What is the best way to ride into Ridgefield, CT?
Route 35 is a clean entry. It comes in from the New York line along South Salem Road and West Lane, meets Route 33 in downtown Ridgefield, then turns north up Main Street. Park near Main Street, walk the historic district, and give the bike a rest before heading out again.
Ridgefield sits right against the New York border, so a ride here easily becomes a two-state day. Route 35 starts as an extension of New York Route 35 and carries you into the center of town. The center rewards a slow pace. Park, take your gloves off, and walk.
The rides
Route 35 from the state line
Route 35 enters Connecticut about 1.8 miles west of downtown Ridgefield. The road changes names as it goes, from Old Post Road to South Salem Road to West Lane, and meets Route 33 in the center before turning north along Main Street. Short, simple and a good way to get your bearings.
Main Street and the Aldrich
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum sits on Main Street in the historic downtown and has a two-acre sculpture garden. It is a calm stop when you want a break from engine noise.
Keeler Tavern and the 1777 cannonball
The Battle of Ridgefield took place on April 27, 1777, when British forces under General William Tryon marched toward the coast. A British cannonball is still lodged in a corner post at Keeler Tavern. History you can point at.
Season notes
Main Street fills up on nice weekends, so weekday mornings are easier for parking. Fall color along the roads into town is worth a slower pace. Early-season rides can still have sand in the corners.
Watch for
Pedestrians and parked cars in the village center, and frequent stops and turns on Main Street. Deer on the quieter roads outside town at dusk. As always, conditions change, so check ahead.
Questions riders ask about Ridgefield
Does Route 35 continue into New York?
Yes. Connecticut Route 35 is a short extension of New York Route 35. It crosses the state line and runs about 1.8 miles to downtown Ridgefield, where it meets Route 33.
What happened in Ridgefield in 1777?
The Battle of Ridgefield took place on April 27, 1777. A British cannonball from the fight is still lodged in a corner post of Keeler Tavern on Main Street.
Roads, closures and seasonal hours change, so check current conditions before you ride. FJP is an online shop with no storefront or events in Ridgefield. This guide is a free resource for riders.