A Bike Ride, a Burrito and Belmar

Since moving out to New Jersey 18 years ago, I have always wanted to bike to the Jersey Shore, Belmar and LBI in particular. Belmar is a 40 mile ride while LBI is close to 70 miles. My neighbor Marshall has also wanted to do, but because we need a ride home, we have never tried. Coming off the 40 mile bike ride in Manhattan, I had the urge to ride more. When I found out that my friend "the Senator" was going to fundraiser in Belamr at D'Jais on Friday night, I seized the moment. Once he okay ed that he would give me a ride back, I decided that Friday would be the day. I needed to get there by 6pm so I decided to leave by 2pm but didn't get in the saddle until 2:30.

I left from the Senator's house so that way he would only have to drive me back to his home which would make it easier for him. I printed out directions from Google and taped them to my handle bar. Google maps has a bike route option which gives you the safest routes riding.

Those who know me well understand that I am not good with direction and although they were mapped out I got off track 3 miles into the ride. That was only because one block was a pseudo dead end. It looked like a street that was blocked off so I had to back track to find the right way. I got back on course and was feeling proud of myself. I took a few breaks at the lights but tried to keep pedaling. When driving through Marlboro, I noticed Collingwood Street which is about a block from my brothers house. I stopped by to say hi to my sister in law, go to bathroom and get some water. It was a 30 minute break which felt good and got reassurance that I was on course.

I was still about 18 miles away so I had to get going. Route 34 was long, had a nice shoulder but the wind was in my face. 6 miles on that and another five on Belmar Blvd. I was getting hungry and stopped at a Quick Chek for some Gatorade and a Clif Bar. I didn't eat the Clif Bar because I had my sights on 10th Avenue Burrito which is a very popular restaurant on Main Street. It was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network. They gave it high marks so I knew I wanted to try and I was starving.

I had the fish burrito which was excellent and since my ride and company at D'Jais was still on the road, I decided to have the bread pudding for dessert. That was very good as well but I was now stuffed. Back on my bike and off to D'Jais.

Met up with my friends at the bar and enjoyed the band Holme and a few well deserved beers. I get to cross biking to the shore off my list of things I want to do. Hopefully this summer, I will try the LBI ride.