Late Summer – Cool Rides and Races

By Darryl Caron 

It’s mid-summer so hopefully you’ve been getting out there and building your mileage with occasional or frequent rides on roads, paths or trails the last couple of months. Now you can reap the fitness rewards on longer, faster, or more challenging rides or even a few races – no worries, newcomers are welcome. Whether you’re a casual, fitness or competitive cyclist, whether you ride solo or with others, summer blesses everyone on the bike – and since you’re moving, it often provides a nice breeze. Check out this amazing variety of events in our region this August and September, then signup and enjoy longer evenings and pleasant temperatures while riding with family, friends, and acquaintances.

The Summer Mountain Bike Race Series in Cole’s Woods was a welcome surprise. This Thursday evening series takes place in Glens Falls on July 18 and 25, and August 1 and 8. It’s a free event produced by Friends of Cole’s Woods – in the winter, they also host a free ski/snowshoe series. Registration starts at 5:15pm, kids race is 6pm, and the full race is 6:15pm. It’s held on a 1.5M course with novice (one lap), sport (two laps), and expert (three laps). There will be a raffle for prizes. Visit: friendsofcoleswoods.org.

If you’d like to improve your basic skills, the On the Canals: Bike Maintenance Workshop is on Saturday, July 20 at 9am. The free event is presented by NYS Canal Corporation and led by John Ceceri of Adirondack Ultra Cycling Bike Shop in Schuylerville. Register online. Visit: bikereg.com.

The popular On the Canals: Bike & Boat Short Cruises series continues Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, on July 25, 27, August 1, 10, 15, 20, 22, 29, Sept. 21, 28, and Oct. 6. They include a 6-8M bike to Lock C6 and boat cruise back, or cruise first and bike back. The free events are presented by NYS Canal Corporation and organized by Adirondack Ultra Cycling Bike Shop in Schuylerville. Register early as these free events fill fast. Visit: bikereg.com.

The Donut “100” is back! On Sunday, July 28, this is an annual event is a quest for fried golden rings of dough, produced by Grey Ghost Bicycles. It’s a ride for “fun,” there’s no prize, no numbers, no timing, and it’s not easy. It will push you to the limits, but that’s what you ride for, isn’t it? The 126M route is long and climbs quite a bit, and with paved and gravel roads there’s a little something for everyone. The ride will leave from Common Roots Brewing in South Glens Falls, head to Cambridge to the King’s Donut Cart, then to Manchester, Vt. for a stop at Willoughby’s Depot Eatery – and some tacos at The Avocado Pit. All stops are not mandatory, and lunch and donuts are not included. Luckily, they finish at Common Roots for some post-ride refreshments! The route will not be marked, will pass through some areas of little cell coverage, and there’s no sag, so be familiar with the route as you’re responsible for yourself. Limit of 30 riders. Visit: bikereg.com.

The Weekender at Paul Smith’s College, produced by Bike Adirondacks, is on Friday-Sunday, August 2-4. This is the ultimate event to attend with a group of friends or family. Whether you stay in the dorms, tent or RV on campus, or stay in local lodging, the Weekender is all about relaxation and exploration, on and off your bike. The lakeside campus is a perfect hub to explore the beautiful Saranac Lake region by bicycle (including newly opened sections of the Adirondack Rail Trail) with supported, marked rides of 30-55M daily. And there’s more: arrival BBQ, waterfront campfire, paddling on a pristine pond, strolling a boardwalk along a nearby bog, a guided tour of a historic Great Camp, and a live lakeside theater production on Friday night. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a discount. Proceeds benefit Adirondack Land Trust. Visit: bikeadk.com.

This Churney Gurney will again feature fun at Gurney Lane Park in Queensbury on August 3-4. Saturday will feature group rides, skills tests on the skills course, and their downhill singletrack race. It’s held on Rogue/Rogue Extension, do as many laps as you wish (all will be timed) and the top three will win some fun prizes. There’s also a 5M Trail Running Race on the singletrack trails: itsyourrace.com. Sunday is the big cross-country race with a full day of races for all categories. North Country Subaru will be there, Grey Ghost Bicycles will provide bike support, along with local shops. There will be live music, Common Roots Brewery beer tent, raffles, family activities, BBQ lunch, and a free kids race. Come out, race and have some fun. Visit: bikereg.com.

The 17th annual Tour of the Catskills is on Saturday, August 10. Based in Tannersville, “the painted village in the sky,” it offers 74, 52 and 27M scenic supported road rides for all levels in the northern Catskills. The 75M ride will climb the steep and infamous Devil’s Kitchen (Platte Cove Rd). There will be an after party with comfort fare and refreshments at Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Café. It’s organized by Anthem Sports Tours, founder of Tour of the Battenkill. Visit: anthemsportstours.com.

On Sunday, August 11, the 21st annual Christine Nicole Perry Memorial Bike Ride will be at The Hub Bike Shop & Café in Brant Lake. It offers 40M advanced (hilly) and 25M intermediate (rolling) road rides along the Schroon River, and Loon, Friends and Brant lakes, and a 15M ride (beginner friendly) along the Schroon River and Brant Lake – something for everyone. The low registration fee includes a fantastic lunch at The Hub and swag, so join the party for a fantastic time! The proceeds go to the scholarship fund at Bolton Central School and supports other community services. Visit: bikereg.com.

The West-Woodward Memorial Time Trial & NYS Time Trial Championships are back in Jay on Sunday, August 18. The Team Placid Planet event was previously held in 2017 and 2021. It’s named in memory of North Country time trial stalwarts and all-around athletes, Don West and Scott Woodward. Proceeds will be donated to the Run for Jon fund for area youth with serious medical conditions and Eastern Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined program. The race will be held on NY Route 9N, staging from the rest area near Jay (not Upper Jay). The distances are 7.5, 10 and 17.4M, based on category, and all ages-abilities are welcome. Visit: bikereg.com.

