Sustainability

The basic premise of sustainability is actually very simple: Everything that we humans need for survival and well-being depends upon our interaction with our natural world.

There are three components to sustainability: economy, environment and social equity. There needs to be a balance between all three to sustain our existence currently and for future generations.

Most people strive to make a better place to live. There are many viewpoints to achieve this goal but essentially most want to improve where and how they live.

A goal of Gran Fondo NJ is to create a greater sense of community and to help make Morristown and New Jersey a more desirable living environment. By working with organizations such as the Arts Council of Morris County, the Morris County Bureau of Tourism, The Office of Sustainability of Morristown, The New Jersey Highlands Coalition and others, Gran Fondo NJ hopes to engage the community in activities that will be healthy, fun, educational, inspirational and beneficial.

Another goal of Gran Fondo NJ is to increase road riding opportunities and educate both riders and the general driving public about the responsibilities of mutual sharing of the road concepts. We will help increase awareness of bicycling as a form of transportation. Our scheduled training rides in the months and weeks prior to Gran Fondo NJ will preview the routes, and provide an opportunity for all involved to improve both their cycling skills and fitness level. The weekend of events will provide riding experiences for everyone including families and children. Kid Fondo NJ and other community rides during the weekend will fulfill these goals.

Gran Fondo NJ will be guided by sustainable event management practices. As much as possible we will support local businesses, recycle and source local foods for the rest stops and ending festival.

Our beneficiaries were chosen because of their commitment to sustainable concepts and practices. All have a very positive effect on the cause or constituency which they profess and serve.

These organizations are The Seeing Eye (seeingeye.org), Homeless Solutions (homelesssolutions.org, Grow It Green Morristown (growitgreenmorristown.org), and Sustainable Morristown (sustainablemorristown.org). Please visit their websites and support the charities as part of your Gran Fondo NJ experience and ride.

The New Jersey Highlands

Gran Fondo NJ is hosted in an area called the New Jersey Highlands. The New Jersey Highlands Coalition has a sole focus on protecting the aquifers, forests, farmlands, wildlife, historic resources and diverse recreational opportunities found in the New Jersey Highlands, the State’s prized piece of the Appalachian Mountain range.

The Highlands’ rivers, streams and aquifers supply the water for well over half of New Jersey’s population and businesses. The Highlands water is a critical part of the well-being and continued prosperity of New Jersey and its citizenry. Gran Fondo NJ is proud to help support the New Jersey Highlands Coalition. We all love these roads we ride on and will do all we can to help protect and nurture this part of New Jersey. Two major parts of sustainability are economic viability and environmental stewardship. The support of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition is critical to ensure a more sustainable New Jersey.

Throughout the summer, and on Gran Fondo NJ weekend, as you enjoy your rides through these hills, forests, fields and farms, we encourage you to give some thought to what you and your family can do to help promote sustainability and preserve this treasure for future generations.

To find out more about the Highlands, visit the New Jersey Highlands Coalition's great website at njhighlandscoalition.org, where you can become a member!