Apr 29, 2025
As a route planner, I have two non-negotiable rules for a great ride: I need constant variety, and I need absolute certainty that we will hit our target mileage. Running the same loops week after week just doesn't work for me. When I’m mapping out rides for RC Ilumenati, ensuring we hit both of those marks is exactly why I take the reins.
Our usual departures from the Easton Library take us north into Newtown and back. It’s a solid option, but there are really only four ways to slice that route while avoiding heavy traffic. Tonight, I decided it was time to break the mold. I mapped out a completely fresh alternative heading south to Compo Beach in Westport before looping back to Easton.
Admittedly, the plan involved a few busy roads. However, I wagered that our direction of travel would keep us moving against the grain, keeping the heaviest commuter traffic away from us.
The gamble paid off perfectly. We locked into a smooth, fast paceline down Route 136 and over to Coleytown Road. By the time we hit Ford Road, a punchy climb right before the Merritt Parkway bridge gave everyone a chance to stretch their legs and loosen up the peloton
We faced a brief hiccup just past the Route 136 intersection when Tadej dropped a chain, but a quick fix had us rolling again in no time. From there, we swept down Imperial Avenue into Saugatuck, followed by our usual, beautiful loop through Longshore and Compo Beach.
The final stretch brought us down Congress Street, past the iconic Hi-Ho Motel, and right into the definitive climb up Morehouse Road. After a quick spin past Samuel Staples Elementary School, we rolled back into the library parking lot.
The final tally? A spectacular 31.6 miles on fresh tarmac. This is definitely a route we will be putting back on the calendar.
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