Backroad Bicycling in Connecticut: 32 Scenic Rides on Country Lanes and Dirt Roads

A selective guide to the best backroad riding in Connecticut, for both touring and mountain bikes. Avid cyclist Andi Marie Fusco has explored hundreds of miles of back roads in her home state to find the most scenic, uncrowded, and enjoyable cycling on both paved and dirt roads. As she explains in her introduction, "This book is your guide to all kinds of rides across Connecticut. Some will challenge riders on hills replete with lung-searing climbs through the state's highest elevations . . . others will appeal to those who want to take an unhurried tour around a lake or along hidden dirt roads, stopping to picnic, swim, or just savor the journey. Other rides visit Connecticut's earliest Colonial settlements, pass by the state's renowned wineries, and explore woodland trails." Rides range in length from a 4-mile trail through a coastal reserve to a two-day tour of 114 miles. Each chapter includes a map and information on mileage, terrain, level of difficulty, nearby bicycle shops, and lodging options (for the overnight tours), as well as detailed route descriptions. An overview chart at the front of the book provides information at a glance. Throughout, Fusco provides fascinating commentary on the history and culture of this charming and picturesque New England state.

* Perfect for recreational cyclists or families looking for low-traffic rides on scenic roads, both dirt and paved * More than 900 miles of road described

Lifelong Connecticut resident Andi Marie Fusco is an elementary school teacher and travel writer, and spends most of her spare time on a bike. She is the co-author of Connecticut: An Explorer's Guide. She lives in Washington Depot, Connecticut.