[CR]Connecticut Vintage rides

Esteemed Brethren,

I am planning a few Connecticut Vintage rides this year. The two described here are more "get-together" destination rides, as opposed to longer "scenic" rides, or rides described as "epic" :)

Sunday, April 29: Castle Craig Climb/Daffodil Festival Ride. This ride starts at 10 a.m. From Walnut Hill Park in New Britain. http://tinyurl.com/2tm3j9 It will proceed to Meriden's "Castle Craig" on East Peak (elev. 976 ft). This is about a 2-mile climb that averages about 8% with a few steeper sections. It's not that bad if you don't race up it. I've been dragging my 237 lbs up it monthly for the last 16 months, and don't consider myself a "climber". At the top is the very cool "Castle", a stone turret in the classic style, that you can climb stairs inside to a wonderful view that includes Long Island. http://www.thisisct.net/castlecraig.html After that, we will descend to Hubbard Park, right below the Castle, and take in some of the sights and sounds of the Meriden Daffodil Festival. http://www.daffodilfest.com/ Bring a lock to help secure our bikes. We can hang out there for as long as we chose, and then circle around the mountain for a return ride, or head back more directly, at the group's discretion. (An interesting note: Both parks were designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead.)

Ride 2: Sunday, June 17 - A ride to the Seventh Annual FCA/NER Concorso in Hartford! I rode solo to this on a fluke last year, and found it to be a great day. It is a gathering of Ferrarri owners doing with their cars what we do with our bikes. (Naturally, I rode a red Italian bike) I think there were like 100 of them there, and I was lucky enough to be there in time for the parade . It benefits the Connecticut Children's Medical Center. Truly spectacular(?) gourmet food, a Ferrari parade for 40 CCMC patients live entertainment and more. The ride will also leaves from Walnut Hill Park in New Britain. I know it's Father's Day, but that's when it is. Folks might want to have significant others meet them in Hartford, as it is a nice event for "non-riders" . I'm making it an "Italian Theme" for obvious reasons.

Terrible weather cancels. Call if unsure. 860-913-8596

Mark Hoffman
New Britain, CT
USA