Collinsville (Finally!)

It was a gorgeous day so I decided to return to the Farmington River Trail to cruise on into Collinsville. I parked at a lot near where I got farthest north on my previous trek.

Once in Collinsville--after a quick ride around the quaint little town--I enjoyed a burger and beer at the pub which was once the old train station--how cool is that?

The former railroad bridge and factory.

Main Street was charming...

Historical Kiosks were abundant throughout the village.

The former train station is now a pub -- Ooo yeah!

Tools/blades a made at the local former factory were on display

Piers of the former RR Bridge

Further Details 

The central portion of Collinsville is a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The ambiance of Main Street reflects period architecture with ornate details from the start of the 20th century. It was built around the Collins Company Axe Factory, a manufacturer of edge tools, such as axes, machetes, picks and knives. Collins machetes were the brand of choice in South America. Collins tools were used almost exclusively for the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway, and axes and picks made their way across the country to be used in the California Gold Rush. Admiral Peary carried Collins tools to the North Pole. Source (Wikipedia)

Collinsville has a unique railroad history because they had two railroads that were very close, but did not connect. The New Haven and Northampton (NH&N) came first in 1850, followed by the Central New England (CNE) in 1871. Source 

Farmington River Trail

On Friday, although the weather was humid and there was an air quality advisory due to Canadian smoke, I decided to head over the Farmington and ride the river trail. My intentions were to ride to Collinsville - have a brew and burger there and ride back.  Alas ... it was not to be...

Unionville 

Along the River

Disaster!

All went well until I got a flat (a staple pierced the tire and tube!). Despite help from a nice couple, I must have pinched the replacement tube with the tire iron and it didn't hold air. I very kind good Samaritan named Sam stopped and we spent a painful 20 minutes or more trying the fix the 2nd flat with bandaids and a dried-up ancient patch kit to no avail!! :-(

I walked most of the way back (probably took close to an hour) when Sam showed up again and promised to find a new tube for me! What a godsend! Sure enough within 10 minutes or so he finds me still plodding along walking with the bike and together we finally inserted a new tube that held air and I was on my way.  THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE OUT THERE STILL - THANK YOU SAM!!!

Short One-Handed Video

Yes it was a bummer of a day but I will return soon--gotta check out Collinsville, etc.