This is the ultimate event to attend with a big group of friends. Whether you stay in the dorms, tent (or RV) on campus, or stay in local lodging, the Weekender is all about relaxation and exploration, on and off your bike.
Paul Smith's 14,000 acre lakeside campus is perfect hub for you to explore the beautiful Saranac Lake region by bicycle. But this event is so much more. It's a waterfront campfire with a guitar and friends. It's a few paddle strokes on a pristine pond while listening to the enchanting call of a loon. It's drinking in crisp forest smells while strolling a boardwalk along a nearby bog. It's a personally guided tour of a Historic Great Camp that once served as a summer retreat for President Calvin Coolidge and his family. And, of course, the cycling is AMAZING. Especially this year, when we'll utilize newly opened sections of the vehicle free Adirondack Rail Trail.
Need a teaser, check out this sweet video from last year's event.
Dates: August 2-4
Location: Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths
Mileage: 30-55 miles/day
Participation Cap: 150 riders
Benefits: Campus Environmental Initiatives
The a la carte nature of registration where you can choose to camp on campus, stay in a dorm, or stay in nearby local lodging. You can also choose to add the campus meal plan, which makes planning for groups of any size incredibly easy.
NOTE: Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a group discount. Here's details on how to score the deal.
Best of all, your registration supports campus environmental initiatives, which work to build a more resilient campus and community by protecting natural ecosystems, creating economic prosperity and promoting social equity.
Registration Includes
- Arrival BBQ
- Event Goodie Bag
- Great Camp Tour
- Clearly Marked Daily Routes
- Support & Gear Vehicles, Mechanics
- Well Stocked Rest Stops
- Nightly Entertainment
- Guided Off-Bike Adventures
Rider Experiences
"This was the best cycling event that I've ever attended. Really gave some thought for ways to improve this experience and could not come up with any, just want to go back and stay longer!"
"The Weekender was an absolutely incredible weekend away. I went up solo and had a blast meeting other cyclists, taking in the beautiful scenery, and cranking my pedals through some well organized routes. I'll definitely be looking to sign up a few friends and come back next year!"
"What a fantastic weekend! The setting of Paul Smith's College was perfect for cycling, hiking, and relaxing. The roads were wonderful for biking and the support was wonderful. The course was very well marked. We came for the cycling, but loved all the extras of the weekend; the hike at the VIC, touring the White Pine Camp, the loons, gazing out across the lake, soaking my feet in the lake and hanging out with fellow cyclists. Such a great experience! Thank you!"
"This event was SO well organized. The communication with participants was outstanding. Beautiful riding routes and a nice selection of other activities and services. My husband and I have been to many bicycle events and this was definitely one of the best. Don’t miss out!"
"The Weekender is a wonderful overall experience with bicycle rides that offer fabulous views in a very scenic area. Plenty of activities for those who don’t want to bike or who bring partners who don't bike and also time to relax and enjoy the views the campus has to offer."
Event Schedule
Friday Arrival Day
11a-130p - Registration/Check-In
2p - Opening Ride Group Send Off
530-7p - Campus Lakeside BBQ (held at the waterfront event tent)
6:30-8p - Event Announcements, Fireside Music & S’More
Saturday
6a-9p - Massage Therapy Services Available
6-8a - Breakfast: Student Center Lakeside Dining Hall
8a-2p - Cycling Routes Open
11a-1p - Campus Lunch Open
3p - Guided Off Bike Activities Depart
5:30-7 - Campus Dinner Service Open
7p - Event Announcements – Student Center Deck
715-8p – Paul Smith's College Environmental Chat – Student Center Deck
Sunday
6-8a - Breakfast: Lakeside Dining Hall
8a-1p - Cycling Routes Open
10 & 1130 - White Pine Camp Tours during rides (included in registration)
10a–2p - Massage Therapy Services Available
11a–1pm - Campus Lunch Open
2p - Event Services End
Routes
Faqs
What does registration include?
Registration Includes:
- Fully Marked & Supported Daily Routes
- Mechanical Services
- Nightly Entertainment
- Guided Off-Bike Activities
- Arrival BBQ
- Registration Gift Pack
Are e-bikes allowed?
Yes, all pedal assist e-bikes are welcome.
Where do I sleep?
The event features multiple lodging options you can choose from during registration. Those include:
- Campus Dormitory (two types)
- Camping or RV Parking
- Local Lodging
What are the dorms like?
There are two levels of dormitory options.
Standard Dorms are simple, but functional. Each includes two twin XL beds, a dresser and a desk. There are shared restrooms in the hallways with private shower stalls. Dorm rooms also include bed sheets and a towel. If you'd like a little extra comfort, please feel free to bring your own sheets and a sleeping pad.
Deluxe Dorms are suite style with four individual rooms, each with one twin XL bed and a desk. The suite also has two bathrooms with shower in each, a common room and kitchen. These are ideal for groups or a family. Each room includes bed sheets and a towel. If you'd like a little extra comfort, please feel free to bring your own sheets and a sleeping pad. Suites also have A/C. Standard dorms do not.
What does Camping & RV/Camper parking include?
Camping includes a flat shaded place for you to set up your tent. Restrooms and showers are located in an adjacent dorm.
The RV option includes a flat parking lot space for you to park your camper or RV. Restrooms and showers are located in an adjacent dorm. It does not include utility connections.
What does the meal plan include?
Your event registration includes the Friday night lakeside BBQ. The meal plan adds breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Meals are served in the campus dining hall and include options for all dietary needs.
How long are the routes?
Each day will feature a short (20-30 mile) and long (40-50 mile) route option. The campus is also bike friendly and there are numerous low traffic shorter options for families to enjoy together.
What if I return to campus after lunch is over?
No problem. If you think you may return to campus after 1p on Saturday or Sunday, we will arrange for a lunch to be available for you when you return from your ride.
Can I bring my own kayak, canoe or SUP?
Absolutely! You can launch your craft directly from the centrally located college boat launch.
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
Camping/RV*
Camping includes a flat shaded place for you to set up your tent. Portable restrooms will be placed nearby and the gymnasium bathrooms will also be available for indoor facilities and showers.
The RV option includes a flat parking lot space for you to park your camper or RV. It also includes access to nearby restrooms in the student center and shower access in the gymnasium. It does not include utility connections.
Dormitories*
Standard Dorms are simple, but functional. Each includes two twin XL beds, a dresser and a desk. There are shared restrooms in the hallways with private shower stalls. Dorm rooms also include bed sheets and a towel. If you'd like a little extra comfort, please feel free to bring your own sheets and a sleeping pad.
Deluxe Dorms are suite style with four individual rooms, each with one twin XL bed and a desk. The suite also has two bathrooms with shower in each, a common room and kitchen. These are ideal for groups or a family. Each room includes bed sheets and a towel. If you'd like a little extra comfort, please feel free to bring your own sheets and a sleeping pad. Suites also have A/C. Standard dorms do not.
*Extra nights are available by request for early arrival. Event and meal services will not begin until the afternoon of August 2. Only one person needs to register for each room/tent/rv site. You will add roommate names during the checkout process.
Off Campus
Our official hotel for this event is the Saranac Waterfront Lodge, which offers a modern adventure in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Located on Lake Flower's Pontiac Bay, the nature-connected design, and high-level guest service focused on supporting a thoughtful stay, makes the Lodge the premier destination in the Adirondack High Peaks Region. Click HERE to take advantage of a special event package.