Hidden Valley Gravle

My first Gravle ride on the Fredmobile was in May 2013 and my goal this year was to ride as much Gravle in preparation for D2R2.  While I have ridden Steep Rock quite a few times I had never ridden the Hidden Valley Section.  Of course my fascination with this area and the train line that ran through keeps drawing me back again and again and it was because of this I learned that there was a branch line created that went to New Preston and the shores of Lake Waramug.

 My ride started out from Roxbury Market and it was lightly raining, and of course I forgot to bring a fender.  I headed up Walker Brook Road and eventually over to Route 202.  Heading down Rt 47 was when I figured out that this had to be the original roadbed for the New Preston Branch line.  It's not marked on any maps available on line but judging from the road grade and some interesting abutments near the intersection with Route 202, this had to be the route that the New Preston Branch line took!

Gravle Bike #2: 1999 Cannondale XS 800

During the winter of 2013 I purchased my first cross bike, an old school, 1999 Cannondale XS 800 and this bike would propel me into the mainstream of riding the gravle.  This bike was nicknamed for me by the original owner:  The Fredmobile!

Will's First Taste of Gravle

I introduced my brother-in-law from New York City to the Gravle of Roxbury and Washington, CT back in 2012.  He and his family were up visiting and we had done some riding before when I suggested that he bring his bike, an old Specialized Stump Jumper, and we go ride some dirt roads. 

2009 Tour de Roxbury (reprise)

The planned 2009 Route

What was I thinking?  My first Gravel Grinder kicked off by riding with a bunch of hard core road riders and I got dropped on the first hill.  

First Monster Cross Ride

The Tour de Roxbury, back in early 2009, would be my first taste of local Gravle and the beginning of a new love affair with this riding surface.  Rail Trails and greenways have some similar qualities to but they are entirely too predictable and not very challenging.  In order to get ready for the TdR I had to take the Qball out on a test ride of what I thought would best emulate the conditions.