Route and parking info, see you saturday!
Spring tidings self sufficient spring breakers!
i will begin by saying, thanks for signing up! this ride is free with a suggested donation of $20 to the East Haddam Land Trust. Its all honor system, but if you havent already, then please donate on their website. Goodwill like this helps us remain in good standing around here so we can continue to bring our bikes places that other places don’t like to allow.
Okaaaaay, so wow, it is gonna be a nice day this saturday! that means we can do the ol’ beach route down to Rocky Neck for a picnic at mile 22ish. Its a special time. there are 2 routes, both intersect at the picnic spot next to the beach. we hit it right 3 years ago, and it’s a nice scene on a nice day. this is BYOP (bring your own picnic). there is water (check the POI on the gpx files) here also.
The ATB route is a mix of terrains, including a solid 10 mile section of the Goodwin Trail on the way back. You can do this route on any sturdy bike, but you will enjoy the 2nd half more with the more tire you have. I will be on my Alumax II grav bike with 29×2.1s, but 45 would do it. Last time we did this route was 2023.
The country road route is 99 percent paved. There is a long dirt climb towards the end that you will want at least 30mm tires for i would say, and maybe a section to the picnic spot at Rocky Neck that you might have to walk. otherwise, some of the nicest roads you will ever ride! some bad ones too, but not many!
PARKING: Park at Gillettes castle parking lot. it is open until sunset (around 8, but don’t push it!). if you don’t get back in time, your car will be locked in there. we havent had that happen, but it sure can! the ride begins at the Ferry Landing bellow the castle. we will start in that dirt parking lot down there, so don’t miss that detail.
Rons Bikes Sample Sale: will be at the barn on the way down clark hill 3 miles before you get back to the castle parking lot. there is no parking at the barn, so you will have to bike from there or to there. we have bags, shoes, bike parts, caps, etc. good stuff!
XX RR
rons bikes blog dot com 
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