Old Forge will play host to more than 700 bicycle enthusiasts touring the Adirondacks as part of Cycle Adirondacks in August 2015.
Participants in the Cycle Adirondacks planning meeting in Old Forge were, clockwise from far left, are Andy Getty, Webb Codes Enforcement Officer; Jennifer Potter Hayes; Linda Baumberger of VIEW; Jason Perkins, Webb Recreation Director; Matt Van Slyke and Doug Haney, Cycle Adirondacks Event Managers; Jim Moore, Cycle Adirondacks Event Director; Scott Gaffney, TOW Public Works; Zoe Moore, Wildlife Conservation Society; Mike Farmer, Webb Tourism Director. Missing from photo is TOW Supervisor Ted Riehle. Photo by Gina Greco
The event, drawing interest and participants from across the country, has been organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society, and follows on the heels of similar tours such as Cycle Yellowstone and Cycle Oregon.
Cycle Adirondacks participants and supporters will spend a week touring the Upstate region, starting and finishing in Saranac Lake with stops in Star Lake, Boonville, Camden, Old Forge and Long Lake.
Webb Tourism Director Mike Farmer said he is excited about the possibilities for the Town.
“This is a great opportunity for the town and the area,” he said. “We’ll roll out a welcome for them and wow them with everything we have to offer.”
Old Forge is the choice for a layover day, when the cyclists, who average 60 to 70 miles per day, take a day off from the tour.
Old Forge was chosen because of its abundance of alternative activities. Some cyclists will do a short bike tour, or choose to hike or paddle. Some may make it a true day of rest, touring the town.
“We’ll host the tour here for two days and nights, and the riders will see and experience the town as the capital of the Central Adirondacks,” Farmer said.
According to Farmer, there is one layover stop on each tour, and the organizing committee chose Old Forge.
There will be a road bike tour to Big Moose and Inlet for those “who can’t stay out of the saddle,” and mountain bike tours on the TOBIE Trail, the Maple Ridge-McCauley trails, and the Webb Trail System.
Plus, many will have the opportunity to paddle the river, hike, or enjoy the shops, galleries and restaurants.
“These folks are affluent and well-traveled, and we’ll whet their appetites to return here,” said Farmer.
Cycle Adirondacks organizers came to Old Forge on Thursday, September 11 to meet with Webb officials and local stakeholders to give an overview of the tour and establish working relationships.
The group was conducting a pre-ride, biking the entire route with an eye on logistics, terrain and riding conditions, and community partnerships.
Most of the tour riders camp each night in established areas with catered meals and modern toilet and shower facilities.
Some participants choose luxury camping services, and others prefer private campground or hotel and motel accommodations.
