May 2025

Paint the Peaks Purple 

Paint the Peaks Purple is held in the month of June and aims to get as many hikers as possible on different Adirondack peaks to raise awareness and funds to help advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. The challenge is part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s signature fundraising event The Longest Day, which is held on or around the summer solstice on June 20 – to honor those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. 

Turn your passion for hiking into an amazing purpose by registering today: alz.org/tld. Then join hikers to collectively summit the Adirondack mountains. Most hikes take place in June around the summer solstice but there can be any summer date that works for you. Choose your Adirondack peak – whether you are a seasoned hiker or a novice, there is a peak for everyone, Many peaks are also kid and dog-friendly. Alzheimer’s Association will mail purple items and supplies to all teams. A fundraising coach can provide support and helpful tips and tools – plus, there are fundraising incentives along the way. 

The Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York chapter provides local programs and services at no charge to families impacted by the disease. This is due to fundraising initiatives like Paint the Peaks Purple. For more info, contact Ashley Enekes at 518-675-7215 or aenekes@alz.org. Register: alz.org/tld.

Albany Ultimate Disc Association

The Albany Ultimate Disc Association is the Capital Region’s central organization for ultimate frisbee, offering year-round opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. From casual summer leagues to competitive club teams, AUDA brings people together through a sport rooted in camaraderie, athleticism, and fun.

Ultimate frisbee is more than just a game, it is a community. AUDA is committed to fostering a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of experience or background. The sport’s unique mixed-gender format allows for inclusive play that affirms athletes of all gender identities. AUDA proudly supports gender diversity on and off the field, and this year, members will be marching in Albany’s Pride Parade on Sunday, June 8, to celebrate that commitment.

Youth development is a core part of Albany Ultimate Disc Association’s mission, and it supports a local under-20 team to help young players build skills and confidence. To introduce even more youth to the sport, AUDA is hosting a free clinic on Saturday, June 14 from 10am-12pm, open to all athletes under 20. They will also be hosting a “hat” tournament, open to all, following the free clinic until 4pm with all proceeds going towards the youth team. (Players are randomly assigned to teams by drawing names from a hat, rather than joining preexisting teams, which promotes social fun and playing with new people.)

With summer league registration now open, there has never been a better time to join the action. Whether you are looking to compete, stay active, or just have a great time, ultimate frisbee offers a fast-paced, inclusive experience unlike any other.

No matter your background or skill level, Albany Ultimate Disc Association invites you to join the fun, build lasting connections, and be part of a growing ultimate community in the Capital Region. For more info on how to get involved, visit: albanyultimate.com. –Mike Eisenstein

WHOOP UCI MTB World Series

The NYS Olympic Authority announces that the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series will return to Lake Placid from Friday-Sunday, October 3-5. The event will feature men’s and women’s UCI World Cup races in both endurance and gravity disciplines, including Cross-Country Short Track (XCC) and Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) at Mt Van Hoevenberg, and Downhill (DHI) at Whiteface Mountain in nearby Wilmington.

With the addition of downhill racing, Lake Placid becomes one of just seven global destinations on the 2025 World Series calendar to host both formats on the same weekend. It’s the only stop in the U.S. 

The 2025 World Series tour opened April 3 in Brazil and concludes October 9-12 at Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec. The weekend will feature the world’s best elite, U23, and junior riders battling for podium finishes and overall standings points. Cross-country races will return to an updated version of the demanding 2024 course at Mt Van Hoevenberg, while Whiteface Mountain unveils its new downhill course, traversing roughly two kilometers of steep, technical terrain designed for high-speed descents that require both precision and fearless determination.

This is the second year of a three-year partnership between the Olympic Authority and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, the global promoter of the series. Races will be broadcast domestically on the B/R Sports hub via the Max streaming platform. Union Cycliste Internationale is the worldwide governing body for cycling in all its forms. The 2025 World Series features returning champions, rising stars and legends of the sport. 

The schedule will kick off Friday with the downhill qualifier at Whiteface and short track racing at Mt Van Hoevenberg. Saturday’s action takes place at Whiteface as the elite men’s and women’s champions are crowned following the men’s and women’s junior finals. Sunday will see the elite men and women and the U23 riders on the XCO course at Mt Van Hoevenberg. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online: mtvanhoevenberg.com. Admission is free for SKI3 season pass holders.