Bloomin' Metric®:
The Routes
We have four incredible routes with precise, customized navigational cues via Ride with GPS that will direct you as you cycle along the beautiful Connecticut shoreline and through our classic New England countryside – all featured in this popular bike tour. Choose your route knowing you can switch routes during the early portions of your ride as the routes overlap for a few miles. Not sure which route you want to do? Download multiple routes so you have them with you on your ride. Our routes have extensive ride marshals and police support to keep everything running smoothly and safely.
Navigation Information
We have provided vital information below about how you can navigate safely around the routes. About a week or two before the event, all paid participants will receive an email "invite", which contains a link. This will give you full access to navigate the routes with turn-by-turn cues. You do not need a paid account with RWGPS. Navigate with your smart phone or any other navigation divice like Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead, etc.
The first thing you should do if you haven't already done it, is download the RWGPS app to your phone for free. Don't wait until the day of the event.
Click the button below to watch a video that explains everything you need to do once you receive our Invite Link.
We no longer have road signs for the Bloomin' except for route splits, food stops and caution areas.
Garmin, Wahoo, etc . . .
Many cyclists have been using these devices for years and pretty much know how they work and how you transfer the data from the links we provide. Some cyclists will transfer their ride via a Bluetooth connection, while some choose to plug it into their computers. Planning ahead is the key. So, loading the routes ahead of time into your devices is a good plan.
Your Smart Phone
Other cyclists elect to use their smart phones instead of Garmins, Wahoos and Karoos, and if you have used cue sheets you might consider this option. It's very easy to set up. If you already own a smart phone, you can use it to navigate the route without having to read a cue sheet. All you need to do is go to your phone's app store and download the Ride with GPS app for free. The video above will step you through the process. Get your route ahead of time into your phone is a good plan.
Cue Sheets
If you find electronics completely daunting with absolutely no hope in figuring it out, you can download and printout a cue sheet from RWGPS. Use your computer and the link in a browser:
1.) Click on the orange Continue to event button.
2.) Click on the ride you intend to do on the left and then click on the orange Go to route link.
3.) Click on the More box at the top and select Print Cuesheet.
1.) Click on the orange Continue to event button.
2.) Click on the ride you intend to do on the left and then click on the orange Go to route link.
3.) Click on the More box at the top and select Print Cuesheet.
25 km
SHORTEST ROUTE
START TIME: 9:00 AM
WITH GROUP RIDE LEADER
This route was designed specifically with the new or novice cyclist in mind. You will be joining a planned group lead by experienced ride leaders who hold the groups together in a tour-like fashion, guiding the riders along the course. This may be a perfect opportunity to get comfortable with group riding and learn more about the sport of cycling.
This route offers fairly easy terrain along a shared route with all the other riders as it travels from the shoreline of Westport, with beautiful views of Long Island Sound, into Southport Harbor and turning slightly north of Route 1 in Fairfield. As you head back west into Westport you'll pass by old farmlands and a hunt club.
Arrive at the park early to allow yourself time to park, gather your bike, helmet, water bottle, etc., check in and follow signs to the Meeting Area. Meeting time is 9:00 am and starting time is 9:30 am. For details, click here. Watch for your Invite Link a week before the Event to navigate this route.
This route offers fairly easy terrain along a shared route with all the other riders as it travels from the shoreline of Westport, with beautiful views of Long Island Sound, into Southport Harbor and turning slightly north of Route 1 in Fairfield. As you head back west into Westport you'll pass by old farmlands and a hunt club.
Arrive at the park early to allow yourself time to park, gather your bike, helmet, water bottle, etc., check in and follow signs to the Meeting Area. Meeting time is 9:00 am and starting time is 9:30 am. For details, click here. Watch for your Invite Link a week before the Event to navigate this route.
40 km
MEDIUM SHORT ROUTE
SUGGESTED START TIME:
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM This route travels slightly more inland than the shortest route but still shares views of Long Island Sound in Westport. As you continue north into Fairfield, you begin to ascend Greenfield Hill, known for it blooming dogwood trees, for which the Bloomin' Metric® was named.
Remember, this is not a race. It's a bike tour with plenty to see, so take your time and enjoy the scenery. This route only passes through two towns – Westport and Fairfield but both offer beautiful shoreline and inland views.
