Got out for a Winter Solstice ride last Thur.
Temp was in the low 40s, but I thought it might be last time to head up to Toymakers for lunch. Last year at this time we had about 8-10 inches of snow on the ground.
Headed out at 11:00. Rt 45 past Lake Waramaug, than over the mountain through Warren to Cornwall. From Cornwall took Rt 4 up To Sharon. Rt 4 was just paved a few months ago, and makes for a fast ride. Sharon to Lakeville on Rt 41 was next. 41 runs through open farm land with great views to the west. Only problem today was the view to the west over the Catskills was full of black clouds. I was waiting for a snow squall to move in any minute. The winter gods must have taken pity on me as I made it into Salsbury over dry roads. From Salsbury I took Rt44 headed for Canaan. All the years I've lived in NW CT I've never been on this section of Rt44. Man what a nice section of highway. Lots of corners, and almost no traffic. From Rt 44 I took Rt162 south. Another nice road, but I should have been on a dirtbike. The state need to plan a repaving project for this section of road! Made it to Toymakers with nothing more than cold hands. I miss the heated grips I had on my old BMW. I just cant wear winter gloves, to bulky. Had a great lunch, two cups of coffee to warm my hands, and I was set to go. Still had a Honey Do List waiting at home. Wished Ann & Greg a Merry Christmas, and hit the road. Toymakers will be open this Sun, Whos up for a ride??? they will be closed from Jan 2 till Jan 17. I took Rt 63 back to LItchfield than rt 202 south to home. I only saw one other bike the whole trip(about 78 miles) a BMW GS. All in all a great first day of winter ride.
Mark
