This featured ride is from theMoto-Maps® Connecticut & Rhode Island booklet and was created by the company’s founder, Keith Myers. 

This ride starts and ends in East Haddam, Connecticut  at the historic Goodspeed Opera House and follows two crisscrossing figure-eight patterns up, down, around and over the Connecticut River. 

The ride starts by heading north through some of Connecticut’s more rural areas then heads back down and around continuing to follow scenic country roads and farmlands until you end up on the Connecticut seacoast – Long Island Sound. 

From there, your world changes from rural relaxation to seacoast splendor as you follow miles of historic ocean-side roads.  Take advantage of some scenic detours if you get a chance.  You eventually work your way back to the Connecticut River where you head north and the terrain quickly changes to twisty country roads.

Your first river crossing is provided by the Chester-Hadlyme ferry service which has been in operation since 1769.  It’s a three-dollar, five-minute crossing – so make sure to look back over your shoulder and get a fantastic view of Gillette Castle.  If you choose to skip the ferry crossing, we have provided a simple detour that takes you right past the front door of the castle.   After crossing the river, you have a great ride south along the west side of the river heading all the back to the coast.  Make sure to follow the signs and stay on route 154 all the way to its end, or you will miss out on some great seaside scenery.

The ride closes out by heading up and around back to its start point.  A final river crossing – this time somewhat more conventional – via the historic East Haddam swing bridge leads you back to the Goodspeed Opera House.

There are plenty of spots along the way that invite an opportunity to stop and have a bite to eat, do some shopping and experience the relaxing atmosphere of a summer’s day in Connecticut.

Lodging and restaurants are plentiful (especially along the coastal sections) and fuel is available along the route.  If you plan to stay the night and want to enjoy the outdoors, take advantage of ocean-side campsites at the State Park campgrounds along the route.

The ride is easily accessible from several exits off Interstates 95 and 395 or US routes 9 and 1.  In total, the ride is 128.1 miles and approximately 4 hours of actual riding time.  However, we suggest that you take your time and enjoy the scenery and attractions along the route.  It is very easy to get side-tracked and end up spending a day at the beach – resting instead of riding.