Iam planning on biking from Norwalk to New Canaan and I’m wondering how hilly it’s going to be. Is there any way to find out? I rode from Westport to.Wilton on route 33 and it was treacherous.
You probably want a topographic map of the area. These people can help with that but their maps don’t seem particularly useful unless you register.
Have you tried a bicycle-specific website, like this one (although I couldn’t find your specific route there)? Another idea is to check with a local bike shop, as they will probably be familiar with the local roads or may have maps or guidebooks for sale.
Or if anyone has driven on it and can tell me by experience.
It’s been years, but I’ve driven on it many times. It’s much flatter than 33 and there are no major uphills like the one between Newtown Turnpike and Rte. 53.
You know, on second thought, I think I’ll just take 106 to New Canaan, sorry for your time. The mods cam close this one if they want.
I am planning on biking from Darien to New Canaan and I’m wondering how hilly it’s going to be. Is there any way to find out? I rode from Westport to Wilton on route 33 and it was treacherous.
I’ve merged the two threads to reduce duplicate replies.
You can get a topographical map by starting at this page and entering an address in New Canaan or Norwalk, then selecting a TOPO view.
The map can be zoomed out for a wider view and clicking the largest of the three squares on the top left will increase its size in your browser window.
You are not going to get to New Canaan from Norwalk on 106.
An alternative to 123 might be Grandview Av to Fillow St to Old Rock Ln to White Oak Shade Rd (becomes Main St).
Sorry. I missed your change of origin from Norwalk to Darien–although 106 would still seem to be out, with 124 the preferred route and Brookside Rd to White Oak Shade Rd the alternative.
Why would 124 be preferred over 106?
Because if his starting point is Darien, he would have to go 3+ miles West on West Av just to get to 106 while 124 actually goes through Darien. 106 does a fine job of going to New Canaan–from Glenbrook or the East side of Stamford.
(Of course, I am not local to the area and acknowledge that the local references to places may not correspond directly to the names on maps.)
If you’re coming up 106 and your destination is downtown New Canaan, I’d recommend checking out the topography of Weed street. It goes directly into the town center and right after you pass it on 106 you would be faced with a significant uphill.
Now that I take another look at the map, I’ll probably start in Stamford and go through Darien into New Canaan (I prefer to bike on state and us routes only). I don’t understand the TOPO map, I just want to know if there are a lot of steep grades and hills or not.
How long is the uphill and would I not have to go on it if I took 124 (or even 123)?
Also, if I decided to start in New Canaan and took 106 to Stamford, would there be uphills in that direction?
The uphill is about a third of mile, not too bad.
106, 124 and 123 all take you into downtown New Canaan. Where are you starting from and where are you going in New Canaan?
Nothing significant, the one I mentioned coming the other way is by far the biggest. It’s not a road I’d want to bike on during rush hour, though.
I’m not sure where I want to start, I’ll end it at the train station. Do any of the routes have a shoulder (wider than 2 feet)