Enjoy Late Summer Rides, Tours and Races

By Darryl Caron

September is a great month to ride so learn more, sign up, ride/train, and we’ll see you out there.

Great Camp Sagamore: Gravel Experience in Raquette Lake on Sunday-Wednesday, Sept. 7-10. This multiday experience blends two days of guided, scenic gravel cycling in the morning with 20-25 miles per day on low/no traffic roads with a modern mini-vacation that provides you with a true connection to the landscape and history of Great Camp Sagamore, built in 1897. The afternoons are all about camp exploration and relaxation, with canoeing, hiking, a historic open-air bowling alley, or simply lounging by the lake. If you’re interested, act now because registration is capped at 20 and only four spots remain. The ride benefits the Great Camp Sagamore Public Trust. Register: bikeadirondacks.com.

Farm to For Fitness Adventures: Finger Lakes Weekend Getaway in Ithaca on Friday-Sunday, Sept. 12-14. Get a taste of the Finger Lakes with an adventure filled weekend with scenic beauty and farm-fresh flavors with picturesque views of Cayuga and Keuka lakes. This tour blends excitement, relaxation, plus visits to Taughannock Falls and Watkins Glen state parks, Corning Museum of Glass, and the charm of Ithaca – including their farmer’s market. Designed for cycling enthusiasts, the route features a more challenging mix of longer, rolling to hilly rides through small towns, serene lakeside paths, and rolling vineyards. For food lovers, savor the rich flavors of the Finger Lakes as you discover fresh ice cream, regional ciders, and wines from celebrated wineries. With stops at local farms and artisanal producers, each meal is memorable – including a signature farm dinner. The weekend is limited to 30 participants. Register: farmtoforkfitness.com.

Prospect Mountain Hill Climb in Lake George on Saturday, Sept. 13. Presented by Unify Cycling, the third annual 5.7-mile, 1,600-foot climb at an average 5% grade is a doable challenge. The majestic climb over the Queen of American Lakes features a wonderful view at the summit! If you’re a first-time racer, they’re committed to growing the sport, so contact the event director for a discounted entry fee. As an incentive, they also have discounted rates for women, juniors, veterans and military – including families. This climb brings awareness and funds to end veteran suicide and support veterans with PTSD or TBI and their families – so get together, by bike. Prospect is part of the BUMPS hill climb championship series: bumpshillclimb.com. Register: bikereg.com.

Handlebarley Gravel Weekend in North Hudson on Sept. 13-14. Hosted at Paradox Brewery, the Handlebarley features two incredible fall days of mixed surface backroads, supported riding in the eastern Adirondacks. You can sign up to ride just Saturday, only Sunday, or make it a full weekend. You’re guaranteed some awesome dirt, amazing views and a lot of fun. Saturday’s ride is an afternoon social cruise to stunning Elk Lake Lodge followed by drinks at the brewery. The main event is Sunday where you venture east of the brewery to historic Ironville – known as the “Birthplace of the Electrical Age” – for a stop Hunter Way Farm and the Penfield Homestead Museum before heading back to the brewery for a pizza and salad feast, with live music. Mileage options are 20-44 miles, the participation cap is 150 riders, and it benefits the Penfield Homestead Museum. If you make it a weekend, The Lodge at Schroon Lake (event sponsor), Blue Ridge Motel, Spacious Skies Camping, and Adirondack Lodging have sweet deals and rates. Register: bikeadirondacks.com.

Nomad CX Cyclocross Race in Scotia is on Sunday, Sept. 14. Presented by Nomad Endurance, it kicks off Capital Bicycle Racing Club’s Cyclocross Series, so you can earn points and have fun. If you’re really enjoying it, you can register and race for two events in one day for just $10 more. Nomad CX is back at Collins Park, a great location that will have some challenging obstacles – and it’s close to anywhere in the Capital Region. In addition to men, women, masters, they offer tons of opportunities for juniors to race. All money raised will go directly to the local NICA team and Flow Riders to help get more kids on bikes! Register: bikereg.com.

Albany Ride for Missing Children in Clifton Park is on Friday, Sept. 19. I encourage you to join the ride, it’s a powerful 100-mile cycling event dedicated to raise awareness to protect children. The ride will roll through Saratoga County, bringing together riders, law enforcement, and the community to raise awareness, educate children, and honor missing children and their families in the Capital Region. Along the route, they honor families of missing persons, pay tribute to law enforcement and visit area school partners. This event raises funds to support their mission of child safety and abduction prevention. Register: albanyrfmc.org.

Bike the Barns in Westport on Sunday, Sept. 21. The best way to experience the rich agricultural history of the Lake Champlain Valley and Adirondacks is farm-by-bike. But don’t hesitate, as it’s capped at 200 riders and sells out in advance. This fall tour from Camp Dudley, on the shore of Lake Champlain, features farm stops while experiencing the landscape, with rides of 27-32 miles. You can see, smell and absorb more when moving by your own pedal power. Then, kick back with a locally sourced meal provided by ADK Food Hub, craft beverages by Ausable Brewing, and live music by Ploughman’s Lunch – named after one of my favorite British meals! Your registration supports Adirondack North Country Association’s work to bolster local food systems, reduce food insecurity, and improve community health outcomes. Bike the Barns takes place after the Adirondack Harvest Festival on Sept. 20 at Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport. Both events feature local food producers and supporting groups, and there’s also a special past night, so make it a weekend. Register: bikeadirondacks.com.

Fall Adirondack Women’s Weekend in Schroon Lake on Friday-Sunday, Sept. 26-28. Since the summer women’s weekend sells out annually, it was time for Bike Adirondacks to introduce a new fall event featuring two days of supported road rides of 30-35 miles daily in the Schroon Lake region, based from the cozy Lodge at Schroon Lake, a beautiful resort overlooking and on the west shore of the lake. Whether attending solo or with friends, it’s about having a great time and relaxing, on and off your bike. Add in delicious dining, gifts and surprises, and knowing everything is taken care of, and you’ve got a great Adirondack weekend. Participation is capped at 40 riders and it supports the Schroon Lake Association and their volunteer efforts to preserve, promote, and protect the Schroon lake and river watershed. Register: bikeadirondacks.com.

Harry Elkes Ride in Brant Lake on Saturday, Sept. 27. The Adirondack Cycling Advocates invites you to their 12th annual event with quiet country road rides of 50 and 32 miles along scenic lakes, an 18-mile gravel ride, and a 15-mile Brant Lake road ride – all in beautiful northern Warren County. With a start/finish at The Hub, you can enjoy a post-ride lunch, craft beverages, meet other cyclists, and watch a video of 1900s bicycle racing, featuring world-class racer and Glens Falls native Harry Elkes. Choose from four routes, ride at your ability level with other cyclists, and enjoy the Adirondacks. The event is a fundraiser for Adirondack Cycling Advocates, who supports safe cycling in Warren County and the surrounding area: adkcyclingadvocates.org. Register: bikereg.com.

Adirondack Multisport Club’s Cider Ride from South Glens Falls on Sunday, Sept. 28. Finally, join the ninth annual Cider Ride from Common Roots Brewery in South Glens Falls to Saratoga Apple for cider and donuts (included) in Schuylerville and back – as well as a beer token for Common Roots. There are two distance options, of 32 and 43 miles, so enjoy a fun group ride. Register: bikereg.com. 

Enjoy this wonderful time of year to be on your bike!