For cyclists, it’s one pedal stroke at a time from Newark to Montreal

On a recent Sunday morning, a group of about 15 cyclists met up in downtown Newark, N.J., and set off on an epic journey. Over the course of five days, they would ride almost 500 miles to Montreal — and the Montreal Jazz Festival. Award-winning photographer Brian Branch-Price met up with the cyclists as they launched on the first leg of the journey — Newark to Cold Spring, N.Y. — about 60 miles.

Major Taylor Cycling Club of New Jersey member and club President Emeritus Cardell Locke reviews the Day 1 course at City Hall in Newark, N.J. About 16 rode on day one of the club’s fourth 446-mile bike trek to the Montreal Jazz Festival in Montreal, Canada. They average about 80 miles a day and spend one day in Jersey, two days in New York, and two days in Vermont before wrapping up the trip in Montreal. (Brian Branch-Price/TheFotoDesk)

Winston Lewis and his wife, Lisa Perry-Lewis, both members of the club, prep for the first leg of the trip. Perry-Lewis said the hills were tough, especially going over “Baby Bear.” After that the ride was a bit more reasonable, she said. However Perry-Lewis did leave ride about 46 miles into the the 64 mile first leg trip. (Brian Branch-Price/TheFotoDesk)

Gina King, the club’s web coordinator, talks with Lisa Perry-Lewis on Day 1 of the club’s trek to Montreal. The ride is a test, said the club’s president, Michael Lee. But the support and camaraderie of fellow cyclists makes it possible, he added. The riders start out early, usually hitting the road by 6:30 a.m. Their goal is to arrive early to a hotel, eat dinner early and get ready for the next day’s ride. (Brian Branch-Price/TheFotoDesk)

Taking it to the streets: 16 riders set off from Newark, N.J., on June 23, but not all were going the full distance to Montreal. Five days later, the nine core riders arrived in Montreal. (Brian Branch-Price/TheFotoDesk)