Cross-Connecticut by Longboard | Long Distance Skating Farmington Rail Trail | RideReport4

I was planning to be in New York for a family event and decided to try a new route crossing the state of Connecticut. Starting in New Haven on Yale University’s campus, The Farmington Canal Rail Trail has to be one of the oldest systems in the country. It spans roughly 50 miles North to South (or South to North) to the Massachusetts border with a 5 mile unfinished gap just about in the middle. I was joined by Andrii of the Boston Area whom I met at this last Ultraskate. I would consider this route to be on the challenging side. Pavement was mostly good but there were a few large cracks that would bring you to a dead stop, bracket busters if you’re not careful. The old growth sections were fantastic with great tree canopies and plenty of shade. The route however, goes through several towns that make the path feel like a glorified sidewalk. Plenty of intersections to kill your momentum. I did not trust any downhill sections on this trail. With the elevation changes and intersections I found it difficult to maintain 10mph. While we were very much on the grid, a black bear popped out of the woods splitting myself and Andrii, who was about a quarter mile behind me. I also spotted a bobcat, deer, beaver and plenty of birds. Rather than deal with gap-detour and cars, we elected to take an Uber to the trailhead of the Northern section. We stayed in Westfield Mass. About 7 miles across from the CT border where the system ends. The following day we only did the second section (about 25 miles) since I had to get back to the city. Sally’s Apizza at the end of the ride was a nice reward. Total milage: 82. I rode the trusty Gbomb C27 again on this trip. It’s by far my favorite platform for longer, loaded down rides because of it’s flatness and comfy flex. This is my 4th trip with a backpack riding at 200+lbs fully loaded on the deck and loving it. I highly recommend the Gregory Citro 36 series for light skatepacking adventures. Glass drop on 85 mint vents took the big cracks like a champ. I did however bent my TTX axel due to untightening it. Completely user error, I finally noticed at the end the 82 mile ride, the nut was about a 10th of a turn from falling off. I’m lucky it didn’t bust apart at speed. Check your gear y’all! Especially when traveling. Overall, this ride is a solid B but if you’re in the tri-state area I would recommend Empire State Trail over this one. Got a sweet route? Holler at me.