Bike Race Beckons To Cyclists, Wine Lovers

By Kendra Bobowick

Rather than seeing the homes, shops, horse pastures or historic buildings in Newtown, Terrence Ford eyes a perfect stretch for mountain bikes.

“It’s a cycling Mecca,” he said. Appealing to him are the town’s properties, roadways, hiking routes along Al’s Trail or a state forest, or paths through Fairfield Hills. “They all lean toward great opportunity,” he said. Captured with that spirit, he is promoting a first-of-its kind Grapes of Wrath mountain bike race slated for Saturday, September 20.

Touting a $1,000 cash award for first place, the $50-dollars a head (women sign up for free) race presents a rugged course of more than three miles through the McLaughlin Vineyard off Albert’s Hill Road. A Lemans start means that every entrant starts the race at the same time. “You’ll have beginners next to experienced riders,” he noted. Promising a children’s race and festival to follow, Ford urges riders and families to come out on race day to visit the rustic winery nestled in Newtown’s heavily forested acres filled with bogs, streams, sheer rock ledges, ponds, and in this case, precise rows of grape vines lining Bruce McLaughlin’s land.

The race means more than the uneven, scenic terrain presenting a challenge to riders — at one point descending along steep rock-face.

Bring the proper gear. Helmets are required, and the bikes should be “race ready,” Ford warned. “The equipment should be up to race quality and be able to hold up to a rigorous off-road course.” The venue “couldn’t be more beautiful,” he said. Participants can begin registration after 8 am, with a 9:30 am racers’ meeting to follow. The race begins at 11 am on Saturday, September 20. The technical mountain fast track includes hills, climbs, rocks and roots, “Bruce’s Bog,” wine, a children’s race.

Exertion and the challenge of a race aside, Ford hinted at the day’s intentions. “Our goal is to create a festival feel, back to the way mountain biking should be — a day or two of camaraderie, hiking, fishing, and enjoying wine.

After a recent conversation with McLaughlin, plans for the race began. “It is wonderful to have the race at the vineyard, to set the beginning to embrace the bike culture,” Ford said. The biking promotes good health, family activity, involvement in sports, and exploring the outdoors of Newtown.

“That’s it in a nutshell,” Ford said. What could be a good excuse not to step outdoors, exercise, and indulge in the town’s scenery? With a few last words to those he hopes is will be wise, Ford reminds cyclists that the vineyard grounds are private property. “Please wait until race day,” he said. Also, this course is hard, he taunted.