Events: The 2024 Kermesse Sport Spring Calendar

(2024) Brian Ignatin of Kermesse Sport, once relayed a story that highlighted the organization’s unique corner of the cycling market. He said something along the lines of confusion when he mentioned Kermesse Sport did multiple events around the area. Ignatin’s vision has sealed itself into the spring calendar in the Delaware Valley for nearly twenty years. The thousands of Kermesse miles ridden by not only yours truly, but also by ridekicks demonstrates that events like the Hell of Hunterdon, Sourlands Semi-Classic, Fleche Buffoon, and the Pinelands Gravel are highlighted on the office calendar every spring every year. 

The events are modeled after Belgian races while exploring back Delaware Valley roads. Events vary in length and difficulty, but the attention to detail remains the same. The cycling scene has evolved over the years, and Kermesse has kept up with the demand, further producing events sought after by riders looking to test the early season legs, those interested in a new experience, racers testing early season fitness, locals wanting to be a part of a nearby event, and anyone else who loves a solid cycling event. All four events total nearly 300 miles of cycling. 

Sourlands Semi-Classic - February 25

Modeled after the Belgian spring classic Het Nieuwsblad, the Sourland Semi-Classic, based at V5 Cycles in Flemington, NJ, kicks the cycling season off early. Roughly a metric century, the route plunges riders into the quieter central New Jersey roads and climbs that orbit the Sourlands Preserve before exploring the area proper. For those interested in history, this course skirts around the location of Charles Lindbergh’s house that made headlines around the world.

The route is mostly paved with a few gravel sectors for good measure. It also features Zion Road hillclimb that is infamously followed by Montgomery Road climb. But for the most part the event is a gradual introduction to the year’s events. Some favorite gravel sectors can be found along the Sourland route including River Road, Aunt Molly Road, and the ever-enjoyable Rocktown Road. Since the event is close, registration is recommended to secure a spot at the starting line as well as the post-ride pizza and beverages that hit the spot after the first event of the season.

Hell of Hunterdon - March 24

The flagship event produced by Kermesse Sport is undeniably the Hell of Hunterdon. The ride shot to popularity as it outgrew two starting locations before landing at the Princeton Elks Lodge in Blawenburg, NJ. An event that regularly sees hundreds of participants, the Hell of Hunterdon long course explores 81 miles of Hunterdon County, including thirteen unpaved sectors. There is also a 55- and 31-mile course available. If one ever doubted how early rider competitiveness starts in the year, try to watch early riders jockey for a chance at the first wave. While the Sourland is a seasonal awakening, the Hell of Hunterdon is a proving ground to catapult confidence into the 2024 race calendar.

Once out on the long course, riders can look forward to approximately 6,000 feet of climbing while navigating gravel sectors, elements, two train crossings, and moments of complete zen. We have ridden in nearly every Hell of Hunterdon since the event’s inception and no two rides have been the same. One year was raining and just above freezing (many people chose not to ride) while another year was balmy and dry. One year there was a tailwind for much of the ride while another year had endless headwinds. But that’s all part of the Hell of Hunterdon. To finish off the experience Kermesse Sport throws an enjoyable post-event party at the Princeton Elks Lodge where finishers whip out Garmins and Strava to brag about the course they just left. If there’s one Kermesse event to try, this is the one to register for.

Fleche Buffoon - April 21

An ode to the hilly spring classics, the Fleche Buffoon certainly has a home along the Delaware River. Fully paved and all about going up, Fleche Buffoon is an ode to the Ardennes Classics. There are two distances, 62- and 76- mile rides. According to Kermesse Sport, there are fourteen climbs total, but rest assured each riser toward the end will get tacked on to the final tally. But it’s the climb near the exit of Pennsylvania that chops rider’s legs, leaving New Jersey to repair the hurt feelings.

Of the Kermesse Spring Classics, we’ve ridden the Fleche the least. It’s a beast of a day with unique climbs. There are the long gentle climbs of New Jersey after the brutal bergs of Pennsylvania. If going up is your style, consider the Fleche Buffoon, because the hardest climb - Uhlerstown Road - comes halfway through the route. Each Pennsylvania climb gouges the legs while the Jersey side slowly burns the remnants. Then the route turns back into Pennsylvania. The Fleche Buffoon is for the complete cyclist who likes to summit steep stuff. Be sure to register to go through one covered bridge, past one windmill, and climb fourteen challenging hills in one route.

Pinelands Gravel - May 5

Gravel has blown up over the past few years. Combine the discipline with one of the best places to ride gravel bikes - the New Jersey Pine Barrens - and Pinelands Gravel was born. Meanwhile the warnings on the Pinelands website feature unique recommendations not seen in other Kermesse event sites. Swapping out the gravel sectors of Hell of Hunterdon and the hill climbs of Fleche Buffoon, Pinelands Gravel explores what is often described as one of the spookiest places around.

Touted as a fast gravel ride, Pinelands Gravel is a combination of sandy gravel, hike-a-bike, and Superprestige sand navigation. The remarkable factor is Kermesse Sport finding over 1,000 feet of climbing in such a flat location. Featuring approximately fifteen unpaved sections, Pinelands Gravel is certainly a deviation from other spring classics. The event site recommends tires 32mm and wider as well as SPD pedals attached to cyclocross or gravel bikes. For those looking to disconnect, Pinelands Gravel warns that is certainly possible. It is recommended the route be downloaded to a cycling computer due to areas lacking in cell service. This new event has been growing each year and registration is highly recommended.