Puppy Dog Route 2018 (Updated)

With that bike and tank size you should be fine. There is easy access to gas at least every 100 miles. BTW my comments apply to PDR routes other than the new 2018 one which i have not taken, though I know VT pretty well and can't imagine finding gas could be very difficult.

perfect, thanks. Most likely trailer it up there from CT this July to give it a shot.

Why trailer when you can take the TMT right out of Winsted, CT which connects right into the southern end of the PDR in Greenfield, MA? The 310gs is great for tar as well.

For me, I don't like riding CT roads. To get to Winsted I would have to take the same roads I take to work (84,44,140 etc) where from my very unscientific research 1 out of every 3 drivers is distracted either on their phone, reading a newspaper, doing makeup or shaving. And, while I know there are no "safe" roads I figure I would pass maybe 1000 cars to get to Winsted from where I live so that gives me 333 distracted drivers to pass. Even on a busy day on the trails in VT I would probably maybe pass what half that if I'm unlucky? So even if the 1/3 ratio stays the same, I eliminate a ton of risks. I treat my bike the same as my ATV - trailer, ride, trailer. Its sad but I feel so unsafe in CT that I have taken my road cycling bike off the road except for races and only use zwift to exercise after countless close calls on the roads pedal biking. If there is a good place to trailer to in Winsted, then different story and I will have to take a look at the TMT as I know nothing about it.

I've never heard of someone so terrified of riding a motorcycle that rides a motorcycle.

FWIW, I have a mostly dirt route from Southbury CT that meets up with the Trans-MA Trail near Winstead, if you're interested. My buddy and I have ridden it quite a number of times (riding from NH down to CT to start) and we aren't dead yet.

There are quiet, and sometimes even dirt, roads everywhere through CT if you search for them. Taking super slab and major state roads is your problem.

I know plenty of people who only ride dirt for the same reason. I spend half my time here in CT and half my time living in Maine and have no problems or fears riding where I live up there on any roads. Its not fear of riding, its a fear of other drivers specifically here. I'm sure its anecdotal but all roads are not the same and I just choose not to ride the roads here in CT I would need to use to get to Western CT. Its just not enjoyable, so I don't.

It can happen anywhere. I was hit head on by a driver who couldn’t negotiate a hairpin (on a quiet country road) and flew into my lane. Stuff happens but I’m can’t let it deter me from wasting my precious time dragging my bike behind me instead of riding it.

Here's my North End Loop ride combining 2018 and 2012 PDR's. About 275 miles. It's start from the Town Of Marshfield, at MeadowCrest Campground. It's gonna be a long day.

Just completed the lower halfs of the 2012 and 2018 PDR's. Going for the all day'er tomorrow (the ride above).
On the 2018 PDR, Half of Cady Hill Rd is closed. Looks like it might be permanent. Not sure why though. Easy go-around, just take Perkins Hill Rd. (all dirt )

Is it gated or just a road closed sign?

It is being repaired

FYI, I rode the 2018 version of the PDR on July 12 and 13th (the week before last) on a slightly overloaded WR250R. Overall it was a great ride with good weather, dust was down form rains earlier that week. There was only one closure (for road maintenance) that was easily gone around and there would have been another but they had stopped work for the weekend.
The roads are generally smooth and easy. Very scenic in many spots. I really enjoyed the ride.
I camped at The Tree Farm Campsite in Springfield, VT the first night ($24.) and stayed at Coleman State Park near Colebrook NH the 2nd night on my way to Maine and Acadia Ntl Park.

Can anyone give me an idea about how long it takes to get to silver lake from the start in greenfield?

About 5 hours.

planning to do the PDR next month with a few friends, none of us have ridden it before or are familiar with the area. can someone that has ridden it take a look to see if i've missed anything?

Day 1 We're starting from Halifax taking the Greenfield to Silver lake track.
gas stop Rt. 103 rockinham
bypass around closed road
Lunch at Barnard general store
Silver lake to Derby line track
Gas at rt. 14 in Sharon
stopping for the night in Waterbury. 255 miles

Day 2 resuming Silver lake to Derby line.
Gas at derby line
Taking roads from Derby line to Junction restaurant for early lunch.
Troy to silver lake long track
Gas at waterbury
continue to Rt.125 spending the night in Middlebury. 257 miles

Day 3 continue troy -silver lake
Gas at Bethel
lunch Creekhouse diner or toziers restaurant
continue to silver lake
gas rt. 103 Rockham
silver lake to greenfield
stopping in Halifax 250 miles

TIA

Don't know if this'll be of any help but maybe give a look through here. Don't know what happened to all the pics but you probably could still download the tracks. PM me if you can't. The days were perfect in length and lodging all worked out well from what I remember.

Thanks, i'll take a look at the tracks

Any suggestions for parking a truck and trailer in Greenfield, MA? I see there is a lot of retail around there, thinking of asking Home Depot? Any hotel suggestions along the routes to stay during the ride? Thanks,

We are staying at the Best western in Waterbury the first night and the courtyard in middlebury the 2nd if you use the info I posted it’s about 250 miles a day