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RFTCC-Wingbiter© Friday 9/16, The old Colebrook River Bridge
Being a Wingbiter means never having to say it's the last ride of the season. 6 pm from New Hartford center. Jeff, buy a mountain bike; it's time. This route is known as the "Ghost Ride." It follows old route 8 into Colebrook River Lake, which is dried up so that the old iron bridge is exposed. Brett's going over it first; if he survives, the rest of us will try it. Bring plenty of lights.
There are two options here:
Ride mountain bikes and plan on crossing the bridge (a limited opportunity) to ride on the other side. There are some trails and old roadways there. You can not ride these with a road bike. The route would need to be shortened as well since 35 miles on a mountain bike is too much at night.
Ride road bikes and see the bridge, but do not cross it. Miss the limited opportunity to explore an old settlement and maybe find old stuff. Climb Beech Hill on a road bike according to the proposed route.
This is excellent. We will definitely spot a few ghosts and/or zombies wandering around the old bridge, looking for their long lost homes and families.
If we subscribe that we are more than just idiots and want to actually cross the bridge than MTB bikes should be the bikes of choice. However, this route is probably too long for MTB bikes and we wouldn't get back to Chats before 9:30 given our Friday pace. Therefore, if decide MTB bikes I suggest we leave from Riverton. We could either drive back to Chats or try Sweat Peas. They have a burger and beer special on Fridays.
Looking for votes, here. Mine would be: MTB from Riverton. Apres-velo at Sweat Peas in Riverton.
My vote: MTB from Riverton and Sweat Peas. I'm assuming CX bikes are okay too.
My vote is for mountain bikes and sweet peas. They are open until 9. Bike attire would not be appropriate. Has anyone calculated the miles?
my vote is riverton
Was at the Colebrook Bridge last Sunday. Very cool...https://www.flickr.com/photos/28349084@N07/shares/i210Gt
This sounds like a really fun ride, and I would be doing it on my antique (no suspension) MTB if it weren't for one thing ..... I'm going to be marshaling at the New Haven Grand Prix this Friday night. Wyatt is racing in the Juniors and Mens' 3|4 categories. (Daniel is going to lead him out for the final 3|4 race sprint). New Haven Grand Prix
> What kind of freaking restaurant closes at 9 pm on Friday night? Just asking.
It's who can enforce their will the strongest. Me thinks the smelly guys in tights will be there till 10:00.
FYI It's a full moon Friday night. Good for visibility and maybe a chance to see some ghosts. I would like to go on this ride. Does anyone have a side car?
Scott Holmes was at the bridge on Tuesday and caution tape had been put on both ends of the bridge. I guess that means somebody doesn't want people crossing it.
Well. That's not good news. I bet we can get to the other side though if we cross the remnants of the river north of it. That's assuming we don't sink in the quick sand.
Wow, too many fun choices. I too like the Riverton / Mtn Bike option. That is ..... if I don't go see the races in New Haven or find myself home alone, eating the cider doughnuts Christian mentioned in his post.
Just to review: tonight's Wingbiter ride will start from Riverton (park in one of the lots in the center) at 6 pm. Bring a mountain bike, cross bike, or road bike. How far you go into the dried-up portions of Colebrook River Lake will be determined by what kind of bike you're riding. Bring lights. Bring a change of clothes for Sweet Peas afterward.