Bike Races in Downtown Basking Ridge Mix Kids, Neighbors and Serious Cyclists

The main bicycle race at Labor Day's Olde Mill Inn Tour of Basking Ridge featured expert cyclists who logged 25 mile-long laps through the downtown at speeds of about 34 miles per hour. And then there were bicycle riders who achieved a different sort of milestone -- such as T. J. Reynolds of Basking Ridge, 5, who had just shed his training wheels before racing.

Childrens' races and a more informal race for citizens were on the day's schedule, along with races in which riders could earn points towards the Garden State Cup. The 19th annual bike tour, presented by Liberty Cycle and Bernards Township, also featured perfect weather.

"It's terrific for residents in town _ we've been looking forward to it," said township resident Karen Swan. Her son Ryan, 3, was riding with training wheels, while older brother, Kyle, 5, raced along South Finley Avenue with a more advanced group.

Paul Shawah of the township's Lyons section said the bike races are a favorite annual event for his sons. Andrew Shawah, 6, said his favorite thing to do is to ride his bike. Matthew Shawah, 5, also was lining up to race.

Another local bike rider, 11-year-old Shankar Krishnan, said he was back for a third year at the races, after initially joining a friend for his first race. His sister, Divya, 7, raced in a separate category.

Ryan Luo, 3, of Basking Ridge, was riding with training wheels in one race, while his older sister raced with an older group, said his dad, Michael Luo of Basking Ridge.

All participants in childrens' races were presented with ribbons.

The stakes were higher for the main race of the day at 11:30 a.m., a 25-mile tour for serious cyclists. The winner was Bobby Lea, a 27-year-old cyclist from Pennsylvania, according to Liberty Cycle.

Greg Cordasco, co-owner of Liberty Cycle, said the downtown bike shop's team had placed first in the age 55-plus and 45-plus races. The day wrapped up with a more informal citizens' race.

Patrick Kennedy of Denville, 56, a rider with the Liberty Cycle Team, placed first in the age 55-plus race. Aubrey Gordon of Reading, Pa., 53, a former Olympian cyclist who now races with Liberty Cycle, placed first in the age 45-plus race, Cordasco said. Another Liberty Cycle rider from Pennsylvania, Ted Inoue, 46, placed second in that race.

Cordasco said cyclists from as far away as Massachusetts had registered to race in the Monday tour.

Cyclists also came from other parts of New Jersey. Isabella Wilson came from New Providence to take part in 8 a.m.'s race for junior riders ages 15 to 18. "I've been here before," she said. "It's a nice race, and it's pretty local."

Monday's event also featured demonstrations by professional stunt cyclist Jeff Lenosky. Lenosky, of Sparta, said he has been performing at the annual bike tour for about three years, partially because he knows Liberty Cyclist employee and rider Scott Steward.

Lenosky drew gasps from the crowd as he jumped his mountain bike over nine-year-old Greg Cordasco, Jr. As he performed that stunt, and others, he warned the crowd not to try to recreate his stunts at home.

"It's not about getting crazy," he said before his demonstration. "It's about demonstrating control of the bike."