Lake Placid – The Adirondack region offers an abundant and endless variety of biking, but thanks to a major competition, Lake Placid biking has become a category unto itself.
No matter which direction you take, or whether you keep to the roads or head into the mountains, biking in these parts of Upstate New York ranks among the best locales in the nation.
When the Ironman Lake Placid triathlon first came here in 1999, it saw the perfect roadways for the 112-mile bike leg of the race. This added to a beautifully calm and safe lake for swimming, and similarly ideal roads for the marathon portion.
We’ll admit: we are blessed with a breadth and depth of biking that should be the envy of riders in other parts of the world. There are gentle rides on area roads but you’ll also find gnarly hill climbs if you want them. You can access them all in just minutes by directly pedaling from the Mirror Lake Inn.
That Ironman bike route is an example. Cruise out of Lake Placid, peddle hard uphill going past the ski jumps, and then hold on to your – – – going down the Keene hill on Route 73! Turn hard left at the triangle in Keene, and then the long uphill Springfield Road awaits.
If mountain biking is more your style, a varied experience awaits at Mount Van Hoevenberg as you work your way through the idyllic cross-country ski and snow shoeing trails. This venue is suitable for newbies looking for a first-time experience as well as the seasoned mountain biker. Instructors are available; you can rent bikes at the site; you can be accompanied by staff members as they guide you around this 1980 Olympic Nordic site.
Furthermore, if the truth be known, Lake Placid offers the greatest concentration of single-track riding in the Adirondacks, according to Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA).
Also, lots of trails are unmarked on maps. That’s when you need the insider info that can only be found in great local shops. Two of them are right here in Lake Placid. High Peaks Cyclery on Main Street and Placid Planet on Saranac Avenue will set you straight on the roads and in the woods.
At the moment, the Lake Placid biking season is in high gear. Trails are in good shape and the temps are comfortable for rides of any distance and impact, in the woods or on the roads. Just get here and enjoy yourself.