There is only one way to experience the rich agricultural story of the Adirondacks, and that is farm-by bike. But don't sleep on this one, Bike the Barns is always the first to sell out.
You guessed it, this fall bicycling tour features farm stops (complete with tours of each), but what makes this event special is its ability to tell the rich agricultural story of the Lake Champlain Valley while experiencing the landscape by bike. You can see, smell and absorb so much more when moving by your own pedal power. Following the ride, we'll kick back with a fabulous meal, delicious craft beverages and live music at Ausable Brewing Company.
Date: September 21
Location: Ausable Brewing Company, Keeseville
Mileage: 22.7 miles
Participation Cap: 200 riders
Benefits: Adirondack North Country Association
Best of all, your registration supports Adirondack North Country Association's important work to bolster local food systems in order to drive economic growth, reduce food insecurity and contribute to positive community and health outcomes.
Registration Includes
- Fully-supported routes
- Farm tours with fully stocked rest stops
- Finish line meal featuring live music
- Copy of Adirondack Life Magazine
- Raffle entry for a chance to win a Kuat Transfer V2 bike rack
- Event goodie bag
Route
22.7 miles (+1,101 ft / - 1,103 ft) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43719368
This year’s Bike the Barns route is truly something special. Not only does it feature low traffic rural roads with sweeping farm views of the Lake Champlain and Ausable River valleys, but it also includes a roll through historic downtown Keeseville and an unparalleled view of the natural wonder of Ausable Chasm. All of which is highlighted by educational farm stops where riders can learn more about the rich agricultural story of this area.
Extended Route
28.2 miles (+1,397 ft / -1,399 ft) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44369311
All of the above, plus some incredible views of Whickham Marsh and Lake Champlain
Farm Stops
Ausable Brewing Company
Ausable Brewing Company is a farm-based nanobrewery owned and operated by brothers Dan and Dylan Badger. Located on 140 acres in the Champlain Valley just east of the Adirondack High Peaks, ABC is dedicated to serving a variety of high quality ales, lagers and house sodas in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Their focus has always been on consistency, quality and creativity. You won’t find their beers in bars and restaurants; you’re invited to take a scenic ride to the brewery to enjoy its crafted beverages and bucolic setting.
Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum
Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum, located in Peru, NY in Clinton County, is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving our region’s historical and agricultural way of life. The museum’s mission is to provide an entertaining environment where visitors can learn about rural and farm life in the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks prior to the 1950's. Visitors are invited to learn about New York's rural and farm life development through interactive demonstrations and displays of horse-drawn implements, gas engines, early tractors and other agricultural tools.
Northern Orchard Co.
Northern Orchard Co., Inc. is a grower, packer, and wholesale shipper of premium quality apples. The orchard was established in 1903 and is now operated by the second and third generation of the Mulberry family, including Albert and Cynthia and their children Jesse and Jenna. Located in the town of Peru in New York's beautiful Champlain Valley, the farm produces several different varieties of apples including McIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Red Delicious, Gala, Macoun, Cameo, Snapdragon, RubyFrost, Fortune, Paula Red, Zestar!, Gingergold and dozens of other favorites. Visitors to the orchard can also purchase fresh vegetables, fruit, berries, plants and other products grown on their own or neighboring farms.
North Country Creamery
North Country Creamery is a 115-acre dairy farm located on Mace Chasm Road in the town of Keeseville. First generation farmers Ashlee Kleinhammer and Steven Googin operate the small-scale, premium dairy which produces cheese, milk, and yogurt from an on-farm, grass-fed milking herd. In addition to the dairy operations, they operate Clover Mead Cafe & Farmstore. The farm store offers North Country Creamery dairy products, as well as a variety of farmstead, organic, and local produce, while the café serves baked goods and made-to-order sandwiches throughout the year.
Mace Chasm Farm
Mace Chasm Farm grazes cattle, poultry and pigs and produces grafted tree nursery stock on about 120 acres in Keeseville, NY. They prepare delicious sausages, cuts, grinds, broths, smoked meats, salami, pate, and cooking fats each week in their small on-farm butcher shop. The Mace Chasm Farm team cares for the environment in their grazing and butchery practices. Their beef and sheep are grass-fed, and our pigs, chickens and turkeys forage on pasture and eat grains and whey, which makes for excellent meat and eggs. All of their animals are rotationally grazed. Each week, they produce a variety of fresh and smoked cuts and prepare sausages and sandwich meats using fresh herbs from the farm and organic spices. Mace Chasm Farm’s products can be purchased at their farm store and local summer and winter farmers’ markets.
Rider Experiences
"From pre-ride communication to the very end of the party, this lifelong cyclist was consistently impressed. My first BikeADK ride, it won't be my last and I'm bringing friends from Syracuse. Every morning for the rest of the year at least, when I put maple syrup from Hub On The Hill in my coffee, I will smile with gratitude."
"What a great way to see a snapshot of the (ADK) region, to shed important light on the farm to table model and to educate folks on how to support this local treasure."
"I don't consider myself to be an avid cyclist, but BikeADK made Bike the Barns accessible for folks of varying ability levels, and I was happy to ride along at my own pace and enjoy the magnificent autumn scenery. The event support was terrific."
