Story & photos by KENNETH W . DAHSE
FAVORITE RIDE
Western Connecticut Loop
Cruising through farms , forests , and covered bridges
It had been years since I last explored the winding , scenic roadways of western Connecticut , but I fondly recalled the joy of cruising alongside rivers , through covered bridges and forests , and among farms and waterfalls . It was time for a return trip , and this 113- mile loop route certainly qualifies as a favorite ride .
I met two friends , Pathfinder Rich and Yamaha Joe , at the Putnam Diner in Patterson , New York , a few miles from the Connecticut border . Rich was riding his BMW K 1600 GTL , Joe was on his customized Yamaha Stryker 1300 , and I rode my trusty Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT .
We crossed into Connecticut on a brilliant sunny day and began heading north on State Route 37 through forests and farms . We stopped at Great Hollow Nature Preserve , which encompasses 825 acres of wetlands , woods , and hiking trails , as well as a restored 18th century farmhouse used for environmental workshops .
Back on the road , we enjoyed the clean , clear air and the soothing warmth of the sun . At Sherman , we continued north on State Route 39 , passing by more farms and country estates . We made a stop at Greener Pastures , a farmstand that sells vegetables and pasture- raised meat produced on- site at the idyllic , 100- year- old Happy Acres Farm .
Left : Kent Falls State Park showcases a dramatic 250-foot waterfall that tumbles down a series of cascades . Below : My traveling companions Rich ( left ) and Joe ( right ) stop to admire one of the many farms we passed on this ride .
58 / APRIL 2025 / RIDERMAGAZINE . COM