This is the ultimate event to attend with a big group of friends. Whether you stay on campus, or stay in local lodging, the Weekender is all about relaxation and exploration, on and off your bike.
Paul Smith's 14,000 acre lakeside campus is perfect hub for you to explore the beautiful Saranac Lake region by bicycle. But this event is so much more. It's a waterfront campfire with a guitar and friends. It's a few paddle strokes on a pristine pond while listening to the enchanting call of a loon. It's drinking in crisp forest smells while strolling a boardwalk along a nearby bog. And, of course, the cycling is AMAZING. Especially since we'll utilize sections of the vehicle-free and visually stunning Adirondack Rail Trail.
Need a teaser, check out this sweet video. 
Dates: July 31-August 2
Location: Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths
Mileage: 20-40 miles/day
Participation Cap: 150 riders
Benefits: Adirondack Rail Trail Association
The a la carte nature of registration allows guests to choose to stay in a dorm, or nearby local lodging. You can also choose to add the campus meal plan, which makes planning for groups of any size incredibly easy.
BONUS: If you sign up with a group of 10 or more, you'll score a sweet discounted registration price AND land a Weekender t-shirt for free. Extra points for the best name for your group/team.
Registration Includes
- Arrival Dinner
- Event Goodie Bag
- Clearly Marked Daily Routes
- Support & Gear Vehicles, Mechanics
- Well Stocked Rest Stops
- Nightly Entertainment
- Guided Hiking or Canoeing Adventures
Rider Experiences
"Bike ADK always delivers exceptional value at the Weekender at Paul Smiths. Ride support is outstanding, in fact the roadie staff quickly become old friends. The college campus setting in the ADK is heavenly."
"I felt like a kid at camp. Great biking which was good for the body with beautiful paddling that’s good for the soul."
"The Paul Smith's Weekender is one of the best biking experiences we've had! The setting is beautiful, the routes were well thought out and supported. The scenery on the rides and at the college were amazing. We were so happy we chose to stay in the dormitory on campus with the dining hall. It gave us more time for the fun after the ride and made it so much more relaxing. We are planning to return. It was the highlight of the summer for us."
"This event was SO well organized. The communication with participants was outstanding. Beautiful riding routes and a nice selection of other activities and services. My husband and I have been to many bicycle events and this was definitely one of the best. Don’t miss out!"
"Great weekend in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet. Everything was very well organized. Would reco camping and bringing your own boat to enjoy the beautiful lake."
Event Schedule
Friday Arrival Day
11a-1p - Registration/Check-In: Student Center Lakeside Dining Hall
1:30p - Opening Ride Group Send Off: Front of Student Center Lakeside Dining Hall
4-630p - Welcome Dinner: Student Center Lakeside Dining Hall
645p - Event Announcements
7-9p - Evening Entertainment
Saturday
630-8a - Breakfast: Student Center Lakeside Dining Hall
8a-2p - Cycling Routes Open
11a-1p - Lunch: Student Center Lakeside Dining Hall
3p - Guided Off Bike Activities Depart
4-630p - Dinner: Student Center Lakeside Dining Hall
645p - Event Announcements
7-9p – Evening Entertainment
Sunday
630-8a - Breakfast: Student Center Lakeside Dining Hall
8a-1p - Cycling Routes Open
11a–1pm - Lunch: Student Center Lakeside Dining Hall
2p - Event Services End
Routes
FAQs
What does registration include?
Registration Includes:
- Fully Marked & Supported Daily Routes
- Mechanical Services
- Nightly Entertainment
- Guided Hiking or Canoeing Adventures
- Arrival Dinner
- Registration Gift Pack
Are e-bikes allowed?
Yes, all Class 1 pedal assist e-bikes are welcome.
Where do I sleep?
The event features multiple lodging options:
- Campus Dormitory (booked during registration)
- Local Camping or Lodging (booked separately)
What are the dorms like?
All dorms are air conditioned suites with four individual rooms. Each individual room has one twin XL bed, a dresser and a desk. The suite also has two bathrooms with shower in each, a common room and kitchen with refrigerator, stove and microwave. They do not include cooking materials such as pots and pans. Dining wear is also not included. You must bring your own sheets, pillow, comforter/blanket and a towel/washcloth. If you'd like a little extra comfort, it is recommended you bring a mattress topper or sleeping pad to use on top of the mattress. Each guests key will open the main door to the suite and also the lock to their individual room.
Dorms can be booked as 1, 2, 3 or all four private rooms. If you do not book all four rooms, other guests will be assigned to the open rooms. Bathrooms and common areas in each suite are shared.
*Extra nights are available by request for early arrival.
What does the meal plan include?
Your event registration includes the Friday night welcome dinner. The meal plan adds breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Meals are served in the campus dining hall and include options for all dietary needs.
How long are the routes?
Each day will feature a short (20-30 mile) and long (40-50 mile) route option. The campus is also bike friendly and there are numerous low traffic shorter options for families to enjoy together.
What if I return to campus after lunch is over?
No problem. If you think you may return to campus after 1p on Saturday or Sunday, we will arrange for a lunch to be available for you when you return from your ride.
Can I bring my own kayak, canoe or SUP?
Absolutely! You can launch your craft directly from the centrally located college boat launch.
What is the refund/transfer policy?
The policy is as follows:
- Refunds of any amount do not include BikeReg service fees.
- 100% if requested 60 or more days before the event.
- 50% if requested between 60-30 days before the event.
- Refunds are not available if requested less than 30 days before the event. However, the registration can be transferred to another person or deferred to the following year.
- If the event is canceled by organizers, 100% refunds will be issued or registrations can be deferred to the following year.
LODGING
Dormitories*
All dorms are air conditioned suites with four individual rooms. Each individual room has one twin XL bed, a dresser and a desk. The suite also has two bathrooms with shower in each, a common room and kitchen with refrigerator, stove and microwave. They do not include cooking materials such as pots and pans. Dining wear is also not included. You must bring your own sheets, pillow, comforter/blanket and a towel/washcloth. If you'd like a little extra comfort, it is recommended you bring a mattress topper or sleeping pad to use on top of the mattress. Each guests key will open the main door to the suite and also the lock to their individual room.
Dorms can be booked as 1, 2, 3 or all four private rooms. If you do not book all four rooms, other guests will be assigned to the open rooms. Bathrooms and common areas in each suite are shared.
*Extra nights are available by request for early arrival.
Off Campus
Our official hotel for this event is the voco Saranac Lake waterfront hotel, which offers a modern adventure in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Located on Lake Flower's Pontiac Bay, the nature-connected design, and high-level guest service focused on supporting a thoughtful stay, makes the Lodge the premier destination in the Adirondack High Peaks Region. Click this link when booking for a special discount.
Partners
