Ride the East showcases Connecticut’s scenic East Coast Greenway

On Saturday, May 17, more than 100 cyclists joined Ride the East: Connecticut, an enjoyable ride of up to 40 miles on Connecticut’s segment of the East Coast Greenway in support of the East Coast Greenway Alliance and Trust for Public Land.

The third annual event highlights the Air Line Trail and Hop River State Park Trail, two stunning segments of Connecticut’s East Coast Greenway. Participants had the option of pedaling with a group leader or riding at their own pace — up to 40 miles round trip. Along the way, riders encountered historic landmarks, scenic vistas and notable geological features that make these trails a regional treasure. 

“What a day on the trails! Thank you to everyone who made it possible, and to all the volunteers who help maintain the trails throughout the year,” rider Jennifer Leiper Kelly said via Facebook. “It was my first time on the upper portion of the trail. I will be back to do some more exploring with friends as there is so much to see.”

While most riders hailed from Connecticut, participants from throughout New England and as far away as Georgia and Texas also joined the fun.

“East Coast Greenway Alliance thanks you for an amazing ride today! We love visiting Connecticut and will definitely hit the trail again,” rider Todd Robinson of Brooklyn, New York, shared on Facebook. “All of the volunteers were amazing. You guys really gave it your all! 45 miles of fun!!!”

East Coast Greenway Alliance Southern New England Manager Bruce Donald (pictured above, first from the left) welcomed the riders, who also enjoyed remarks from Trust for Public Land Vice President, Mid-Atlantic Region and Connecticut State Director Walker Holmes, Willimantic Councilman Randall Prose, Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Program Coordinator Kim Bradley and other local and regional leaders.

The Jillson House Museum in Willimantic served as the starting and finishing point for the out-and-back ride. Riders enjoyed a number of rest stops featuring fuel and hydration from Amrita and LMNT. 

Ride the East: Connecticut was proudly presented by the East Coast Greenway Alliance and Trust for Public Land, with generous support from the Jillson House Museum and Hop River Trail Alliance.

Special thanks for the hard work of the planning committee who worked for nearly a year to make the event a huge success: Bruce Donald, Barbara Amodio, Steve Sokoloski, Marsha Sokoloski, June Sgobbo, David Berkowitz, Tom McGrath and Diane Nadeau. 

There will be another opportunity to ride the Greenway in Connecticut next month, as Ride the State: Connecticut is set for Saturday, June 28. Registration is open but filling quickly for this 67-mile ride from New Haven to Hartford!