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4 out of 5 Rider Rating 4
3 Reviews

The Northern CT Border Run

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Oct 31, 2007

Rider Reviews

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Guest
February 16, 2011
I frequently take this trip with a minor…
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ThomR
2 McR Points
September 28, 2018
Any turn you take can be just as much fun as…
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Written Directions

Start at the intersection of Rt 169 and 190 in North Woodstock CT. Head west on 197. About 25 miles into the ride 197 turns into 190. There's not many towns on this route, so when you get to Stafford Springs, look to fill your tank, and maybe your tummy there. Continue West on 190 until you cross the Connecticut River, and the Route ends at Rt 159, near Enfield, CT. Note: If you wish to continue this ride back towards where you started, you could do what we did, which was to backtrack on 190 to Rt 32, just outside Stafford Springs, take 32 North to Massachusetts, and head East on Rt 20 through Brimfield and Sturbridge, and then South on 169 to the route's beginning, or home.

Scenery

This route brings you through forests and farmland along the MA/CT Border. It is a great Leaf peeping Route! And, the roads are quiet and mostly good.

Drive Enjoyment

Country back roads so there won't be much traffic and yet you'll enjoy a few twists and turns along the way. Keep an eye out for the 197/190 change.

Tourism Opportunities

Except for Pomfret and Stafford Springs, you won't be going through many town centers, so start with a full tank, and enjoy the scenery. If you want to start your ride with a meal, I'd suggest you head down 169 South (a diversion from the directions described below) to the celebrated Vanilla Bean Cafe in Pomfret (about 20 miles). Bikers love the great food and outdoor seating, and there's sure to be droves of bikes to eyeball there.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Guest
February 16, 2011
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
I frequently take this trip with a minor variation as I live up in MA. Several roads have recently been done over (2010) and they are pristine. The Vanilla Bean Cafe is a must. My wife and I took a late season ride there last year and there must have been at least 100 other bikes there, and the food is great. This ride is definitely one of my top 3.
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ThomR
September 28, 2018
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
Any turn you take can be just as much fun as staying on the route. Thumbs up for both the Traveler's bookstore/restaurant and the Vanilla Bean. Also on 169, miles north of the Bean, is Sweet Evelina's, another popular spot to eat mid-ride.
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Guest
September 15, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Great combination used bookstore/ restaurant in Union, Ct., right where US 84 enters Mass. Thousands of books to peruse while you wait for your meal (modest prices, good food) and one free book to take with you when you leave!
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