The terrain is a combination of rolling with some hills and plenty of flat sections. The course will travel just north of the Merritt Parkway passing through some horse farm country before you make your way back into Westport and to the one food stop on this route. From there, there will be a series of nice long downhills and gentle undulations before you start heading back to Sherwood Island State Park. Watch for your Invite Link a week before the Event to navigate this route.
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM This route travels slightly more inland than the shortest route but still shares views of Long Island Sound in Westport. As you continue north into Fairfield, you begin to ascend Greenfield Hill, known for it blooming dogwood trees, for which the Bloomin' Metric® was named.
Remember, this is not a race. It's a bike tour with plenty to see, so take your time and enjoy the scenery. This route only passes through two towns – Westport and Fairfield but both offer beautiful shoreline and inland views.
The terrain is a combination of rolling with some hills and plenty of flat sections. The course will travel just north of the Merritt Parkway passing through some horse farm country before you make your way back into Westport and to the one food stop on this route. From there, there will be a series of nice long downhills and gentle undulations before you start heading back to Sherwood Island State Park. Watch for your Invite Link a week before the Event to navigate this route.
75 km
MEDIUM LONG ROUTE
SUGGESTED START TIME:
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM For the more ambitious rider or those who want more of a challenge, this route offers all kinds of terrain from flat to rolling hills to challenging climbs. The course travels through five towns passing along the shore in Westport, heading up to the rolling hills of Fairfield and around the reservoirs in Easton, Redding and Weston.
From a scenic point of view, the course features crashing waterfalls and classically quiet, narrow, totally tree-covered country roads. The route profile slowly builds to a crescendo with a climb to the top of the reservoir in Redding before descending down to Weston.
There are three food stops along the route with two specifically placed for the 75-kilometer riders. The extra stop is placed to service the 100-kilometer riders who share their return route with you. Once reentering Westport there will be some fast downhills and a few rolling hills before flattening out on the return to the park. Watch for your Invite Link a week before the Event to navigate this route.
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM For the more ambitious rider or those who want more of a challenge, this route offers all kinds of terrain from flat to rolling hills to challenging climbs. The course travels through five towns passing along the shore in Westport, heading up to the rolling hills of Fairfield and around the reservoirs in Easton, Redding and Weston.
From a scenic point of view, the course features crashing waterfalls and classically quiet, narrow, totally tree-covered country roads. The route profile slowly builds to a crescendo with a climb to the top of the reservoir in Redding before descending down to Weston.
There are three food stops along the route with two specifically placed for the 75-kilometer riders. The extra stop is placed to service the 100-kilometer riders who share their return route with you. Once reentering Westport there will be some fast downhills and a few rolling hills before flattening out on the return to the park. Watch for your Invite Link a week before the Event to navigate this route.
100 km
LONGEST ROUTE
SUGGESTED START TIME:
7:00 AM – 7:30 AM For seasoned cyclists or those who want more to stay on the bike for a longer ride, this course features flat to hilly terrain and everything in between. This route travels through seven towns and follows all of the 75-kilometer route with an added 25-kilometer loop that truly defines the word bucolic.
The upper loop enters Newtown and finds its way through narrow, winding roads, past lily ponds and crashing waterfalls within the Poverty Hollow section of the course. As the route circles around you will find yourself in farm country with plenty of horses, cows, sheep and goats watching you pass by.
There are three food stops along this route to make sure you are completely refueled for the remainder of the ride. After the rollercoaster ride around the Saugatuck Reservoir, you'll flatten out somewhat as you head down toward the shore and into the park at Sherwood Island. Watch for your Invite Link a week before the Event to navigate this route.
7:00 AM – 7:30 AM For seasoned cyclists or those who want more to stay on the bike for a longer ride, this course features flat to hilly terrain and everything in between. This route travels through seven towns and follows all of the 75-kilometer route with an added 25-kilometer loop that truly defines the word bucolic.
The upper loop enters Newtown and finds its way through narrow, winding roads, past lily ponds and crashing waterfalls within the Poverty Hollow section of the course. As the route circles around you will find yourself in farm country with plenty of horses, cows, sheep and goats watching you pass by.
There are three food stops along this route to make sure you are completely refueled for the remainder of the ride. After the rollercoaster ride around the Saugatuck Reservoir, you'll flatten out somewhat as you head down toward the shore and into the park at Sherwood Island. Watch for your Invite Link a week before the Event to navigate this route.
