Tag: Hartford

June 22, 2021  |  Points South / Coming Up Short

Open skies, puffy white clouds, and not too hot… a truly glorious day for a bike ride.

But the Grand Plan Southern Expedition comes to screeching halt: It seems this tire has been eating itself from the inside.

This led to a bit of excitement, racing to the closest train station, repeatedly stopping to refill the deflating rear tire. With 10+ minutes to spare and the train running a bit late, I finally had time to take in the “scenery” a bit.

Wallingford puts me one stop short of the goal of New Haven (two, if you include both New Haven stations). The plan was to bike down, hang out, and choo choo back up – the reverse of the Springfield trip.

  • Htfd Line: Rack Usage
  • Htfd Line: Exit Usage
  • Htfd Line: Loo Usage

Back in Hartford, a rest at Bushnell Park afforded more leisurely maintenance – a patched tube and granola bar wrapper over the shredded casing was enough for the ride home. All’s well that ends well.

May 8, 2020
  • Mid-January roseless garden
  • Not-so-seasonal mid-April snow

Winter took its time departing these realms, and even now as it lifts, a deeper chill has descended.

The greenways unnervingly crowded, I took to the streets and was treated to some new angles of old views:

  • 36 Views of Heublein Tower: Nod Road
  • An overstuffed Farmington River
  • Pinchot Sycamore from the south

This season’s agenda included a long anticipated bikecamping trip, but now I’ll be pleased as punch to simply stay safe and healthy.

Wishing the same for you and yours.

July 13, 2019  |  Independence Day Rides

A July 4th ride to the east side, over the Bissel Bridge.

The way back over a lonely, empty Founder’s Bridge. Hartford’s official celebration isn’t until the 13th…

…

I usually watch the fireworks from the relative comfort of the overlook across from Elizabeth Park, but this year I’m headed downtown.

It didn’t disappoint… though the crowd, setting, and trash balancing art drew my attention more than the actual fireworks.

It’s a hot summer, hope you’re keeping cool.


June 30, 2019  |  Elizabeth Park / Realm of Carcosa

Life may be no rose garden, but in Hartford you can still stroll around a fairly big one.

This segued into another ride downtown – this time across the Founder’s Bridge to the River’s east bank.

Then, at the north end of Great River Park, an ominous path I don’t recall having trodden before.

From a twisting lane strewn with broken glass, automobile trim, and puddles containing the effluent of who-knows-what, we emerge…

Alas! Is this area under the watchful “protection” of the Unnameable One?

Probably not. With nary a psychic barrier or dimensional rift in sight, I was able to safely return downtown, where things were as I had left them.

Or are they?
…

May 27, 2019  |  Town & Country: Town
  • Hartford’s a Capital
  • Reserved parking for Senator Duff
  • Reserved parking for Senator Buff

The second longish ride of the year. Downtown can be harrowing on weekdays, but holiday traffic is much more sparse and chilled.

A ride down the waterfront, past Colt Park to Park Ave.

Then down Farmington Ave and points west. Once we see a “rental applications being accepted” sign, we know we’re in the suburbs proper.

Finally, Maruichi in Blue Back Square for manju and royal milk tea. See you next time…