Getting Started Kayaking - Basic Strokes and Connecting with Paddlers

By Alan Mapes

If you are new to kayaking, or are just getting back into the sport, here are the basic strokes to move your boat with grace and efficiency. A smooth, efficient paddle stroke will make you look great on the water! We will also check out two local paddling groups that you can join to learn more about the sport and find like-minded paddlers. READ MORE…

Best Bike and Fit for You

By Skip Holmes

What bike did you ride this past winter, a fat bike perhaps? What bike will you be riding this spring, summer and fall, a road, gravel, cyclocross, triathlon… or, a mountain bike with 29-inch or 650b wheels, or are you still riding 26-inch wheels? Perhaps you are going to do some serious bike touring. Do you want to ride with someone on a tandem bicycle? Have you considered a recumbent model? READ MORE…

Crossing the Line Since ‘79 - 40th Freihofer’s Run and a Lifelong Friendship

By Christine Bishop

On Saturday, June 2, four women – for the 40th consecutive year – will be on the starting line of the Freihofer’s Run for Women 5K road race. Linda Campbell, Bernadette LaManna, Cindy Kelly, and Denise Herman have been “Crossing the line since ‘79” as it says on their T-shirts. Little did they realize when they first ran the race that they would be making history in an event that has particular meaning to all of them since it was one of the first races to honor women’s running. That was the reason they all individually decided to do the race, and why they have continued running it. They were strangers in the beginning of this journey and through the recognition, they have formed a friendship and bond that continues today. READ MORE…

Puffer Pond - A Wild Setting to Visit Year-Round 

By Bill Ingersoll

Puffer Pond is a favorite destination for many hikers, from those looking for a rugged day hike to those looking for a reasonably easy backpacking destination. It is not the biggest or the best place in the Adirondacks, but this attractive little body of water nestled at the foot of its own namesake mountain rarely fails to please. READ MORE…

Open Water Swimming Tips

By Meisha Rosenberg

You’re about to take a breath in the middle of a lake during a race when a wave hits you; suddenly you’ve got a mouthful of water. Or your goggles fill up with water. What should you do? Well, you could panic or you could prepare for this situation and many others by training your body and mind for open water swimming. As a Masters swimmer who’s competed in open water races, I know one of the best teachers is experience. At the same time, you should learn from as many of the pros as you can. I will share some things I’ve learned both from trial and error and from the wonderful coaching I’ve had right in the Capital Region. READ MORE…

Tech Tips to Get You Dialed for the Season

By Jim MacNaughton

Early spring is a time of rebirth, not only for the earth, but also for your mountain bike. It’s time to get it prepped and ready to ride after its long winter’s nap. This is aimed at getting you riding and much of this work can be done from home. Many excellent tutorials are also available online and in various reference guides. If you feel uncertain about doing any of these repairs yourself, please consult your local trusted bicycle mechanic. READ MORE…