Avid Bikers Find a Lot to Love in Northeast Connecticut
When I hit the road with my bike, I don’t want to worry about competing with traffic and tangoing with pedestrians rather than enjoying the ride. Although the occasional car does share the winding country roads of Woodstock, Pomfret, Thompson, and Eastford, the pleasure here is a ride where I can take in the lush greenery, discover a view at the top of a hill, and pass rolling farm country. There are also charming places to stop for a rest and more than enough fresh air to rejuvenate the mind and spirit. 
The Woodstock Fairgrounds (at 282 Rte 169 in Woodstock) are a good place to start a bicycle tour of the area. Parking is free and it’s beautiful here.
Before you start pedaling, visit Don Dauphinais, avid cycler and owner of Danielson Adventure Sports in Danielson. Don has offered up two of his favorite bike routes below that start at the Fairgrounds. Both grant great exercise and beautiful views. The routes are outlined below, the first is designed for families with older kids (teens) or those simply looking for a shorter ride.
The easier 15-mile route, goes down the wooded Route 171 in Woodstock and up Tyrone Road, with a spectacular view of historic Tyrone Farm and the grassy farmlands below. Some of the swankier Pomfret homesteads are along this road, with their grand gardens and stately tree-lined driveways. The few busier roads are plenty wide for bicyclers and cars alike.
After the ride, have a drink at Simon’s Bike and Brew in Plainfield, where you can find coffee, smoothies, teas, camaraderie, bicycles, WIFI, and even beer-making kits and ingredients. A cool place to hang out after a long ride, Simon’s Bike and Brew has comfy sofas inside and a grassy area outside with tables. Check hours.
Families might like the Vanilla Bean Cafe in Pomfret.
Also for bicyclers, Bicycle Concepts, 45 Main Street, Putnam (tel. only 860-928-0011) is housed in the old train station building. They offer bikes, accessories, repairs, and trail maps.
The 15-mile route is as follows:
Starting at The Woodstock Fairgrounds in Woodstock CT.
Turn left onto Rt 171
Right onto Butts Rd
Right on Tripp/Freedly Rd.
Left on Allen Rd.
Left on Rt. 44
Right on Tyrone Rd.
Right on Wrights Crossing
Left on River Rd.
Right on Rt. 44
Left on Sabin Rd
Right on Harrisville Rd
Left on Senexet Rd
Left on 171 and back to the Fairgrounds.
Don’s 30-mile route has bikers starting at the same point, but first winds you through Roseland Park, with its pretty pond and wooded picnic areas.
The 30-mile route also starts at the Woodstock Fairgrounds.
Right onto 171
Right on Roseland Park Rd
Left on Hibbard Rd
Left on Rt. 169
Right on County Rd
Left on Joy Rd.
Right on Rt.169
Right onto Butts Rd
Right on Tripp/Freely Rd.
Left on Allen Rd.
Left on Rt. 44
Right on Tyrone Rd.
Right on Wrights Crossing
Left on River Rd.
Right on Rt. 44
Left on Sabin Rd
Right on Harrisville Rd
Left on Senexet Rd
Left on 171 and back to the Fairgrounds.
Bring your bike (no area rentals) and whichever route you pick, have fun! I know you will enjoy.
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