Featured Events in Old Lyme in November 2023 (July Updated)

The November Silver Shredders (50+) Ride is set to take place in Old Fort this month. Riders can look forward to exploring the beautiful Gateway trails in this picturesque location. To ensure a smooth start, participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes early to find their respective groups. The ride will commence with a pre-ride overview of the trails, a bike check, and an opportunity to have any questions answered. It's important to note that the Silver Shredders group is specifically tailored for women aged 50 and above, who are looking to ride alongside others in the same age range. The ride group operates within the Chill Plus to Modrrt range, while maintaining a no-drop policy to accommodate varying skill levels. However, it is not mandatory for all 50+ women to ride with this group, as they are free to choose any other group that aligns with their abilities and preferences. For participants considering joining the Silver Shredders, it is expected that they have already mastered Chill ride skills and are seeking a bit more mileage and challenge. Comfort with a moderate pace on blue technical trails featuring roots, loose rocks, tight single tracks, and rolling drops is also required. Endurance-wise, riders should be capable of covering at least 10-14 miles (depending on terrain) over the course of 2 hours, with a few short breaks. A suitable fitness routine should include 2-3 cardio workouts per week, including at least four bike rides each month. Riders who are confident in their ability to tackle most of the Bent Creek trails, as well as blue trails in DuPont, Lake James, and Tsali, will find themselves well-suited for this ride. Mark your calendars for November 11, 2023, and keep an eye out for ticket sales starting from November 1 at 7:00 PM.

November's Chill Ride is taking place in the charming town of Old Fort this month. Participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes early in order to locate their respective groups. Prior to embarking on the ride, there will be a briefing session to provide an overview of the trails we will be exploring, as well as to address any inquiries and ensure our bicycles are in optimal condition. Here are some important details to bear in mind for this event: Skills / Experience Required: In order to fully enjoy this ride, it is recommended that participants possess beginner-level riding skills, along with some practice in key techniques such as maintaining a neutral position, assuming a ready/attack position, applying gentle pressure when braking, and keeping pedals level. Prior experience riding on paved and gravel surfaces, as well as some exposure to green technical XC single track (including navigating small roots and rocks), is also necessary. Endurance Required: Participants should have the ability to ride at least 5 miles on green XC single track within a time frame of 1.5 hours, with a few brief breaks. It is advisable to incorporate biking, running, or other forms of cardiovascular exercise into your fitness routine at least twice a week. Familiarity with trails like Boyd Branch, Campground Connector, and Explorer Loop is also beneficial. Join the November Chill Ride as we venture into the picturesque town of Old Fort. Mark your calendars for November 11, 2023, and make sure to secure your ticket, which will be available for purchase starting November 1 at 7:00 PM.

The November Modrrt Rowdy ride is set to take place at Bent Creek this month. Participants should gather at the Old Fort Picnic Area, and there will be an option to enhance the ride experience, which the ride leaders will discuss with the participants beforehand. It is recommended to arrive at the parking area 15 minutes early. Before the ride begins, there will be a pre-ride overview of the trails, bike checks, and an opportunity to ask any questions. Once everyone is ready, the group will set off on the ride. It is important to note the required skills and experience for this ride. Participants should be able to navigate all blue XC (more difficult) trails and some black technical XC (most difficult) trails. They should also be comfortable handling drops up to 18 inches, as well as roots, rocks, and steeper terrain at higher speeds. The ride may involve tires leaving the ground and getting over moderate obstacles up to 10 inches off the ground. Endurance is necessary, as participants should be able to ride 12-15 miles within 2.5 hours with minimal breaks. It is also advised to have a regular fitness routine that includes cardiovascular exercise, such as biking at least 3 times per week. Don't miss the opportunity to ride Greens Lick!

The upcoming event, November Chill Plus Ride, will take place in Old Fort at the Old Fort Gateway Trailhead. Participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes early at the Gateway parking lot. The event will commence with a pre-ride overview of the trails, where attendees can check their bikes, seek clarification, and prepare for the ride ahead. It is important to note that certain skills and experience are required to fully enjoy this event. Individuals should feel confident in their ability to navigate intermediate trails with loose rocks, roots, and tight single tracks at a slower pace. Additionally, participants should possess the necessary endurance to ride a minimum of 7 miles within a span of 2 hours, with a few short breaks. It is recommended that individuals integrate 2-3 cardio workouts into their weekly fitness routine, including at least one session of bike riding. Familiarity with trails such as Hardtimes Connector, Explorer/Pine Tree Loop, Deerlake Lodge, and Powerlines is also beneficial. Further details regarding the event, including ticket prices and availability, will be disclosed closer to the date. Don't miss out on this thrilling and challenging experience in Old Fort!