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Buck Mountain
Overlooking Lake George
By Rich Macha
The 2,334-foot summit of Buck Mountain is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the southeastern Adirondacks. On a clear day, hikers can see the High Peaks 40 miles away, as well as many other Adirondack peaks, both low and lofty, that may be familiar to hikers.
The mountain can be hiked via a shorter and less demanding trail from the northeast or a longer more challenging trail from the southwest.
From the Southwest – The 3.3-mile trail from Pilot Knob is the most-traveled route up the mountain despite being the longer option. The trailhead is located on Pilot Knob Road (County Route 38), 3.4 miles north of NY Route 9L – the large parking area on the right side of the road can accommodate 50 vehicles. Attesting to the popularity of the area, at mid-afternoon on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend three years ago, I counted 50 cars in the parking lot and over 60 more parked alongside the road! To avoid crowds, it is best to visit on weekdays or, at least, get an early start on nice weekends.
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Judy Guzzo
Be a lifelong athlete for a long
(and fulfilling) life
By Kristen Hislop
Lifelong athletes are people who have been active in sports for their entire lives. We read about many sports that engage athletes over their lifespan on the pages of this publication. From hiking, skiing, running, swimming, biking, tennis, and golf – these sports attract athletes of all ages. According to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Science Board, 73% of adults who play sports also did so when they were young. We may know someone who swam in a summer league as a kid and continues to enjoy lap swimming as an adult.
But of the 16 million lifelong athletes in the United States, only a small percentage are competitive at a high level for their entire lives. We could consider them elite athletes; however, we often think of elite athletes as professionals. Those who get paid to compete, but how about the people who compete regularly without getting paid. They still stand on the overall or age group podium at races they choose to attend. Many of those events are local, but can be regional, national and even international.
Now, thinking about a lifelong athlete you know who has and still does compete at a high level, and your list is likely shorter! As Judy Guzzo will tell you, it isn’t easy! It takes planning, balance, consistency, family support, and a good dose of motivation.
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OUR BEST BET EVENTS
Included events are Adirondack Sports advertisers and/or exhibitors
October issue ad deadline: Tuesday, 10/3
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“The music of a marathon is a powerful strain. It asks us to forsake pleasures, to discipline the body, to find courage, to renew faith and to become one’s own person, utterly and completely.” –George Sheehan | |
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Friday, September 22
15th Ride for Missing Children. 100M. Southern Saratoga YMCA, Clifton Park. give.missingkids.org/theride.
Friday-Thursday, September 22-28
Share a Step Virtual Fitness Event. Set a solo or team mileage goal for the week by walking, biking or running, and log it. Work up to the leaderboard with post on social media, logging miles, and fundraising to win prizes from Mountainman Outdoors and Anytime Fitness-Saratoga. Share A Step supports the Life Enrichment program at Wesley Health Care Center, Saratoga Springs. Learn more, donate or register: p2p.onecause.com/shareastep.
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Saturday, September 23
Mountainman Outdoors: Adirondack Canoe and Kayak Rendezvous 2023 & Swift Canoe/Kayak Demo Day. New York’s largest canoe, kayak and SUP clearance sale. One day only: 9am-6pm. Mountainman Outdoors, Old Forge. mountainmanoutdoors.com.
Gore Leaf Cruncher 5K Trail Race/Run/Walk. 9am. Great raffle prizes, entry gift, registration includes scenic gondola skyride. Discount for 2023-24 season pass holders. Gore Mountain, North Creek. goremountain.com.
Prospect Mountain Uphill Bike Challenge. 8am. 5M. Portion of proceeds to Mission22 to reduce veteran suicide. All welcome. Prospect Mountain Highway, Lake George. bikereg.com.
Saratoga Field Day: Games for Grownups, Hope for Heroes. One big day of fun containing four events (like when you were a kid but for all ages): 1) Yoga at the Farm, 8:30am, presented by Yoga Mandali; 2) Cornhole Tournament, 12pm, presented by Upstate NY Cornhole; 3) Field Day Team Games, 1pm, just like when you were a kid!; 4) I Run for Twilight 5K Walk, 6:30pm & 5K Run, 7pm, for someone special in your lives, presented by FC4 (Firecracker4). Family-friendly after-party: live music, food (Dizzy Chicken BBQ), drink (Artisanal Brew Works), smores, bonfires. All welcome to get friends, family, coworkers together, pick an event and register. Inspired by Building on Love providing financial assistance to families facing life-altering medical illnesses. Presented by FC4 & Raven Events. Pitney Meadows Community Farm, Saratoga Springs. saratogafieldday.com.
