, over undulating hills, and past quaint farms to our finish festival where local restaurants come out to serve up their best to hungry riders—it’s the greatest way to wind down your summer riding season.

Check out Photo Highlights

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IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Rain or shine
  • This event takes place on streets open to traffic.
  • Helmets are required on all Bike New York rides.
  • New Jersey State law requires all cyclists to have and use a bike bell.
  • Proceeds from all Bike New York events fund our free bike education programs. Learn more.

The Routes

All routes begin and end in Huddy Park in Highlands, NJ (301 Shore Drive). Please note: this is not the Huddy Park in Toms River, NJ.

 

Please note: the entire route is on streets that are open to motorized traffic (with the exception of the Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path on the 15-mile route). Cyclists must obey all traffic laws. This includes obeying all traffic signals, yielding as required, and sharing the road with cars. Being part of the event does not put you above the rules of the road.

 

Click on this link for a complete listing of NJ Bicycle Laws.

ROUTE OVERVIEW MAP

Click here for an overview of the ride.

 

Click here for the Ride with GPS event.

15 Miles

Perfect for families and newer riders, this route goes through scenic Sandy Hook primarily along a car-free multi-use path. Please note: spots are limited for this route, we recommend signing up as quickly as possible.

Elevation gain: 150 ft

Start time: 9:45AM-10:15AM

 

Ride with GPS

Strava

 

30 Miles

This route includes stunning ocean views as riders travel along the Jersey Shore through Sea Bright before rolling through Monmouth County communities south and west of Highlands including Oceanport and Middletown.

Elevation gain: 1,100 ft

Start time: 9:15AM-10:15AM

 

Ride with GPS

Strava

55 Miles

The 30-mile route plus an extra 25-mile southern loop around U.S. Weapons Station Earle through Farmingdale and Colts Neck.

Elevation gain: 2,000 ft

Start time: 8:30AM-9:30AM

 

Ride with GPS

Strava

75 Miles

The 55-mile route plus an extra 20-mile southeastern loop along the coastal communities of Spring Lake, Sea Girt, and Brielle. Goes near Asbury Park, but unfortunately does not include Bruce Springsteen.

Elevation gain: 2,200 ft

Start time: 8:00-8:30AM

 

Ride with GPS

Strava

100 Miles

The 75-mile route plus an extra 25-mile loop west around the Turkey Swamp Wildlife Area near Freehold.

Elevation gain: 3,000 ft

Start time: 7:30AM-8:00AM

 

Ride with GPS

Strava

All routes begin and end in Huddy Park in Highlands, NJ.

Ferry

Round Trip Ferries take Twin Lights Riders (and their bikes) from Pier 11 in Manhattan to Highlands, NJ on the morning of the ride. 75 and 100-mile riders must take the 5:45 AM ferry. 55, 30, and 15-mile riders can plan to take the 7:45 AM ferry.

 

Riders should give themselves ample time to arrive, check-in, and board boats–we recommend getting to Pier 11 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.

 

Returning ferries depart at 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM, and 6:30 PM. These boats are chartered exclusively for Twin Lights Ride participants. Note that there are additional returning ferries that are open to the public; however, ferry ticket purchases made through Bike New York will not be honored for these additional departures.

 

Please note that ticket times are non-transferable; Bike New York cannot guarantee availability on an additional ferry if you miss your return ferry. Please select your return time carefully.

 

If you’ve already registered for the Twin Lights Ride, and wish to add ferry service, please follow the steps below:

  • Log into your EnMotive account
  • On your account page, click on Registrations on the left side and find your 2022 Twin Lights Ride registration
  • Click on the three dots, then View Registration
  • Scroll down to FERRY TICKET – ROUND TRIP
  • Select a time option from the dropdown menu
  • Click on Add to Cart
  • Complete your payment information, and you’re all set!

 

If you have already purchased your round trip ticket, your name will be on a list at the morning ferry, where you’ll receive a wristband that will grant you access to your afternoon return ferry. Please bring your valid photo ID and check in with the Bike New York representative at Pier 11 on Sunday morning.

Carpool

We recommend using Google Maps to plot your route. Enter 329 Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732 as your final destination. Parking is available within biking distance of Huddy Park.

PARKING

On-site attendants will direct visitors to available spots in the area.

