Originally Posted by Businezguy
I'm looking to do a car-free commute from Hackettstown to Newark if possible. I'd probably purchase a folding bike.
The problem is, the train that would take me to and from Hackettstown wouldn't be late enough for me to leave work, and doesn't allow have a schedule to and from work on Saturdays (I have to go into work once every month).
Is there any alternatives anybody can think of? I can't commute there straight by bike for a couple of reasons--first, it'd be a 90 mile round trip, and secondly, Newark isn't exactly the safest place to commute to.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I've done that trip before but on the weekend. LOL!
Using my GPS I boarded the NJ Morristown train in Hoboken, and rode back from Dover to Newark Penn station with NO problems. This was during the weekend and I don't know how those roads will be during rush hour. I love doing these trips with NJ trains and all my journeys in Jersey end in Newark Penn station as I live in Bayonne. I never had any problems in Newark and it's safe during the day as I travel there all the time during the summer. The problem is not Newark but the distance you intend to commute!
If you get a Garmin GPS, I'll send you a turn by turn trip. From Dover to Newark, were're talking 33 miles. I have a route to Hacketstown but it was never tested so I'm not sure if it's safe. The estimated miles on that untested route will be 50 miles to Newark NJ one way! That would be too much of a commute because there are the hills in Morristown that you'll have to pass. A folding bike may not have enough gears so make sure you get one that has a triple or Sram Dual drive. I did the trip on my Jamis Aurora touring bike.
Here's my solution.
Get the folding bike and GPS and start getting off the train different locations. I would get off at the Short Hills station and ride to Newark Penn Station. You could also leave the car at Short Hills or where ever you can find parking. That's a nice little ride of about 15 miles and you'll get stronger each week. Expand it in a couple of weeks and by getting off at Summit and then the Madison stop. You'll find your comfort level but I doubt you'll feel comfortable riding 50 miles one way in the morning during a work week.
I have a nice route from Short Hills to Newark Penn station that's quite enjoyable.