Event Day Essentials

Sunday, June 2, 2024

Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Rd
Paramus, NJ 07652

Event Day Check-In and Schedule
Community Festival
Age Restrictions
Bike Rentals
Important Ride Information
Cycling Rules of the Road
What to Bring
Driving and Parking Directions
Bike and Run Routes

EVENT DAY CHECK-IN AND SCHEDULE

**Times are subject to change for the 2024 event. Please check back as the event dates gets closer for up-to-date information.**

All attendees must check in at registration including volunteers, participants, and spectators. Check in starts at 8:30am, the opening ceremony begins at 9:45am; and rides will begin departing at 10:00am. GTD is a rain or shine event! 

15 Mile Ride
Check-In: 8:30 – 9:30am
Opening Ceremony: 9:45am
Departure: 10:00am (Estimated)

10 Mile Ride
Check-In: 8:30 – 9:30am
Opening Ceremony: 9:45am
Departure: 10:05am (Estimated)

3 Mile Ride
Check-In: 8:30 – 9:30am
Opening Ceremony: 9:45am
Departure: 10:10am (Estimated)

5k Fun Run/Walk (Walking)
Check-In: 8:30 – 9:30am
Opening Ceremony: 9:45am
Departure: 10:30am (Estimated)

5k Fun Run/Walk (Running)
Check-In: 8:30 – 9:30am
Opening Ceremony: 9:45am
Departure: 10:35am (Estimated)

COMMUNITY FESTIVAL

Entry to the Festival is included for registered participants of the bike and fun run events. Family members and friends who would like to attend the festival, but are not registered to participate in the bike or fun run events, can pay a $20 entry fee at the door. Fee will also include lunch.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

Bike Ride Age Restrictions

• Participants under the age of 17 must participate with a parent or guardian on all routes.

** Bike carriers are only permitted for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old. **

5K Fun Run/Walk Age Restrictions

•Participants under the age of 17 must participate with a parent or guardian. 

*Strollers welcome*

BIKE RENTALS

The Go the Distance team is proud to be working with Unlimited Biking to give GTD riders the opportunity to rent a bike for use on June 2nd. Participants are responsible for coordinating their own bike rentals. All information can be found on Unlimited Biking's GTD for Autism rental page.

IMPORTANT RIDE INFORMATION

The SAG and Event Contact # is 984-260-8589. You can call or text but please be patient as it may take the vehicle a little time to get to your location. In the case of a serious injury or emergency, please dial 911 first. We do recommend you carry your cell phone with you in case of emergency or if you need of SAG support. If you must use your cell phone, we ask that you stop safely on the side of the road to do so.

CYCLING RULES OF THE ROAD

Ride safe -  You must wear a helmet secured to your chin at all times. 

Follow the law - Your safety and the safety of others depend on you. You have the same rights and duties as drivers. Obey traffic signals and stop signs. Ride with traffic; use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going. Use the designated bike lanes where possible.

Be predictable - Make your intentions clear to motorists and other road users. Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars. Signal turns and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.

Be conspicuous - Ride where drivers can see you; wear bright clothing. Use a front and/or rear blinking lite. It’s the law. Make eye contact with drivers. Don’t ride on sidewalks.

Pay attention - For your safety and the safety of your fellow participants we ask that you do not use headphones (including Bluetooth), iPod, selfie sticks, cell phones, or other such devices.

Think ahead - Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other bicyclists will do next. Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars. Look out for debris, potholes, and utility covers. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.

Be considerate - Please do not litter. 

Ride ready - Check your tires have sufficient air, brakes are working, chain runs smoothly, and quick release wheel levers are closed. Carry repair and emergency supplies appropriate for your ride.

WHAT TO BRING

  • ID (in a plastic baggie or other protective material)
  • Sunscreen
  • Helmet
  • Rain jacket (just in case)
  • Water bottle (to stay hydrated)
  • Snack (if you have dietary restrictions)
  • Strollers are welcome

DRIVING DIRECTIONS AND PARKING

Via Route 17 from the North

  • Turn Right off Route 17 onto Ridgewood Avenue (west) to Paramus Road.  Turn Left onto Paramus Road and continue approximately two miles to college.  Proceed around jug handle to main entrance.

Via Route 17 from the South

  • Take Century Road, second exit to the right.  Proceed around cloverleaf over Route 17 onto Century Road (west).  Continue to Paramus Road.  Turn right onto Paramus Road and follow to the college entrance on the right.
  • Go the Distance directional signs will be placed around the campus grounds to guide drivers.
  • Parking for Riders, Volunteers and Community Festival guests is located in Event Parking Lot A, Surface Lot and Parking Deck and in Event Parking Lot B as noted on the site plan.
  • Handicap Parking is available in Lot C.  Follow signs for handicap parking.

BIKE AND RUN/WALK ROUTES

**Routes are subject to change for the 2024 event. Please check back as the event dates gets closer for up-to-date information.**

Riders can choose from 3, 10, or 15 mile routes.  Please make sure you chose the distance that is appropriate for your skill and fitness level. Mileage is approximate.

10 and 15 Mile Ride

The routes are mainly flat with little elevation gain. They travel though the borough of Ho Ho Kus in addition to Ridgewood and Paramus. Suitable for all levels of rider.

View 10 Mile Ride

View 15 Mile Ride

3 Mile Ride

A very family friendly ride that encompasses the residential neighborhood adjacent to Bergen County College Campus.

View 3 Mile Ride

5K Fun Run/Walk

The fun run/walk uses the paths and roadway within the Bergen County College campus.  Participants can choose to complete 1 lap (1.1 miles), 2 laps (2.2miles), or 3 laps (approximately 5k/3.3 miles). Note: this is not a certified course.  

View 5K Fun Run/Walk 1 mile loop

Note: These are preliminary versions of the routes and are subject to change. Final versions will be available the week prior to the event.