Saturday June 28, 2008

Join Victor and Emily for the Annual Connecticut Beach & Country Skate. An exciting route includes 3 miles inland past beautiful homes on smooth roads (Initially tested by Jared & Rick) in addition to the awesome Connecticut shoreline. Three "5 minute" hills will add to the fun but can be avoided for those who want to skate level. This 24 mile skate is roughly 4 times the central park loop. You should be comfortable skating on roads with light traffic. We stop half way for lunch at the quaint Firehouse Deli in Fairfield. You'll have the option of taking the train back to NYC if 12 miles is enough for you. Invite friends.

The skate / bike* is free and starts about 11:15 AM after the NY Train arrives.

If you drive, the Westport train station is just off northbound Interstate 95, Exit 17, right, first left.

Meet on the South side of the tracks. Parking is free on weekends.

We usually finish skating about 5PM, have a swim, clean up at outdoor showers, and maybe eat at 'Joey's By the Sea' right on Compo Beach. Lobster Roll, Salads, Burgers, Veggie Burgers, and Paul Newman's foods available. Alternatively, we may just hang at the Beach where beach food available. In any case, bring beach gear!

Trains head back to NYC after Skate / Bike regularly till midnight: 4:29PM, 5:06PM, 5:29PM, 6:31PM, 7:31PM, 8:31PM, 9:57PM, 10:45PM, and 11:56PM.

Meet at Grand Central Station's Central Info Booth (42nd & Park Ave.) at 10:00 AM. Catch the 10:07 train to Westport's Saugatuck Train Station (New Haven line). Round trip train ticket is $21.50

HELMET & WRIST GUARDS REQUIRED, other protective gear is recommended

*Bikers are welcome, and must know that skaters kick-out. Those on bikes need to give skaters enough space by riding off to the side, in front or in the back. Keep in mind, permit required for bike on train. Some have ridden trains with their bikes without permits, but it is regulation to have one. I do not recall ever being asked for my permit when I've brought my bike on MTA or LIRR trains over many, many years, but I always bring it. The five dollar lifetime bicycle permit is purchasable at any staffed ticket window or by mail. In addition to $5 fee a completed form required. Usable on MTA Metro-North Railroad, and Long Island Rail Road. See http://www.mta.info/mnr/html/mnrbikepermit.htm and http://www.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/bikerule.htm.

Questions to Victor at email victorjc@gmail.com or call 203-807-1000.