Funeral Ride Will Cause Street Closure, Delays In Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A memorial bike ride to honor Marty Epstein, owner of Marty's Reliable Cycles and founder of Gran Fondo NJ, is expected to cause road closures and delays, Morristown police said.

The bike procession will travel from Temple B'Nai Or on Overlook Road to the Beth Israel Cemetery on Ridgedale Avenue in Cedar Knolls. A rolling traffic closure will happen to ensure the safety of bicyclists. Following a ceremony at the cemetery, the procession will travel back to the temple.

The following route will be taken: Overlook Rd. onto James St., to South St., to Elm St., to Morris St., to Ridgedale Ave., and then into Cedar Knolls. Bicyclists will be traveling at about 10 miles per hour.

Drivers should expect closures and delays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the area, police said.

Epstein owned and operated Marty's Reliable Cycles, a local favorite with locations in Morristown, Randolph and Hackettstown. He was also one of the founders of Gran Fondo NJ, one of the biggest cycling events in New Jersey. Since its inception in 2011, the ride has raised over $1.5 million for charity. He passed away on Thursday following a six-year battle with cancer.

"Garden State Fondo, founded by Marty as a way to bring thousands of cyclists together was one of his achievements he was most proud of. This year the global cycling community celebrated Marty's lifelong contribution to cycling by awarding him the Gran Fondo Guide Lifetime Achievement Award," the race said in a statement. "Marty, an avid cyclist, and activist who inspired thousands of people to ride passed away on the second day of bike month. His passion for life and cycling will continue to inspire us and the community for generations to come."
Organizers said the race would go on in 2019, and said it would be "the best to date" in honor of Marty.

The Epstein family will sit Shiva at son Jesse's home (10 Benjamin Road, Chester), Monday through Wednesday, from 5 to 8 p.m.

According to the Marty's Reliable Cycles website:

Martin Dale Epstein is survived by three children: Jesse and his wife Johanna of Chester; Molly Lyristis of Seattle, WA; and Jonathon of Queens, NY; grandchildren Jodie, Jonah, Julianna, Jasper, Renée and Leah; his companion, Diane Doherty of Bloomfield; his former wife, Francine Epstein of Chester; and a sister, Susan Salsberg of Boonton Township.