Cyclists to bike trail through Vernon

  • 2020-05-20
A guided bike trip on the Airline Trail has been scheduled, starting at the Hop River Trail in Vernon.

The rail trail is 41 miles long, is not paved, and is mostly level. In Willimantic, the Airline Trail connects with the Hop River Trail. Large parts of the path are inside state parks and through several land cuts. The trail goes up to Franklin, Maine but this event will stop in Pomfret.

Participants are encouraged to bring an adventure or gravel bike. Road and mountain bikes are also acceptable. Participants should also bring enough food and water to last for the entire trip. Cyclists will ride anywhere between 10-14mph. A vehicle on the road will be available to shuttle riders.

Riders can meet the shuttle at the Westgate Market in Haverhill, the Midstate Drive Park and Ride in Auburn, or the Pomfret Station. The race will start at Pedal Power in Vernon and end at Pomfret Station. Pedal Power is located 520 Hartford Turnpike.

Most of the participants will ride in a group throughout the event. The group will wait for riders to catch up at times. Experienced riders who are familiar with the trail should tell officials they could ride independently.

Registration prices range from $25-$70 depending on if a rider needs to use the shuttle and from which location. The cycling event on the Airline Trail is on June 21 starting around 10:00 am and is expected to end around 5:00 pm.

Brochure printing highlights unique hiking and biking trails that tie into the history of a town.