There really is no easy answer to this question. I suppose the real question is... How much room do you have in your car? Or how many bikes do you realistically want to bring with you on your trip? Without any hint of exaggeration I can honestly say that Lake Placid and the surrounding area has just about every type of cycling opportunity you can think of. As I write this post, the first weekly time trial of the season held on River Rd. hosted by Placid Planet Bicycles has just taken place, road cyclists are beginning to appear along the sides of our roadways, and mountain bikers are regularly giving reports of trail sections that are dry enough to ride. The biking season here in the Adirondacks, and it's time start planning your trip to Lake Placid.
Pavement
For those who like to stick to paved roads there is a surprisingly wide variety of opportunities in the area. For those who climb, head to the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway and test your self on the route to the summit. The Toll-Road is getting a face-lift this year and the product once the work is done should be fantastic. Fanatic climbers should also try out the popular Ironman route in reverse. Climbing from Keene to Lake Placid will test any cyclists climbing ability. If you're looking for a flatter experience the Ausable Valley or the Paul Smiths area offer endless miles of uncrowded roads and wide shoulders to enjoy. View a full selection of Lake Placid road loops and tours to find what works for you.
If you're planning to be in town on a Wednesday in May or a Monday in the summer be sure to bring your Time Trial Bike (you can use a regular road bike for these events too). The Annual Time Trial Series hosted by Placid Planet is held on River Rd. on Wednesdays in May, and the famous Monday Mini-Tri series hosted by High Peaks Cyclery is held on Wednesdays all summer long. Both of these events offer fun competition in a stress free atmosphere that is open to riders and athletes of all abilities. Check with these great local stores for more information.
Dirt
When considering a trip to Lake Placid and the surrounding area for mountain biking there may be a few more choices to make regarding which bike or bikes to bring. There are a lot of choices to make, and what type of riding you plan to do while your here should drive those decisions. For the most part the trails in Lake Placid and surrounding are most fun while riding a full-suspension mountain bike. Generally speaking the trails are technical in nature, and it's handy to have the suspension to absorb the rocks, roots, and undulations in the terrain. These trails are all also suitable for mountain bikes with front-suspension only but you may want to to check with a local shop to direct you to the smoothest routes.
Downhilling at Whiteface Mountain
Lift Serviced gravity assisted riding at Whiteface Mountain is great fun, and we are lucky to have this awesome resource so close to town. For this experience you'll want to be well prepared. Riders choosing to take the gondola to the top of Little Whiteface will want ot be well equipped with a downhill specific bike and the appropriate protective equipment like a full-face helmet. The natural terrain available off the top of Little Whiteface is exactly what you'd expect from the Adirondack's version of downhill mountain biking. It is simply not suitable for a regular trail bike. Heavy-Duty downhill bikes are available for rent in the base lodge. Riders will want to call ahead to make a reservation as there can be somewhat limited availability on busy weekends. There is also the option to to take a shuttle to just below mid-station. Any type of fat tire bike is suitable for riding the lower mountain.
Wilmington Dirt Jumps
Just behind the Little Supermarket in Wilmington you'll find an awesome adult playground (children are welcome too) known as the Wilmington Dirt Jumps. This area was constructed with a massive amount of local effort, and is meticulously maintained. On any given summer afternoon you'll see locals here on BMX or dirt jump specific bikes. These bikes are specifically designed to be pumped through corners and launched off of jumps. While these simple two-wheeled machines are ideal for dirt jumping any bike will do. Riders are also expected to wear a helmet while riding at the dirt jump park.
The Wilmington/Whiteface 100K course
This type of riding is in a class all it's own. In my mind the mix of dirt road, pavement, single-track, and intense elevation change calls for a specific type of bike in order to be most enjoyable. The ideal ride to tackle this grueling course, or any part of it is fat-tire bike with only front suspension or no suspension. The recently popular 29-inch wheeled mountain bikes offer the added benefit of rolling a litter faster. A full suspension mountain-bike would work for this course, but riders will appreciate the added pedaling efficiency of a hard-tail bike. A road bike is not advisable. To see the big event go down, be sure to plan your trip to the area the weekend of June 20th-22nd.
