Finlay's Burning Oxen Ride
Total Distance: 45.3 miles Elevation
Gain: 2857 feet
Degree of Difficulty Index: 2857 ft / 45.3 mi = 63.07 ft/mi Terrain: Hilly
Killer Hills: Several very hilly sections
Geographical Region:
South Central Connecticut
City/Town: Essex
Starting Location:
Route 9 Exit 3 CPL (Route 154) in Essex; CPL is on Route 154 just east
of the intersection with Route 153
Note: This is a small CPL with limited parking available
during the work week.
Ride Description:
This interesting but hilly ride uses mostly country roads as it visits
the towns of Westbrook, Killingworth and Haddam en route to the suggested
lunch/snack stop (bring) at Haddam Meadows State Park. Many historical points of interest
are noted along the way (some are mentioned on the route sheet) and after the
break the route takes you past Cedar Lake into Chester and Deep River
villages before dropping down to Essex near the end of the ride. You need to be in excellent condition
to be able to fully enjoy this challenging ride.
Facilities and Points of Interest:
Mile
|
Facilities
- Points of Interest
|
0.8
|
Centerbrook
section of Essex
|
2.1
|
Ivoryton
section of Essex
|
24.7
|
Haddam
Meadows State Park: a good spot for a lunch/snack break (no place to purchase),
views of the Connecticut River, portable toilets
|
35.9+
|
Chester
village with various shops
|
37.7+
|
Deep
River village, grocery store
|
39.8
|
Start
4-mile scenic ride along the Connecticut River
|
43.7
|
Begin
Essex business district, convenience store and several eateries
|
43.8
|
Public
bathrooms in small park beside the post office and NewAlliance Bank on the
right
|
44.0
|
Ice cream
parlor on the left just before reaching the Connecticut River
|
44.1
|
Connecticut
River Museum, Essex town dock and boat launch (river views)
|
www.ctbikeroutes.org
Wu-WE023 abb
DLB01069
|