2026 Weekender Gets Suite
The Weekender at Paul Smith's College returns for 2026 with an improved amenities and enhanced dormitory lodging.
Enrollment is up at Paul Smith's College significantly, with an increase in first-time, full-time freshmen by 30% compared to Fall 2024. That means the "College of the Adirondacks" is investing in improved infrastructure - read remodeling dorms and upgrading other campus amenities.
It's a big win for students and a bonus for folks like us, who are incredibly lucky to utilize the breathtaking lakeside campus as our home for three incredible days of cycling from July 31 to August 2 this summer. It also means that there will be some slight changes to the event format and on-campus lodging offerings, which we think you'll like.
BENEFITS ADIRONDACK RAIL TRAIL ASSOCIATION
Every year, the Weekender benefits the Saranac Lake Youth Center, who helps us out with staffing our rest stops and provides incredible programming for Saranac Lake youth. That's definitely happening this year too. We're also going to help raise advocacy and funds for the Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA), which is a nonprofit organization that partners with NYS DEC to provide trail maintenance and amenities, and supports, coordinates, and promotes the community interests along the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail that we'll feature during this year's event.
Not only will you see and hear from ARTA throughout the weekend, but their staff and board members will be out riding bikes with you.
LODGING
In the past, the event has offered "Spartan" dormitory lodging, which is exactly what it sounds like. This year, we're solely utilizing the Overlook building - the newest on campus - which has entirely air conditioned suites featuring four private bedrooms, two bathrooms with showers in each, and a common room complete with kitchen, refrigerator, stove and microwave.
Guests can book the entire suite for your crew or those attending individually or with a friend can book one room within a suite and be paired with others doing the same.
THE EXPERIENCE
In addition to three days of incredible cycling, the Weekender makes you feel, as a 2025 rider says "like a kid at camp, complete with great biking which was good for the body and beautiful paddling that’s good for the soul."
And they're right, the event includes options to join a free guided hike or paddle, plus live music, a campfire with s'mores, wine tasting and delicious local craft beer and a visit to the amazing Saranac Lake Farmers Market.
GROUP DEALS & DELICIOUS EATS
Gather up your pedal posse, because groups of 10 or more not only receive discounted registration, but they also receive free t-shirts and some other very cool surprises. Plus, the suite style nature of the dorms makes crewing up very convenient and easy.
Every event registrant receives Friday's arrival dinner as part of registration, however adding the optional meal plan makes food planning super easy. Basically, you don't have to. The meal plan includes breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday with nutritional all-you-can-eat meals in the campus dining hall. And yes, they can accommodate any dietary need.
Weekender registration opens on Thursday, January 15 along with all other 2026 BikeADK events. Join us.