"Without any doubt, Bike The Barns is a superior cycling event. As a ride organizer and a lifelong cyclist, this ride is my new standard. Three hours of driving each way for a 25 mile ride? I was a doubter, but no longer. I'll be back, and for more BikeADK events."
Event Schedule
8a: On-Site Check-In Opens
930a: Ride Sendoff
12p: Lunch Service Begins
12:30-2:30p: Live Music
3:00: Event Concludes
Routes
Faqs
What does the event support?
Your registration supports supports ANCA's important work strengthening local food systems in order to drive economic growth, sustain regional farms and food businesses and increase access to local food.
ANCA is an independent, nonprofit corporation with a transformational approach to building prosperity across northern New York. Using innovative strategies for food systems, clean energy, small businesses, and equity and inclusion, ANCA delivers targeted interventions that create and sustain wealth and value in local communities.
Which farms will we visit?
The 2023 route will stop at the following farms: Ausable Brewing Company
Ausable Brewing Company is a farm-based nanobrewery owned and operated by brothers Dan and Dylan Badger. Located on 140 acres in the Champlain Valley just east of the Adirondack High Peaks, ABC is dedicated to serving a variety of high quality ales, lagers and house sodas in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Their focus has always been on consistency, quality and creativity. You won’t find their beers in bars and restaurants; you’re invited to take a scenic ride to the brewery to enjoy its crafted beverages and bucolic setting.
Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum
Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum, located in Peru, NY in Clinton County, is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving our region’s historical and agricultural way of life. The museum’s mission is to provide an entertaining environment where visitors can learn about rural and farm life in the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks prior to the 1950's. Visitors are invited to learn about New York's rural and farm life development through interactive demonstrations and displays of horse-drawn implements, gas engines, early tractors and other agricultural tools.
Northern Orchard Co.
Northern Orchard Co., Inc. is a grower, packer, and wholesale shipper of premium quality apples. The orchard was established in 1903 and is now operated by the second and third generation of the Mulberry family, including Albert and Cynthia and their children Jesse and Jenna. Located in the town of Peru in New York's beautiful Champlain Valley, the farm produces several different varieties of apples including McIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Red Delicious, Gala, Macoun, Cameo, Snapdragon, RubyFrost, Fortune, Paula Red, Zestar!, Gingergold and dozens of other favorites. Visitors to the orchard can also purchase fresh vegetables, fruit, berries, plants and other products grown on their own or neighboring farms.
North Country Creamery
North Country Creamery is a 115-acre dairy farm located on Mace Chasm Road in the town of Keeseville. First generation farmers Ashlee Kleinhammer and Steven Googin operate the small-scale, premium dairy which produces cheese, milk, and yogurt from an on-farm, grass-fed milking herd. In addition to the dairy operations, they operate Clover Mead Cafe & Farmstore. The farm store offers North Country Creamery dairy products, as well as a variety of farmstead, organic, and local produce, while the café serves baked goods and made-to-order sandwiches throughout the year.
Mace Chasm Farm
Mace Chasm Farm grazes cattle, poultry and pigs and produces grafted tree nursery stock on about 120 acres in Keeseville, NY. They prepare delicious sausages, cuts, grinds, broths, smoked meats, salami, pate, and cooking fats each week in their small on-farm butcher shop. The Mace Chasm Farm team cares for the environment in their grazing and butchery practices. Their beef and sheep are grass-fed, and our pigs, chickens and turkeys forage on pasture and eat grains and whey, which makes for excellent meat and eggs. All of their animals are rotationally grazed. Each week, they produce a variety of fresh and smoked cuts and prepare sausages and sandwich meats using fresh herbs from the farm and organic spices. Mace Chasm Farm’s products can be purchased at their farm store and local summer and winter farmers’ markets.
How challenging is the route?
The route is 22.7 miles in length over rolling terrain and features 1,001 feet of climbing: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43719368.
Are e-bikes allowed?
Yes, all pedal assist e-bikes are welcome.
What does registration include?
In-Person Registration Includes:
- Farm stops with snacks and tours at each
- Support & Gear Vehicles
- Finish line lunch featuring live music
- Event Goodie Bag
- Copy of Adirondack Life Magazine
Virtual Registration Includes:
- The good feeling of supporting local farms
- Registration packet mailed to you includes:
- Event Goodie Bag
- BikeADK Sticker
What is the refund/transfer policy?
The policy is as follows:
- Refunds of any amount do not include BikeReg service fees.
- 100% if requested 60 or more days before the event.
- 50% if requested between 60-30 days before the event.
- Refunds are not available if requested less than 30 days before the event. However, the registration can be transferred to another person or deferred to the following year.
- If the event is canceled by organizers, 100% refunds will be issued or registrations can be deferred to the following year.
LODGING
There are a number of smaller motels in the area, however the closest community with a lot of options is Plattsburgh. However, if you'd like to make it a weekend, we recommend the Saranac Waterfront Lodge in nearby Saranac Lake. Not only does the property feature crazy cozy rooms, but it also boasts direct access to stunning Lake Flower and is an easy walk to downtown shops and restaurants. Click here to take advantage of a special event rate.