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!

How did I get here? Where am I going?

The obvious answer and no pun intended is by bike.  Getting where I am today, endurance cycling with dirt roads, started in 2009 when gravel grinders popped up on the biking scene with some attention being given to the Trans Iowa Gravel Grinder.  I am always looking for new things to try and what attracted me to Gravel Grinders is that it marries mountain biking with road/cyclocross into an adventurous activity. 

Single Speed Qball Monster Crosser with Gary I bars