Day 40: Stamford to New Haven, CT

Our bikes enjoying the view today on the Connecticut coast

Today’s ride was nothing short of spectacular. We rode 57 miles with a tailwind and dazzling weather: sunny, dry air, temps nearing 70. And we truly hugged the coast, enjoying views of Long Island Sound all the way to New Haven.

“This is not work!” I called out to Dee at one point mid-day. We were sailing along and entertained by charming views and salt air smells. This is bicycle touring at its best, short of greenways — quiet streets and beautiful views and charming towns.

It’s also amazing perspective on a stretch of cities that I’ve only known from driving I-95. Who knew that Bridgeport, gritty from the highway, had so many stretches of beautiful beachfront?! As Dee said, the next time she’s inching along in traffic on I-95 she will know that there are beautiful side roads she can take as an alternative — just pull out her maps.me app and pretend she’s on her bike.

We ended our day with a quick tour of Yale’s campus and a stop for coffee (what else?) at Atticus, the bakery and book shop across from the University. Our host tonight is Sarah Hreha, a member of the Greenway’s board and a randonneur cyclist — meaning she rides extremely long distances. She lives, for a few more weeks until she moves, right on the Greenway in downtown New Haven. We’ve had a fun evening talking bike rides, nonprofits, city living and more.

​A great day, simply said.

A mid-day picnic at St. Mary’s by the Sea, a park in southern Bridgeport.

Photos don’t do justice to our views today, but Dee braved stopping on a big hill (I haven’t mastered that skill) to catch this view.

Sarah, our host, getting ready to change her flat tire. Which she does expertly.