It is a local fact that the best road cycling in the Adirondack High Peaks region starts and finishes in Wilmington, home of Whiteface - the 1980 Olympic Mountain. Anchored by the mountain and the stunning Ausable River, this picturesque community is about as good as it gets for a fall cycling weekend, not to mention the miles and miles of low traffic backroads just waiting for you to ride and "leaf peep" on.
Saranac Lake is as genuine and Adirondack community as it gets. Picture a postcard perfect downtown complete with unique shops, eateries and more galleries than any place in upstate New York. And that's just the ground level, this friendly community is also home to the Adirondack Carousel, its own community owned department store and a giant sea serpent made out of recycled metal. Trust us, there's a good reason why Saranac Lake is "Decidedly Different."
North Creek is the perfect starting point for great cycling in the southern Adirondacks, whether you’re looking for pavement or gravel-based adventures. High quality lodging and dining options, plus hiking, river rafting, and other tourist attractions add up to a wealth of choices for a fun weekend.
Ride for the River is a celebration of the stunning Ausable River watershed and features some of the most incredible road cycling in the Adirondacks. Created by the Ausable Freshwater Center in 2012, the event was designed to support for the resilience of local communities following the devastating flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene. Today, 100% of the ride proceeds directly fund the important work of the nonprofit organization as it works to protect the clean waters, natural hydrology, diverse ecology, and scenic beauty of the Ausable River Valley.
Named after local plumber and cycling enthusiast, the Stratton Ride is a well-supported road cycling tour featuring some of the most stunning scenery and terrain in the northern Adirondacks. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds benefit the youth programs of the Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club, which distributes free bicycle helmets to kids during their annual bike rodeo. To date, 1000's of helmets have been given away.
There is no better setting for a family friendly cycling experience than Paul Smith's College. Its 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.
Dates: August 23
Location: Saranac Lake
NOTE: Only 3 spots remain for the August 10-13 event.
For over a decade, Ride for the River has been a do-not-miss celebration of the stunning Ausable River watershed. Featuring multiple breathtaking route options, the event also hosts a 20-mile "tailgater" group ride on July 12 for those who'd like to come into town a day or two early to make it a weekend.
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.