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Fran & Mike's Chester to Rocky Neck
Ride
Total Distance:
49.3 miles Elevation Gain: 3013 feet
Degree of Difficulty Index: 3013 ft / 49.3 mi = 61.12
ft/mi Terrain: Hilly
Killer Hills: Several, including Joshuatown Road
Geographical Region: South Central Connecticut
City/Town: Chester
Starting Location: Rt. 9 Exit 8 CPL (Rt. 148) in Chester
Ride Description: This challenging ride features a ferry
ride ($2.00) across the Connecticut River (note ferry start times
below) followed by a
very challenging series of hills (Joshuatown Road) during the first 8 miles
of the ride. This section will definitely "focus your mind" and
should be attempted only by riders who are in top condition. Having said
that the ride travels some great back roads on the way to Rocky Neck State
Park (suggested lunch/snack stop) and then heads back through Old Lyme and
over the Baldwin Bridge bike path to Old Saybrook's Otter Cove and then to
Essex and on to Deep River via the very scenic River Road route.
Facilities and Points of Interest:
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Mile
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Facilities
- Points of Interest
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1.3
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Chester
Village
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2.9
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Ferry
crossing of the Connecticut River ($2.00) --- ferry starts operating @ 7:00 am on
weekdays and at 10:30 am on Saturdays and Sundays; plan your rides
accordingly
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9.2
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Hamburg
Village; general store
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22.4
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Rocky
Neck State Park concession stand and bathrooms to left
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22.7
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Rocky Neck
State Park pavilion (great lunch/snack spot); views
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31.8
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Brief
look at Old Lyme village
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32.8
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Begin
one mile traverse over the Connecticut River via the Baldwin Bridge bike
path
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34.4
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Begin
2.2 mile tour through Otter Cove (pay careful attention to the route sheet
turns)
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38.5
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Start
trip through Essex Village with several eateries and a convenience store; public
bathroom @ small park next to the post office (38.6) on right
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38.9
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Connecticut
River Museum, Essex town dock and boat launch at river
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39.4
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Start
5.3 mile scenic ride (mostly) along the Connecticut River
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45.7
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Deep
River Landing (views of the river at the gazebo)
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47.8
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Chester
Village; curio shops and ice cream parlor
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www.ctbikeroutes.org
Wu-WE021 abb
DLB02069
Date last updated: September 14, 2008
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