11/01/99

Exploring Connecticut by Bicycle

Bikers are welcome on MetroNorth trains, as long as they have a permit. To get one, bring your bike onto the train during off-peak hours; pay the conductor $5 for a receipt; then exchange the receipt for a one-year permit, available only at a Grand Central Station ticket window. Once you have the permit, you can begin to explore CT from any MetroNorth station. Try this great ride from the Union Avenue Station in New Haven, described in appealing detail by biking enthusiast, Nancy Martin.

"I take East Rock Park for granted sometimes. Practically in my back yard, the summit ride is my old standby -- the ride I do when I want a decent workout and don't have much longer than a half-hour. Once I'm on the winding, tree-shaded road that leads to the top, I remember how lucky I am to have such a beautiful place closeby.

"East Rock Park and the summit are about 10 miles round-trip from the New Haven Train Station on Union Avenue. A couple of those miles wind uphill through woods and along East Rock's reddish-gold face.

"When you leave the train station, turn right onto Union Avenue, heading north. You'll pass the New Haven Police Department on your left and come to a light. At the light, veer right, go behind a building and you'll end up on busy State Street, parallel to some railroad tracks. After about a mile, you'll be in the heart of the State Street neighborhood, home of Modern Apizza. Though less famous than Sally's and Pepe's, Modern's pies are every bit as good, and well worth a stop.

"Half a block past Modern Apizza, turn left onto Humphrey Street. At the light, turn right from Humphrey onto Orange Street, which you'll ride to the end. Orange Street is a true city neighborhood, lined with good-sized houses, many with vast, inviting front porches. Orange Street is also home to a smattering of little stores that are straight out of the 1950s. If you have time, take a peek inside Prime Market, an old-fashioned mom-and-pop grocery store where the clerks will help carry your groceries to your car.

"At the end of Orange Street, after passing Wilbur Cross High School, you'll be at Farnum Drive. You can turn either way to get to the summit, just watch for traffic on the winding road. Left, a slightly steeper route, will take you up Farnum Drive to a clearly marked entrance to East Rock Park. Turn right at the entrance and just follow the road to the top.

"If you turn right off Orange Street onto Farnum Drive, the road to the summit is less obvious, but easy to spot. After about a half a mile on Farnum, you'll see a red gate on the left, across from some ball fields. Go around the gate (this road is closed to cars) and follow the road to the summit.

"Either way you choose, you're in for about two miles of moderate climbing, so you'll enjoy the spoils even more when you reach the summit. At 365 feet up, you'll get an expansive view of downtown New Haven, Long Island Sound and, to the right, West Rock Ridge, another New Haven gem. Top of the world? Technically, no, but it sure feels like it. As for the ride down: Be aware of the curves and cars, but otherwise, enjoy your flight!

"There are several more terrific rides in and around New Haven. The book Short Bike Rides in Connecticut by Edwin Mullen and Jane Griffith is a good source. You can find it at bookstores and many bike shops."

For MetroNorth schedules, call: 212-532-4900 or visit their website at: http://www.mnr.org

For more information about biking in Connecticut: http://www.neric.com/bike/ct/index.html

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.