Visiting Essex, CT from Wales

[smiffy]

Hi there,

I'm coming to visit family in Essex, Connecticut for a few weeks, so I thought I'd make contact through this forum. I am unable to bring my bike, but want to ride. So my questions are, in no particular order;

Where to ride?
Where and when are any group rides?
what are the access rules for bikes off-road?
Where to rent a bike?
Anyone want to show me around?

Maybe see some of you over the next few weeks!

Smiffy

[Jisch]

Five great rides near Essex - Cockaponset in Haddam, Middlesex in Middletown, Salmon River in Colchester, Chatfield Hollow in Killingworth and Millers Pond in Durham (?).

Cockaponset, Salmon River and Middlesex are killer rides with a lot of classic NE riding - a lot of rocks, short and longish climbs and descents. Chatfield Hollow is probably one of the most technical places I know - you can ride most of it, but there's a bunch of hike a bike there too (a lot of HAB if you're not careful of route selection).

Millers Pond is a Mountain Bike playground, with drops, skinnies and ramps everywhere. Just an amazing place if you're into that kind of thing, if not, its not all that exciting.

Maps for all can be found at Bikerag.com.

Not sure what's out there for rentals, I know some of the shops have demo bikes available, but not sure any of them do rentals directly.

I ride Salmon River, Cockaponset and Middlesex regularly - let me know when you're around and I can show you some good loops out there - if its next week when you're here - I'm on vacation and could do a weekday day time ride. Depending on your size, I might be able to loan you a bike for a ride or two.

John

[smiffy]

Cheers, John.

I think I've heard my sister speak of Haddam and Middletown. I'm flying into Boston on Saturday for a long weekend then taking the train to Essex early next week so maybe able to join you.

Use of a bike would be great, I lent one of my bikes to a chap over from California who visited Wales last year, he brought his pedals and shoes with him. He had such a good time he moved here!

Size-wise I'm a stocky 5'10" so can cope with most med/large bikes.

[Jisch]

I have a Titus RX100 that should fit you fine (I'm 6' ). Its got Shimano SPDs on it, if those work out great, if not, I can bring the pedal wrench. It has air shocks so we can adjust it for weight.

Let me know some possible times and I'll try to arrange my schedule so we can ride. I'm leading a group ride on the 29th at Middlesex, you're welcomed to join that.

Get ready for humidity, it can be a bit oppressive at times.

John

[smiffy]

Excellent. I'll know my itinerary better in a day or so.

"Get ready for humidity" - How am I going to do that in WALES? ;-)

[Jisch]

"Get ready for humidity" - How am I going to do that in WALES? ;-)

Put a set of rollers and your bike in the bathroom (loo?), turn on the shower and let it run good and hot for an hour or so. Once the steam has built up, ride the rollers for a couple of hours - you'll be ready. :D

John

[Thedewser]

Hey Smiffy,

Couple of us are getting a ride together for Middlesex this Sunday. Next weekend we are shooting for one at Cockaponset, if you happen to get a hold of a bike, you are more than welcome to come along.

[smiffy]

Well thanks for the offers everyone, but it turned out that my sister had organised so many trips that I hardly spent any time in Essex at all!

If any of you come to Wales you'll find a "welcome in the hillside" and a guide so drop me a line.