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a little out of chronological order with this post — a lot happened between Sedona and now — a whole month and a half of riding and hundreds of shutter clicks. addicted to that shutter click. addicted to bikes! and sun. and chocolate.

it all began with a few folks who have been coming out here to ride with us for several years from Boston and New York staying down by the swim hole Friday night. We had about 15 at the “camp site”. we had folks as far away as Florida and Virginia with us down there, and it was really nice to chat it up and kick the tires so to speak. a good old fashioned saddle sniffing.

on Saturday morning we got our acts together and several folks rolled down the hill to the Hadlyme country market for a pre ride breakfast. nice when such an ambitious ride can leave at 11 on account of how much daylight there is right now!

we rolled further down to the Hadlyme ferry landing where roughly 100 folks awaited their doses of pleasure and pain. a quick pep talk from Peter at the East Hadda Land Trust, and we were off at 11:05.

over the 3 humps of Joshuatown rd and over the 8 mile river bridge to Peter Weigle’s Cut Through. Peter was waiting for us with his shop open and a nice spread of French things to indulge in. not to mention the French Connecticut bikes we are so well known for around here because of Peter’s influence.

we mingled here for a bit before heading through the green hole in the back of Peter’s yard that cuts us through to the lovely Sterling City rd.

what a day for a big bike ride! 72 and bright sun. what a spring it has been around these parts. full splendor on display!

we reconvened for a moment on Keeney rd after a short taste of single track … I think most skinny tired folks realized what they’d gotten into here and rerouted — I hope — because it was a little spicy in spots the rest of the ride down to the beach. but we aren’t there yet. Keeney is a delight for all IMO!

so on through the countryside meandering down down down to the beach — but its uphill also. hilly. full of splendor and sensations! I love riding here.

a water refill next to Rodger’s lake and then dipping into one of many preserves down south of I-95 humming overhead.

we came to a recently hacked away part of a quarry trail that used to go through no problem as little as 3 weeks ago, but ummm….. those of you who had the route loaded on your head units likely had no problem, but others I don’t think ever made it through. head units are worth every penny in my opinion. especially for rides out east where there are countless turns, trials, and roads… and did I mention turns!

but the rewards are big, as you soon drop into Rocky Neck and ride a trail along a tidal creek that pops you out into a most lovely scene.

a few riders had successfully made it to the picnic spot before us … and about 50 others joined before we scooted off for the more challenging (for those who chose the ATB route) back on the Goodwin Trail.

time to pedal north and split the route. folks who chose the more lax roadie way back had an easy go of it on country roads with a bit of elevation gain, but the sadists had a real treat awaiting them in the form of a complete taint rearrange.

I only took like one photo on the 14 mile single track chunk track section cuz I was having so much fun chasing Joe Hubba and his 50mg dose of THC.

we paused for a snack at turtle rock and Jess got this fun group shot of the kinda lead group of us on the trail. by this point we were plenty battered, but if I can speak for myself, in pure ecstasy… blissed out. I think Jess was too by the smile on their face.

we had a really good rest of our time on the trail and then went up a reportedly sadistic climb from the Devil’s Hopyard valley to the top of Clark Hill before gently descending all the way back to the ferry landing on the Connecticut River.

oh that was good good good! I am reminded of how much energy I get from leading rides like this — its really the only way I socialize, and I love it so very much. thanks for coming out everyone!