Today, cycling is one of the most popular activities in the United States. Some people do it as a hobby in their free time, while others become professionals in this type of sport. If your life is somehow related to cycling, then you have probably heard about the Tour of Somerville and its significance in the world of sports.
This event takes place every year during Memorial Day weekend but it has been rescheduled for 2021 on Labor Day, September 6. Not only people from Somerville, New Jersey are welcomed, but those from other parts of the world too. Till now, cyclists from around the globe have competed in the contest, including Great Britain, Belgium, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Columbia, Italy, France, Germany and many more.
Younger and older generations leave all their duties and leisure time activities to participate in this bicycle race. However, even those individuals who are not sporty enough and prefer TV or the best online betting apps rather than physical activity still come to watch the competition. Why is it so important for many people? Let us dig deeper into the history and try to find it out!
In fact, the Tour of Somerville is the oldest bicycle race in the USA. It was launched back in 1940 and stopped only in the period of World War II and COVID-19 pandemic. The first race was organized by Fred Kugler, a bike shop owner from Somerville. As his son, one of the most promising cyclists in the country, wanted a race closer to home, Kugler decided to help him out.
After a year off due to the Coronavirus pandemic, many people started worrying that the Tour of Somerville would fade away. Thankfully, that is not the case! On the contrary, the event is back with a much broader schedule than ever. It starts on the 29th of August with the festival weekend that involves many activities for both kids and adults. You can enjoy street performances, music concerts, fitness spin classes, arts & crafts workshops and face painting. Some sports demonstrations will also take place at the festival. The best cheerleading, soccer and basketball teams have been invited to entertain visitors. There also must be a so-called Tour of Somerset County, which is a short ride organized to celebrate the end of the pandemic.
The first professional race under the lights in downtown Easton takes place on the 4th of September, from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. The Easton Twilight Criterium Bike Race must culminate with a firework show over the river; can you imagine how beautiful it is going to be? On this day, guests can also visit a local farmer’s market and have a family bike ride before the race.
The following day, on Sunday, the race moves to Basking Ridge. It begins with a kid’s race at 12 p.m. and then there will be the New Jersey State Championships for professional cyclists, both men and women. If you want to make money on this event, you can check Luckynj and try sports betting. Maybe this experience will be very rewarding, who knows. Anyway, on Monday, the Tour of Somerville will hold the 77th annual contest. The oldest race in the United States will take place on Labor Day this year. From 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., you can enjoy various entertainments, fun activities, and demonstrations.
Note that this is a major event, so the streets and restaurant patios of Somerville will be crowded with spectators. If you want to observe the race and have an unobstructed view, it would be better to avoid the Main Street and walk to the street corners.