WHEN YOU RENT A BIKE WITH UNLIMITED BIKING, THE OFFICIAL RENTAL PARTNER OF BIKE NEW YORK, PROCEEDS HELP FUND OUR BIKE EDUCATION PROGRAM!

Riders renting a bicycle with Unlimited Biking will pick up their bike at the Start and drop off their bike at the Finish. No need to transport your rental to and from the ride!

 

Unlimited Biking is offering all registered riders the option of transporting their bike between NYC and Highlands. For $49 round-trip, they’ll pick up your bike at their Columbus Circle location (346 W. 57th St) and shuttle it to the Start/Finish area in Huddy Park. After your ride, drop your bike off with UB for swift transport back up to the city. Contact Unlimited Biking for more information, or click below to reserve your spot.

RENT WITH UNLIMITED BIKING

Where and when does the ride start?

The Twin Lights Ride starts and finishes at Huddy Park in Highlands, NJ (329 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ 07732). 

Your start time depends on the distance you’ll be riding.

  • 100 miles:  7:30AM – 8:00AM
  • 75 miles:  8:00AM – 8:45AM
  • 55 miles:  8:30AM – 9:30AM
  • 30 miles:  9:15AM – 10:15AM
  • 15 miles:  9:45AM – 10:15AM

Note: Timing is based on route support and rest area services. Once a start window has closed, participants will no longer have access to that route and must switch to a shorter option.

For example:  If you plan to ride the 100-mile route but arrive at 8:10AM, the start window has closed, and you will be asked to join the 75-mile route.

All riders must be on the route by 10:15AM. If you arrive after that time, we will not be able to provide your rider kit to you.

Can I rent a bike? Is there a bike shuttle again this year?

Yes! And now for the best part:  When you rent a bike with our official rental partner, Unlimited Biking, proceeds help fund our bike education, community outreach, and advocacy programming.

You’ll pick up your bike at the Start and drop it off at the Finish. No need to transport your rental to and from the ride!

Unlimited Biking is also offering all registered riders the option of transporting their bicycle between NYC and Highlands. For $49 (round trip), Unlimited Biking will shuttle your bike to the Start/Finish area across the street from Huddy Park. After your ride, simply drop your bike off with Unlimited Biking for swift transport back to the city. 

Check out rental and bike shuttle options here.

When can I check in? What is the latest I can get there on ride day?

Check-in is available on Friday and Saturday.

  • Friday, September 16:  2:00PM – 6:00PM
  • Saturday, September 17:  7:00AM – 10:15AM (depending on your route distance)

All check-in is located at Huddy Park in Highlands, NJ (329 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ). Please bring your confirmation email and your government-issued photo ID to receive your riding materials. Rider kits will not be provided for riders who are not present.

Breakfast starts at 7:00AM on ride day.

If you are checking in on the morning of the ride, we recommend you allow yourself at least 30 minutes prior to your intended route’s start window to ensure you have ample time to get through the check-in line, receive your cue sheet, use the restroom, and grab a complimentary breakfast. You should also account for travel time, parking, and potential lines when planning your trip.

Cue sheets will be distributed ten minutes before the beginning of each start window. Starts are staggered to keep the ride flowing smoothly by spreading out cyclists along the route and minimizing our impact on local roads and communities.

All riders must be on the route by 10:15AM. If you arrive after that time, we will not be able to provide your rider kit to you.

Can I register on the day of the ride?

Yes! Just stop by the Start/Finish area at Huddy Park in Highlands, NJ (329 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ). Onsite registration is cash or credit card.

  • Friday, September 16:  2:00PM – 6:00PM
  • Saturday, September 17:  7:00AM – 10:15AM (depending on your route distance)

If you are registering on ride day, you must complete your registration before the start window for your route closes.

Please note:  There is no ATM in Huddy Park (though there are a few convenient options nearby), so come prepared with your method of payment and government-issued photo ID.

Can I buy a ferry ticket on ride day?

Yes, you may purchase ferry tickets at Pier 11 in Wall Street.

  • Roundtrip tickets are $60, cash only.
  • One-way tickets are $30, cash only.

Please bring exact change if possible.

We recommend arriving at Pier 11 at least 30 minutes prior to your ferry’s departure time; ferry tickets are first-come, first-served.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Breakfast is included with your registration.

