CT Newbie looking for group road rides

[1x1Dave]

Greetings all,

I am moving from MI to CT on 8/1 and when I arrive I will be looking to join a few group road rides. I would appreciate it if you could direct me to a few group rides that start within twenty miles or so of Vernon. I could also use a little guidance as far as solo road exlploration is concerned. I am not familiar with CT at all and would appreciate any recommendations for guides to safe road routes in the state and throughout New England.

Also, any shop recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

I'll see you on the road,

Dave

[deano]

here are some links to some CT bike shops that also do group rides:

www.newingtonbike.com (http://www.newingtonbike.com)
www.vernoncycle.com (http://www.vernoncycle.com)
www.pedalpowerct.com (http://www.pedalpowerct.com)

[Big Game]

When exploring CT remember that most of the hill ridges run north to south. Therefore if you are looking for a relatively flat ride, you'll want to go on roads that run north/south...here's a hint: routes that end in odd numbers generally run north/south. While there aren't too many really long climbs in these parts, if you like short steep climbs you're in luck.

The traffic can get pretty nasty...there's areas you'll definintely want to avoid. Also, there are some areas of the state that are more receptive to roadies than others. I'm going to make a wild sweeping generalization, but here goes: Ride in wealthier communities...you won't get nearly the hassles from people is Volvo's and Subaru's than the crotch rocket pu$$ies, hicks in black Dodge Ram pickups and dirtbags in ford mustang 5.0 (with the oh-so-cool racing stripes) Any route that leads to the indian casinos, must be avoided, as any main thoroughfare to red-neck biker bars where the bikers get together and definitely don't discuss how outdated and cliched the biker image has become, and that it is easier to become a tough-guy biker than a stoned deadhead becuase any Harley will finance a hog for any self-centered slob who like to rev up a consipicuously anachronistic twin V engine (with the latest technology 1948 can offer) in my ear as he passes me because apparently with all of my skin tight spandex, a 16 pound road bike and shaved legs I am a true threat to his machohood.

There's definitely great riding ot be had. You'll find the the backroads will be much hillier, but much more peaceful. Stick to the backroads or you'll be ranting like me.

[gungywump]

Bad ride this morning B.G.? :-\