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to benefit the East Haddam Land Trust NEXT WEEKEND! don’t let these old bikes in these photos fool you, this is the toughest mountain bike event in the small and relatively soft state of Connecticut. I would recommend as much of a mountain bike as you own/borrow. This is a race/ride that I am co-organizing officially with the EHLT — and I was so excited to get the blessings of the other town’s public lands that we will be passing through. Read on for the info that is also linked in the bikreg. that is also the link to click on in order to register.

The new Goodwin Trail Mountain Bike Challenge is a unique 45-mile adventure loop that utilizes the most interesting and challenging public preserves in East Haddam, Salem, Lyme, and East Lyme, Connecticut. The most iconic portion of this loop is the The Goodwin Trail. This is a unique, 13.5 mile linear trail that winds its way through preserved lands owned by local land trusts, municipalities, the Yale School of Forestry, and Nehantic State Park.  We will park and start at Franklin Academy, 140 River Road, East Haddam, and complete the challenging as-much-trail-as-possible route either as a timed race, or just for fun.

I did the loop of the route a few weekends ago, and it took me 7 hrs, with 4 1/2 of that being ride time. I’d expect this to be a 7-10 hr day on the bike. didn’t feel like we dallied much… it was tough, but rewarding. looking forward to doing it again next weekend!

The course is unmarked, so a navigation device will be required

GPX route will be emailed to registrants the Thursday before the event.

A mountain bike with nice tires and low gearing is recommended.  

In addition to riding off-road on the Goodwin Trail, we will be riding through The Lena Preserve, The Jewett Preserve, The Johnstone Preserve, and many others that will all blend together in a mind bender of a day out on the bike.

The Goodwin Trail, and the other single tracks you will encounter (while 99 percent rideable) are a technical test of your off roading skills on a bicycle – this is the longest, most remote mountain bike event in the state, and entrants should be prepared for a physical test/challenge.  This will be a timed race for those who choose to race, and an all day trail adventure for those who want to take it at their own pace.    

We will host rest/refreshment stops at Gungy (~4.5 miles in) and Grassy Hill (~9 miles in) Roads, and at the end of the Goodwin Trail at Darrow pond (mile 22ish) where snacks and water will be available. However, please carry you own water, snacks, and other needed accessories as well.  there are places that a water filter might come in handy as you are mostly on your own for the 2nd half.  

Cell service is very inconsistent on the trail. We strongly recommend participating with a buddy or two. We will provide a sweeper who could provide hands-off assistance. Please note that it could take skilled medical staff up to two hours to reach you on the trail. 

We will host the event in light rain. We will cancel if there are strong storms. Please check the EHLT website and Facebook pages for last minute updates.

Your registration donation will help East Haddam Land Trust preserve land in perpetuity for all of us to enjoy and earn you a 1-year membership to EHLT. Your membership entitles you to advanced notice to our hikes, paddles, and other fun events as well as allowing you to participate in members-only experiences. We are grateful for your help. 

Please note that if this event is cancelled for any reason, we will continue to accept your donation to EHLT and not issue refunds. Thank you for understanding this.

Please sign the online waiver form before you arrive.

Please arrive to Franklin Academy from 7:30am- 8:15am.