Adirondack Sports May 2024

MAY 2024 9
BICYCLING
A Summer of
Great Riding
MARGO RUDZINSKI
IS READY FOR THE
ADA TOUR DE CURE
◀ ON JUNE 2.
Away we go, on our bikes!
By Dave Kraus
It’s summer, time to ride! You may have
been sweating hard on that trainer all
winter (haven’t you?) and venturing
outside in jackets and tights this spring.
Now it’s time to reap the rewards of that
dedication and get out to ride in just a
jersey and shorts. Remember what that’s
like? Even if you’re a casual cyclist, the
summer sun blesses everyone on a bike,
so call up your calendar for the summer
and mark these dates and events. Then
head over to each website to sign up and
enjoy a summer of great cycling with your
family, friends and new friends.
Saturday, June 1, Whiteface Uphill
Bike Race – Start your summer off with
a bang and a big climb at the 22nd annual
event where you and about 300 fellow
cyclists ride eight miles and 3,500 feet up
the scenic Whiteface Mountain Veterans
Memorial Highway. Your rewards will
include a T-shirt, finisher’s medal, and
a voucher for a post-ride meal at one of
the area’s participating restaurants. But
the biggest reward may be the 360-degree
panoramic view of the Adirondacks,
Vermont and Quebec. Last year, race organizers
combined it with the 39th annual
Whiteface Uphill Foot Race – about 75
runners start right after cyclists – which
was very well-received by the participants
and spectators! Runners: runreg.com.
Bikers: bikereg.com.
Sunday, June 2, Tour de Cure Capital
Region – This longstanding regional
event is back and better than ever in 2024
to raise funds for the American Diabetes
Association to fight diabetes. Meet at
the Ellms Family Farm near Ballston Spa
to ride rural routes varying from 10-62
miles, plus full support with rest stops,
bike mechanics, sag vehicles and local
law enforcement support. Plus enjoy the
post-ride lunch live band, and beer garden
when you finish. Visit: diabetes.org/
capitalregion.
Sunday, June 2, Voorheesville Family
Bicycling Day – The emphasis is on family
fun at this eighth annual free public event
presented by the Voorheeseville Running
& Cycling Club. From 12-3pm, Grove
Street in Voorheeseville will be closed to
traffic and participants will be able to ride
there and on the Helderburg-Hudson Rail
Trail. They can also take part in various
activities such as a bicycle skills course,
arts and crafts, and purchase food/drinks
from Buena Comida-Tacos. This popular
event is completed by live music from
the country-blues band, Red Haired
Strangers, and pony rides by Ponies for
Hire. More info: vrcclub.org.
Saturday, June 8, North Country
Subaru Black Fly Challenge – In this
Adirondack gravel grinder, the “Challenge”
is to ride the 40 miles from Inlet to Indian
Lake, in annually alternating directions,
over the unpaved roads of the Moose
River Plains in the central Adirondacks.
This year’s 27th annual event is already
sold out with 1,000 riders, but you can find
a waiting list online (or next year, signup
early). Go to: blackflychallenge.com.
Sunday, June 23, The Gravel Pitt –
Take your pick of 30-, 50- or 71-mile route
options at the second edition of this gravel
bike rides sponsored by Capital Streets
to support cycling advocacy efforts in
the Capital Region. Learn more: capitalstreets.org.
All routes start and finish
at Otter Creek Farm in Pittstown (east of
Troy, near Tomhannock Bicycles), and
include some beautiful unpaved roads
(TOP LEFT) SUMMIT FINISH OF
THE WHITEFACE UPHILL BIKE
AND FOOT RACES. ROOST
◀ RIDERS ON THE GRAVEL
PITT ROUTE NEAR PITTSTOWN
IN RENSSELAER COUNTY.
DAVE KRAUS
in northern Rensselaer County that have
been a well-kept secret… until now, so signup
and explore! Each course will have a
supported aid station, and the finish line
welcomes you with a complimentary beer
and food available for purchase. Camping
options are available. Visit: bikereg.com.
Sunday, June 23, Rapid River Fondo
– The “rapid river” at this day of riding is
the Hudson, and riders can choose from
33-, 48- or 62-mile gorgeous routes along
southern Adirondack waterways heading
out of the Warren County Fish Hatchery in
Warrensburg. All rides are supported and
See BICYCLING 11 ▶