bigj

anyone have any suggestions for some good xc riding in CT?

Luken8r

where in CT?

bigj

let's say central ct -- but since state is so small anywhere will do. also, since i see you're from mass, any recommendations for the berkshires?

Poke

I highly recommend Mianus River Park in Stamford, CT. Before I moved to RI, this is the place I rode most often. Trails are kept very clean and are clearly marked. Depending if you stay on the marked trails or try riding the unmarked ones, the riding can get somewhat difficult. I don't think you will be disappointed. Plus it's right off the merrit parkway.

https://www.mtbr.com/trails/Connectic...RiverPark.html

KleinMp99

live311

Where exactly are you, bigj? I'm in Middletown. I would recommend the following places:

West Hartford Reservoir--probably the best maintained trails in the state. Fun trails with technical and fast sections (and even nasty drops if that's your thing). Just be careful of elitist snobs carrying their $4000 ti hardtails over every obstacle.

Tyler Mill, Wallingford--Also nice fun trails but the place drains poorly. If you go right now it should be fine, though.

Cockaponset, Chester--Probably one of the longest rides in the state. Some fast sections, nasty rock gardens, and some really sick, bloodthirsty stuff that will make you cry. Bring some Power Bars and first-aid kit!

Middlesex, Middletown--I hate this place! No flat sections, plenty of technical stuff that screws with your head and will make you either love or hate the sport entirely. I will never go there again.

Day Pond, Colchester--Lots of fast trails but it's easy to get lost and end up 10 miles from the parking lot. Find someone who knows their way around, or set aside an entire day to check the place out.

Meshomasic State Forest--Huge place with plenty of rideable trails, but you will get lost and end up 3 towns away from where you started if you don't know your way around.

Hartman park, Lyme--privately owned land so please respect the trails. They are nicely maintained and lots of fun but there are some hiking only trails you should avoid.

You can find info on all of these places at mtbr and bikerag. Hope this helps.

hotch

TRY THIS SITE, IT IS MOSTLY ROAD, BUT SOME MTN AT THE END.
WHITE MEMORIAL IN LITCHFIELD IS VERY GOOD, CLOSE BY IS Mowhak Mtn

https://www.cyclect.com/ROUTESCC.HTM

JasBike

easy on the caps hotch.


i live in CT, and fortunatly there are some funny little trails running through the woods of my area >=)

so when i'm bored i can hop on the bike, 2 minute trip to get there, and do some fun trail riding.

Syncros-CL6

Case Mt is fun if youre in the Manchester area...not that hard but there are trails that go from Case into Gay City State Park in Hebron...the blue trail

bigj

thanks everyone for the advice. although i live in Brooklyn, NY now (a hard place to live when you're into mtn biking), i'm originally from East Hampton (CT) (bought my trek at Pedal Power in Middletown) and when i go back to visit I usually ride Hurd Park, Salmon River or some trials off the Airline Trail (Rails to Trails) that begins in EH. When I can get out of the city, I ride a lot with a friend at Blue Marsh in Reading, PA -- a great ride!! i highly recommend it. But I hope to do some more riding at other places in CT this year -- so thanks again -- maybe i'll see you on the trails.

over and out,

Luken8r

Theres quite a few good rides up in NE CT, Soapstone in Ellington is great, some good hills and single track up there. Very rocky though. There is also mucho single track across from SunValley beach club in Stafford. They used to hold races back there back in the mid90s. dont know if they still do though.