june 2024

Historical Marker Celebrating 1898 Union Avenue Bike Path Unveiled

Saratoga Springs cyclists and history buffs are celebrating the installation of a new historical marker commemorating the 1898 Union Avenue bike path. The marker, which was funded by a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation to Saratoga nonprofit Bikeatoga, is in front of the Empire State College building at 2 Union Avenue. About 35 residents attended the event on May 30, including Deputy Mayor JoAnne Kiernan and Deputy Commissioner Heather Crocker.

According to Bikeatoga Advocacy Chair Ed Lindner, “The 1890s bicycle boom took Saratoga Springs by storm. The bicycle was immediately popular with summer visitors.” An 1895 newspaper account declared that it was “Bicycle Summer” in the city, reporting that each morning, 50 to 100 riders headed out to Saratoga Lake, where hotels and roadhouses provided bicycle storage rooms and a hearty meal. “Those riders passed right down Union Avenue,” Ed said.

In just a few years, Saratoga residents, led by the Good Roads Association and funded in part by the Woman’s Association of Greater Saratoga, built a network of bicycle paths around the city that was the envy of neighboring communities. A 1900 Visitor’s Guide reports that Saratogians, “recognizing the great popularity of cycling, and the demands of so many visitors to Saratoga for proper facilities,” built a series of “delightful paths” set aside for the exclusive use of bicyclers.” Bicycle paths ran to Albany, Glens Falls, Lake George and other neighboring communities. One popular path ran along the south side of Union Avenue to Yaddo, Saratoga Lake and the White Sulphur Springs. The historical marker was installed on Union Avenue near the location of the original bike path.

Bikeatoga considers the Union Avenue historical marker both a reminder of our past and a blueprint for our future. “Bicycles and bike paths were very much part of the history and culture of Saratoga’s golden age.” Ed said. “We can honor that history by building the bike lanes envisioned in our present-day Complete Streets plan, here on Union Avenue and throughout the city.”

The organization notes that in 1899, after the completion of the city’s bike paths, the Troy Daily Times reported that “as in many other things, Saratoga excels in bicycle paths.” Bikeatoga is a nonprofit corporation created in 2005 that is dedicated to making cycling more convenient, accessible, and safer in and around Saratoga Springs. Visit: bikeatoga.org.

Lake Placid May Host 2026 XC World Cup Finale

Mt Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid may become the host for the 2026 Nordic Skiing World Cup. For the 2023 World University Games, MVH and the rest of ORDA’s local venues were upgraded thanks to more than $500 million in state investments. Venue and senior management at ORDA worked with the US ski team and FIS to build trust and show that Lake Placid could successfully host more world cup events, based on Ski Jumping World Cups over the last two years, other national and international events held at the venues.

Two of the biggest upgrades at Mt Van Hoevenberg that give Lake Placid an edge over other venues are the snowmaking and broadcast infrastructure. Despite recent challenging winter weather, the Nordic ski center has not had to cancel any or postpone any races due to the ability to make snow. MVH’s broadcast compound connects to television trucks and servers for broadcasting.

Mt Van Hoevenberg is attracting more national and international sports events including the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Cup on September 27-29, and the International Biathlon Union’s IBU Cup in February 2026. Visit: lakeplacidlegacysites.com.

Blackbirds Bike Café Now Open

When Stewart’s Shops closed its location on South Main Street in Voorheesville, it left a vacant building and a gap in the village’s employment base. Voorheesville is the hometown of Business for Good cofounder Ed Mitzen, who saw an opportunity to turn the empty space into businesses that could benefit the community. The result of the community development are two new destinations – the Blackbirds Bike Café and Blackbirds Tavern, named after the town’s high school mascot.

Business for Good purchased the property and began renovations in 2021 with support from the mayor and town. With renovations complete, both the café and tavern have begun to employ and will contribute to the Main Street corridor for years to come. The Bike Café is open now and Blackbirds Tavern is scheduled to open later in 2024. All profits from both locations are donated to Business for Good to fund high school sports, activities and programs in Voorheesville and nearby towns. They also plan to support this community by exploring affordable housing options and collaborating more as the business launch. Visit: blackbirdscafe.com.