The 24th edition Pat Stratton Ride, based in Saranac Lake, is on Saturday, August 24. Named after a local plumber and cycling enthusiast, the road cycling tour features some of the most stunning scenery and terrain in the Adirondacks. There are 25, 50 and 100M supported rides, but it’s also known for the fresh baked pies at the finish line BBQ, music and raffles. Proceeds benefit Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club’s youth programs; $100,000 raised to date. Visit: strattonride.com.

On Saturday, Sept. 7, the Butternut Valley Gravel Grinder in New Lisbon (near Cooperstown) is a spectacular late summer ride in Otsego County, on some of the best dirt/gravel roads you’ll ever ride! There are 10M and 45M options, plus you can ride with and meet former pro world champion and Tour of Flanders winner Alessandro Ballan. The ride is hosted at Butternuts Beer & Ale, and a super meal and craft beer is included – plus there are amazing raffle prizes, including a Rock Lobster bike frame. Proceeds benefit Bassett Cancer Institute. Save $15 with the code ADK15. Visit: bikereg.com.

The Catskill Mountain Cycling Challenge is on Sunday, Sept. 8 at Catskill Recreation Center in Arkville. It carries forth the long tradition of recreational road cycling in the western Catskills. The Cycling Challenge brings you three routes – Pepacton Short 29M (flat-rolling), Andes Loop 50M (two long climbs/descents), and Century Challenge 100M (moderate-advanced), and your scenic pedal will support programming at the Catskill Recreation Center. All will receive a T-shirt, delicious lunch, and locker rooms with showers will be available. Save with early bird by 7/31. Visit: bikrereg.com.

On Sunday-Wednesday, Sept. 8-11, Bike ADK’s Great Camp Sagamore Gravel Experience in Raquette Lake is available (8/11-14 is sold out). Blending gravel cycling with a modern mini vacation that provides you with a true connection to the landscape and history of this special place. Mornings will feature guided 20M bike rides with Adirondack scenery and gentle rolling terrain. Afternoons are about camp exploration and relaxation with canoeing, hiking, open-air bowling, or simply lakeside lounging. Includes buffet meals and happy hours. Limited to 20. Visit: bikeadk.com.

Join Pedal the Creek for a benefit bike tour on Saturday, Sept. 14. The 20, 35 and 50M road rides introduce people too some of the cool parts of this wonderful natural resource. The rides begin/end at Brookhaven Park in the town of Greenfield, 10 minutes NW of Saratoga Springs, and on the edge of the Kayaderosseras Range – a source of the creek. There will be a post-ride meal provided at the park pavilion. Visit: kayadeross.org.

Unify Cycling presents the second annual Prospect Mountain Hill Climb in Lake George on Saturday, Sept. 14. The 5M uphill challenge is in support of PTSD awareness and ending veteran suicide. All ages and abilities are welcome. Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway, Lake George. Visit: unifycyclingny.com.

On Sept. 14-15, the Handlebarley Gravel Weekend, hosted by Bike ADK at Paradox Brewery in North Hudson, features two incredible fall days of gravel riding in eastern Essex County. Saturday’s ride is a 20M afternoon social cruise to stunning Elk Lake Lodge, followed by post-ride drinks. The main event is Sunday, venturing on a 44M loop in the Ironville area, before heading back to the brewery for pizza, refreshments and live music. You can sign up for one or both days. Benefits Penfield Homestead Museum. Visit: bikeadk.com.

The 16th annual Albany Ride for Missing Children will be on Friday, Sept. 20, with a start/finish at Southern Saratoga YMCA in Clifton Park. The 100M ride will be in Saratoga County and proceeds benefit National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. New riders and volunteers encouraged. Visit: give.missingkids.org.

The inaugural Pyramid Lake Gravel Weekend is on Sept. 20-22, with great gravel rides – based at Paradox Life Center, just 10M east of Schroon Lake. The main event is Saturday, Sept. 21, with a 25M scenic gravel ride in the Paradox area, or a 77M ride through nearby Vermont gravel. You can sign up for one day, or a two-three day weekend stay. Visit: bikereg.com.

At Bike the Barns, on Saturday, Sept. 21, you can experience the agricultural story of the Adirondacks and Champlain Valley, at this farm-by-bike ride. Based from Ausable Brewing in Keeseville, it features a 23M road ride with farm stops and tours, and post-ride fabulous meal, craft beverages and live music. This Bike ADK event benefits the Adirondack North Country Association. Don’t wait, it sells out. Visit: bikeadk.com.

The 11th annual Harry Elkes Ride is from The Hub in Brant Lake on Saturday, Sept. 28. A fundraiser presented by Adirondack Cycling Advocates, you can celebrate the legacy of bicycling left by Glens Falls native, Harry Elkes – a 1900s world-class bike racer. Choose from 15, 32 and 50M road rides and an 18M gravel ride on quiet country roads and along scenic lakes. After the ride, meet other cyclists, and food/drinks are available at The Hub. Visit: bikereg.com.

If you’d like to discover new routes near where you live, I encourage you to join a group or club, such as Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club, Saratoga Mountain Bike Association, or others in our region. To mix it up, consider trying something new like gravel/dirt riding, sleeping under the stars, going on an adventure ride with family, or joining (or creating) a weekend or longer bike tour. Finally, consider helping a friend discover or rediscover the joy of cycling.