Lunch is not included, but there will be food trucks and local restaurants at the end, so bring cash or card and of course, your appetite!

What kind of bikes are permitted? Can I ride an e-bike?

We welcome any human-powered pedaled bike (road, mountain, fixed gear, recumbent, unicycle, tandem, tricycle, etc.) on our rides. 

New Jersey passed legislation in 2019 allowing the use of low-speed electric bikes (pedal-assist) on public streets. You can find out more about the law here.

Throttle-powered e-bikes are not allowed on any Bike New York events.

Is the route closed to cars? Is it entirely on paved streets?

The route is on streets that are open to motorized traffic (with the exception of the Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path on the 15-mile route). 

Cyclists must obey all traffic laws. This includes obeying all traffic signals, yielding as required, and sharing the roads with vehicles. 

See a complete listing of NJ bicycle laws.

There are no dirt paths on the route, though there may be some gravel at rest stops.

What is the elevation for each route?

  • 100 miles:  3,071 feet
  • 75 miles:  2,389 feet
  • 55 miles:  1,887 feet  
  • 30 miles:  1,038 feet
  • 15 miles:  111 feet

All elevation gains are approximate.

Can I switch routes after I've started?

Yes. There are certain points on each route at which you may decide whether to continue on your chosen route or switch to a different route. These splits are indicated on your cue sheet and will be marked with signs. Follow the signs for your chosen route. You may switch only to a route of lesser distance to ensure you have access to all route amenities.

Will there be repair stations along the route?

We’ll have repair stations at the start, rest areas, and roving bike repair vans along the route. Labor is free for minor issues, but there is a charge for parts.

Don’t wait until the last minute to find out whether your bike is road-ready! We highly recommend that you get your bike tuned up before the ride. Most bike shops offer this service for a reasonable fee, depending on the extent of the necessary tweaks/repairs.

What should I bring with me?

  • A bike helmet. (And you gotta wear it. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.)
  • New Jersey State law requires that all cyclists have and use a bike bell.
  • Photo ID so you can check in and get your cue sheet.
  • Water bottle(s)—you’ll be able to refill them at the start and at every rest area.
  • Cash/credit card so you can stock up on cool Bike New York gear!
  • We strongly recommend that you bring an extra bike tube and a patch kit, and check your bike before the Tour. Here’s some info to help. Bike repair along the route is free, but there’s a charge for parts.
  • Sunscreen – apply early and often!
  • We provide snacks and hydration at all rest stops, but if you have dietary restrictions, please bring snacks that you can use to fuel your ride.

Will the ride be canceled if it rains?

All Bike New York rides are rain or shine. In the event of severe or potentially dangerous weather, we’ll be in touch regarding contingency plans.

How do I get to Highlands, New Jersey?

You can purchase ferry tickets on our exclusively chartered Seastreak ferries, or drive to Huddy Park in Highlands, NJ (329 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ).

If you drive, there is ample street parking near the Start/Finish area; volunteers will be there on ride day to direct you to the nearest available spots.

What's included in my registration fee?

Your registration fee covers: 

  • Entry to the ride
  • Complimentary breakfast at the start
  • Cue sheet (printed turn-by-turn directions)
  • GPS files for download
  • Access to services and amenities along the route (rest areas and SAG support)
  • Commemorative T-shirt
  • Finisher medal

Please note:  Local food vendors will be at the Finish Festival, but your post-ride meal is not covered by the cost of entry.

Where do proceeds from the ride go?

Bike New York is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all proceeds from our events fund our free bike education, community outreach, and advocacy programs. In 2021 alone, we taught bike riding and bike safety skills to more than 30,000 kids and adults throughout New York City.

Will my rider kit be mailed to me?

No, all rider kits will be distributed at check-in at Huddy Park in Highlands, NJ (329 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ).

 

Please bring your confirmation email and your government-issued photo ID to receive your riding materials.
Rider kits will not be provided for riders who are not present.

I need to cancel; what are my options?

Entries are non-refundable. If you cannot attend for any reason, email info@bike.nyc to request that your registration fee be converted into a tax-deductible charitable donation.

If you purchased the EnMotive Protection Plan during registration and need to cancel your entry, please email protectionplan@enmotive.com for assistance.

Are there age restrictions? Do I have to register my child?

