Ewing Fall Spin Retrospective

by Pete Boughton

With our 2015 Ewing Fall Spin successful in many ways, a rear-view mirror look-back is in order. Our biking advocacy team engendered a lot of positives on October 24 for which we are relieved and pleased and proud. About 4 dozen rode, vs the 2-3 dozen predicted. The foliage was gorgeous, the talks informative, the rest stop convivial, police and sag support effective, college student volunteers helpful, the Mayor’s kind words appreciated, the ride map, turn sheet and route arrows effective, and sponsorship wide-ranging.

We did dig out a few lessons learned as we plan for Fall 2016, such as firmer budget projections, resolving insurance issues and firming up the route earlier so as to more fully inform potential sponsors and cyclists . We will also ask those who cycled with us for helpful feedback.

The 2016 Fall Spin will be opened for initial planning first on Tuesday January 26th, 2016 at 7 pm at the ESCC, a meeting to which any cycling advocates will be heartily welcomed. From that point forward we will be progressively examining several activities expected in Ewing that will influence our second tour. Among these will be the expected pace of construction on the TCNJ campus and Campus Town, as well as the GM and Naval sites. Will Ewing resume a Community Fest partnership with TCNJ from which we might launch the tour, and if so, on what date? If not, what other event might we combine with? How can we meld in a true youth or family biking-related event such as a safety town or a mini-ride apart from the adult tour?

As you finish reading this, please consider reaching out with your interest, experience and advocacy by email to ewinggreenteam@gmail.com to help us create an even better second bike tour in Ewing!

Trifecta of “Green” Events This Saturday, Oct 24th

It’s going to busy a busy day in town this Saturday for those who wish to join in with the EGT to green their lifestyles just a bit.   Three events are running which will help you to do so, the Ewing Fall Spin, the final 2015 Shred Day, and the EGT’s 2nd Annual Scarecrow Contest.

fallspinlogo4The Fall Spin, Ewing’s First ever Bike Tour organized to promote  a more bikeable Ewing, will start at the ESCC at 8 a.m. Participants will ride out promptly at 9 to complete an 11 mile journey through the western section of town.  Riders will have a police escort and there will be a number of stops at points of interest as well as a rest stop at the River Horse Brewery.  (So sorry, but you will have to return after the ride for one of their excellent tours and tastings).   The fee is $20.  That covers the cost of tee-shirts (if available).  If there are insufficient tee-shirts left, we will arrange for you to receive one after the day.

Date: Saturday, October 24th
Time: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location: Ewing Senior and Community Center, 999 Lower Ferry Rd.


You may also dispose of your sensitive documents safely and securely at Ewing’s final Shred Day of the year, Saturday, Oct 24th from 9 – 1 at the municipal building.  Document shredding will be done on site.  This service is for Ewing residents only and proof of residency is required.

Members of the Ewing Green Team will be on hand to assist.

Date: Saturday, October 24th
Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building


scarecrow3We will finish up the day with our 2nd Annual Scarecrow Contest.    The Scarecrows will be on display at the Ewing Community Center at 999 Lower Ferry Road starting Friday, October23rd. The judging and awarding of cash prizes of $100, $50 and $25 will be during Ewing’s Fall Festival of Fun which includes, a fun ‘Trunk or Treat’, make your own life-size scarecrows to decorate your yard, pumpkin painting, face painting and refreshments.

The day’s event is a joint collaboration with the Ewing Arts Commission; they organize the popular annual ‘Trunk or Treat’ and help judge the Scarecrow Contest along with Mayor Bert Steinmann.

Members of the Ewing High School Arts Club will offer the pumpkin painting and face painting.

The event is from 2:00-4:00 pm and is a wonderful opportunity for residents of Ewing to get together and celebrate the fall season.

Date: Saturday, October 24th
Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m..
Location: Ewing Senior and Community Center [ESCC]

So join us at one or all events – on our Bike Tour, Shred  3 for 2015, and the Festival of Fun/Scarecrow contest and help us to promote healthy lifestyles, a more bikeable Ewing,  as well as furthering both recycling efforts in town and the arts.