The Randonnée Cycliste Adirondacks (RC-A) launched online registration for a fall, bicycling event in Lake George.
Created and managed by Medalist Sports, the three-day cycling festival will take place Sept. 27-29. Early registration discounts are available through July 31 at the website www.lakegeorgerando.com. for the four different bicycle events that make up the festival.
More than 1,000 participants are expected to take part in a variety of activities at Battlefield Park, ranging from casual riders to world-class cyclists. Events include a 25-mile recreational bicycle ride, an uphill time trial on Prospect Mountain Highway, and longer routes of 50 and 100 miles.
All riders will receive a commemorative, pewter head tube badge and branded pint glass. Organizers plan to create a different badge each year to celebrate the unique Randonnée Cycliste Adirondacks weekend of events.
“We look forward to hosting this picturesque and challenging cycling event. Our physical beauty, hospitality and roadways will provide a perfect setting for the participants,” said Robert Blais, mayor of the Village of Lake George.
The festival will kick off with live music, a pre-ride meal and family activities in Battlefield Park on Friday night, Sept. 27. All registered cyclists and their families are invited at no additional charge. For the uphill Time Trial on Saturday and both rides on Sunday, riders will be given timing devices. This will allow organizers to post results online, and participants will then have an opportunity to track and improve their performances each year, organizers said.
“We are so proud of the many scenic paths and roadways that Warren County has to offer for cycling enthusiasts, and we are equally proud and delighted that Medalist Sports has chosen to bring its 2013 Randonnée Cycliste Adirondacks ride to our beautiful region,” said Michael Consuelo, executive director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB … The group from Medalist Sports has shown the dedication and expertise to making this year’s ride a most successful one.”
The events include the 25-Mile Recreational Ride on Saturday, Sept. 28. It begins in the morning and is open to all participants ages 12 and up. The route goes along scenic Lake George from Battlefield Park, then south on 9N to Lake Luzerne for a return to the park. Registration fee is $60 through July 31; from Aug 1-Sept. 26 will be $70; add $10 for on-site registration.
The Prospect Mountain Hill Climb is a competitive, timed, closed-course individual time trial that starts at the base of Prospect Mountain. The climb is 5.5 miles in length and covers 1,457 vertical feet of climbing. The first rider will start mid-afternoon on Saturday and continue throughout the day at one-minute intervals. There will be categories for men and women, with specific age groups, starting at 18 years and older. The top three riders in each division will receive special recognition. All participants will be invited to the awards ceremony at the conclusion of the event, with live music, fireworks, and food and beverage for purchase. Registration is $40 through July 31; Aug. 1-Sept. 26 is $45; add $5 for on-site registration.
The 50-Mile RC-A Ride is the shorter of two options for Sunday. It is a “rules of the road” ride with classic climbs in the area and views of the fall foliage at every turn. Riders from ages 16 and up will be challenged to 3,384 vertical feet of climbing. The first test of climbing legs begins at mile 13. Registration is $100 through July 31; from Aug. 1-Sept. 26 will be $110; add $20 for on-site registration.
The 100-Mile RC-A Ride is the toughest route in the series, with total climbing of 6,475 feet. It is aimed for the more serious cyclist. This route rolls along Lake George, around Brant Lake and Loon Lake, through North Creek and then along the Hudson River on the way back to the finish. Registration is $110 through July 31; from Aug. 1-Sept. 26, $120; add $20 for on-site registration.
A post-ride party will be held at Battlefield Park on Sunday for participants of all cycling events. Each rider will receive a coupon for a complimentary meal and a complimentary beer, while enjoying local, live music.
Advance registration, links for local accommodations, and ride information available online – www.lakegeorgerando.com. The event can also be found on Facebook.
Medalist Sports,LLC is an international sports management and production company. It specializes in the planning, promotion and management of special events, ranging from professional competitions to amateur experiences, to cause-related/fundraising events. Its website is www.medalistsports.com.