Youth ages 3-17 are welcome to participate provided they are registered and ride with a parent or guardian, adhering to these guidelines:

  • Ages 3-9 must ride with an adult on a tandem bike, in a child’s seat on a tagalong bike, or in a bike trailer.
  • Ages 10-17 may ride their own bikes, but must remain in close proximity to the adult with whom they were registered.
  • Children under 3 are not allowed to participate in the event.

Please note: All participants, including children in child seats, on tagalongs, or in bike trailers, must be registered. Youth entries, for ages 15 and below, are available at a lower price.

How long will it take me to finish the ride?

That’s up to you! You can ride at your own pace and stop at rest areas for as long as you like, provided you remain in front of the SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles trailing the back of the pack. The Finish Festival closes at 6:00PM, so be mindful of your pace and ride accordingly.

Will my ride be timed?

No, but you may use the timing feature in your chosen GPS app to track your time.

Can I get the cue sheet ahead of time? Will GPS files be provided?

Cue sheets will be given out on the morning of the ride, ten minutes before the beginning of the start time for each route. This allows us to ensure that people start the ride when rest areas are open and SAG vehicles are in position.

We will post GPS files two days before the ride on our Routes and Services page.

Can I take any ferry back to NYC?

You must take the return ferry you signed up for, so be sure to keep the wristband we give you in the morning. There will be ferries leaving Highlands at 2:30, 4:30, and 6:30PM.  

Bike New York cannot guarantee space on another ferry if you miss your chosen departure time.

How do I get to the Start/Finish from the ferry in Highlands?

Walk through the parking lot to Shore Drive, then turn left. From there, you can ride your bike to Huddy Park (about a minute’s ride). 

There will be staff and signs to guide you to check-in.

Can I check my bag at the start?

No. You must take your bag with you on the ride. 

Are there any bag restrictions?

No.

Photo Highlights

Feeling nostalgic? Check out the 2022 Twin Lights Ride video below.

 


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Highlands has a long and interesting history. Henry Hudson noticed the Highlands as he sailed the Half Moon into the area in 1609, claiming the area for the Dutch. But he wasn’t the first European to comment on the high hills—Verrazano of Florence had been there nearly 100 years earlier.

Hudson explored the hills and traded with the local Lenape Indian natives. The Lenape called the area Navesink, which meant “a place of good fishing.” Today the river bears that name, and the local shellfishing industry supplies much of the local catch in the nearby restaurants.

 

The Dutch who first settled the area never really established settlements in the Highlands. When the British began exploring the area and discussing possible real estate deals with the Lenape, the Dutch threatened to build a fort to keep them out. In 1664, when the British took over the Dutch settlements, they renamed the area “Portland” after a town in England with a similar formation.

 

The first European to settle in the area was Richard Hartshorne, who built his home there in 1678.

 

Sandy Hook, across Sandy Hook Bay from Highlands, is one of the most famous navigational landmarks on the eastern seaboard. Its strategic position figures prominently in the military history of the region.

 

During the Revolutionary War, both British and Colonial armies were operating in New Jersey. Many loyalists in Monmouth County went to Sandy Hook when the British fleet arrived in 1776. They built fortifications and held the Hook for the remainder of the war. The Highlands had its own Revolutionary War hero, Captain Joseph Huddy, a member of the Continental Militia. He was captured by the British and hung in 1782, near the spot of the small park in Highlands which bears his name today.

 

The Twin Lights lighthouse in Highlands was completed in 1862. This is the first structure many immigrants to America saw as they approached New York Harbor. The Twin Lights was the first U.S. lighthouse to use the French Fresnel lens to reach some 22 miles out to sea. Around the turn of the twentieth century, Marconi used the Twin Lights for one of his early tests of wireless telegraphy.

 

Highlands has been a tourist destination since the first hotel was built there in 1796. In the 19th century, sailing ships and then steamships brought visitors to enjoy the sea air. One of its most well-known summer residents was Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel. She trained in the challenging currents beneath the Highlands bridge.

 

Highlands was incorporated as a town in 1900 and continues to host visitors seeking fresh seaside air. Now, of course, year-round residents can commute to New York City on a 45-minute ferry trip across the Harbor. In addition to the nearby beaches and National Recreation Area, residents and visitors alike enjoy the active nightlife and numerous seafood restaurants in the area.