Post by Mgoose on May 11, 2015 17:27:10 GMT -5
he Adirondack Region is a growing mecca for mountain bikers in the Northeast, offering well-maintained trails, and a community of riders that welcomes visitors to explore and enjoy their favorite trails.
Integral to maintaining Adirondack mountain bike trails are the volunteer organizations that do everything from securing funding for signage to raking leaves and pine needles off the trails. Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA), a project of the Adirondack Ski Touring Council, is leading the charge around Lake Placid, Wilmington and Saranac Lake, adding on to existing networks so that all levels of riders have plenty of options.
In Wilmington, one of BETA’s ongoing projects is the Flume Trail Network, located on the West Branch of the Ausable River, offering smooth single tracks, and technical climbs. A half an hour drive from Wilmington, the Ausable Chasm Mountain Bike Center offers 15 miles of mountain bike trails, including beginner cruising and intermediate loops with double-track and single track trail. The advanced loop features steeper hills and narrow paths through miles of unspoiled forest. For more expert riding, the Wickham Marsh State Trails are connected to Ausable’s trails, leading riders through the marsh, downhill to Lake Champlain.
In the western Adirondacks, Highflats State Forest /Seven Springs Trails is one of four areas in the Adirondack Seaway Region maintained by the St. Lawrence County Mountain Bike Association. Located in Colton, the trails provide miles of great terrain for all abilities.
The Adirondacks also host several mountain biking festivals and races throughout the summer, including:
5th annual Wilmington/Whiteface Bike Fest kicks off June 5-7 and will feature several events, including the 14th annual Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race and the 5th annual 100k Mountain Bike Race, which is a qualifier for the Leadville Trail 100 MTB mountain bike race.
20th annual Black Fly Challenge on June 13 is a 40-mile bike race through the Moose River Plains Recreation Area, starting in Indian Lake and ending in Inlet. Riders and guests will enjoy an after party at Fern Park featuring food, beer and live music. The race attracts about 1,000 riders and is open to beginner, sport and expert competitive cyclists.
Mountain Bike Rodeo & Races, the final event of the Black Fly Challenge, is scheduled for June 14 at Fern Park. The event features a series of competitions for all ages, including a Slow Race, Barrell Race, Log Pull, Balance Race and the Longest Wheelie.
The Churney Gurney Mountain Bike Race & Kids Race slated for August 2 at Gurney Lane Recreation Area in Queensbury will feature three course options covering 10, 15 and 25 miles for beginner, sport and expert riders. Cash prizes will be awarded for winners in each category. The kids’ race is for riders ages 12 and under. The Queensbury Recreation Department plans to expand the town’s Gurney Lake Park by about two miles this year.
Find more information about mountain biking areas and trails in the Adirondacks at www.visitadirondacks.com
About the Adirondacks:
The Adirondack Region is home to the six-million-acre park offering limitless recreation amid 2,000 miles of hiking trails and 3,000 lakes and ponds. Part of the largest temperate forest in the world, the Adirondacks are also home to 103 towns and villages. Connect with the Adirondacks online at Facebook.com/visitadirondacks or Twitter.com/visitadks, Instagram.com/VisitAdirondacks and search Adirondack events, attractions and Adirondack vacation packages at VisitAdirondacks.com
Integral to maintaining Adirondack mountain bike trails are the volunteer organizations that do everything from securing funding for signage to raking leaves and pine needles off the trails. Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA), a project of the Adirondack Ski Touring Council, is leading the charge around Lake Placid, Wilmington and Saranac Lake, adding on to existing networks so that all levels of riders have plenty of options.
In Wilmington, one of BETA’s ongoing projects is the Flume Trail Network, located on the West Branch of the Ausable River, offering smooth single tracks, and technical climbs. A half an hour drive from Wilmington, the Ausable Chasm Mountain Bike Center offers 15 miles of mountain bike trails, including beginner cruising and intermediate loops with double-track and single track trail. The advanced loop features steeper hills and narrow paths through miles of unspoiled forest. For more expert riding, the Wickham Marsh State Trails are connected to Ausable’s trails, leading riders through the marsh, downhill to Lake Champlain.
In the western Adirondacks, Highflats State Forest /Seven Springs Trails is one of four areas in the Adirondack Seaway Region maintained by the St. Lawrence County Mountain Bike Association. Located in Colton, the trails provide miles of great terrain for all abilities.
The Adirondacks also host several mountain biking festivals and races throughout the summer, including:
5th annual Wilmington/Whiteface Bike Fest kicks off June 5-7 and will feature several events, including the 14th annual Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race and the 5th annual 100k Mountain Bike Race, which is a qualifier for the Leadville Trail 100 MTB mountain bike race.
20th annual Black Fly Challenge on June 13 is a 40-mile bike race through the Moose River Plains Recreation Area, starting in Indian Lake and ending in Inlet. Riders and guests will enjoy an after party at Fern Park featuring food, beer and live music. The race attracts about 1,000 riders and is open to beginner, sport and expert competitive cyclists.
Mountain Bike Rodeo & Races, the final event of the Black Fly Challenge, is scheduled for June 14 at Fern Park. The event features a series of competitions for all ages, including a Slow Race, Barrell Race, Log Pull, Balance Race and the Longest Wheelie.
The Churney Gurney Mountain Bike Race & Kids Race slated for August 2 at Gurney Lane Recreation Area in Queensbury will feature three course options covering 10, 15 and 25 miles for beginner, sport and expert riders. Cash prizes will be awarded for winners in each category. The kids’ race is for riders ages 12 and under. The Queensbury Recreation Department plans to expand the town’s Gurney Lake Park by about two miles this year.
Find more information about mountain biking areas and trails in the Adirondacks at www.visitadirondacks.com
About the Adirondacks:
The Adirondack Region is home to the six-million-acre park offering limitless recreation amid 2,000 miles of hiking trails and 3,000 lakes and ponds. Part of the largest temperate forest in the world, the Adirondacks are also home to 103 towns and villages. Connect with the Adirondacks online at Facebook.com/visitadirondacks or Twitter.com/visitadks, Instagram.com/VisitAdirondacks and search Adirondack events, attractions and Adirondack vacation packages at VisitAdirondacks.com