Great Motorcycle Cruises

There are memorable rides that zip through the Litchfield Hills, or you might like a ramble along the open fields of eastern Connecticut, or hug the shoreline. And, depending upon how much time you’ve got, they can be short and sweet, like the 13-mile coastal run along Route 146 from Branford to Guilford, or a multi-day affair, with dinner and an overnight or two at a Connecticut inn.

Because so many of Connecticut’s best rides can be found on online biking sites, we’ve turned to the experts – the riders themselves – for a few excellent choices.

Finding the Open Spaces

Some of the best riding can be found in Tolland and Windham counties in the northeastern part of the state, where the roads are less crowded and the pace more laid back. One ride recommended by motorcycleroads.com is called “Northeast CT Country Loop,” which it summarizes this way: “Small villages, old farms and CT forests highlight the route. Sparsely populated and very picturesque.” At a moderate 44 miles in length, the route runs from Ashford and Eastford to Woodstock and finally to Putnam before looping back. Take note of a couple of short but rewarding sidetrips to Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union and Roseland Cottage in Woodstock.

North and South Route

Another recommended 104-miler route begins at the Starbucks in Seymour and runs north along a variety of roads to the Dunkin Donuts in Winsted (so there’s caffeine at both ends). In between, there are reservoirs, rivers, farmland, charming towns and terrific food stops such as the White Horse Country Pub in Marbledale, where a 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle is on display in the bar.