FAM 5K “Fund” Run/Walk. 10am. Free Kids Run 9:15am. Fall classic for charity. Cobleskill Fairgrounds, Cobleskill. fam5k.com.
46th Great Cow Harbor 10K Run. 8:30am. USATF 10K National Championship. Plus, 2K fun run/walk. Northport. cowharborrace.com.
Amish Country Running Festival. 8am. Marathon/Half & 10K/5K/1M. Weeded Rd Park, Randolph. runsignup.com.
Meat Grinder: Charity Cycling Ride with a Purpose. 9am. Choose your adventure: 50M, 15M, Family Fun Laps. All bikes & ages welcome (including e-bikes), raffles & games, food & fun for all. Raises funds to bring Mennonite Central Committee’s mobile meat canner to Maple Ridge Center. Produced by Adirondack Foothills Cycling Club. Maple Ridge Center, Lowville. bikereg.com.
Fall Paddler Series: Guided Trip. 4.5 hours. Various locations. St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Saranac Lake. canoeoutfitters.com.
Keys to the Castle Roller Ski Race. 10am. Also: Biathlon Super Sprint. Mt Van Hoevenberg, Lake Placid. mtvanhoevenberg.com.
Long Lake Long Boat Regatta. 10M. Canoes, kayaks, SUP welcome. Public Beach, Long Lake. nothernforestcanoetrail.org.
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Saturday-Sunday, September 23-24
Adirondack Mountain Bike Festival. McCauley Mountain, Old Forge. adkmtbfestival.com.
Sunday, September 24
“September Send” NYS Youth Mountain Bike Race Series. M/F K-12. Gurney Lane Recreation Area, Queensbury. Saratoga Shredders: bikereg.com.
50th HMRRC Anniversary Run 2.95M & 5.9M. Physical Educ Bldg., UAlbany, Albany. hmrrc.com.
NYSEF Climb to the Castle Roller Ski Race. 13K, 8% grade. Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway, Wilmington. nysef.org.
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Wednesday, September 27
High Peaks Guided Hike: Phelps. 8:30am-5pm. Heart Lake Program Center, Lake Placid. adk.org.
Thursday-Sunday, Sept 28-Oct 1
ADK Thru-Hiking 101: Wakely Dam to Piseco. 31.3M. 9am. Speculator Pavilion, Speculator. adk.org.
Friday, September 29
High Peaks Guided Hike: Marcy. 7:30am. Heart Lake Program Center, Lake Placid. adk.org.
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Saturday, September 30
7th Amy’s Adventure Race for the Lake: 4.5M Trail Run. 9am. Hikers/walkers welcome. Challenging, rugged terrain amidst beautiful ponds, marshes and forests. Benefits Lake George Land Conservancy. After-party at Bolton Landing Brewing’s Oktoberfest. Amy’s Park, Bolton Landing. runsignup.com.
23rd Great Pumpkin Challenge: 5K & 10K Run/Walk/Roll. 9:30am. Also: Kids Fun Run. Costume and pumpkin contests. Virtual option: 9/16-26. Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs. zippyreg.com.
27th Chestertown Rotary 5K Run/Walk & 10K. 9:30am. Kids 1K Fun Run, Schroon Lake: 2pm. Part of Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival. 5K & 10: Municipal Center, Chestertown. adirondackmarathon.org.
Fall Paddler Series: Guided Trip. 4.5 hours. Various locations. St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Saranac Lake. canoeoutfitters.com.
Adk Multi-Sport Club’s Annual Cider Ride. 32 & 43M. 9am. Free for members; all welcome. Group rides, apple cider, donuts, Common Roots drink token. Common Roots Brewery, South Glens Falls to Saratoga Apple, Schuylerville & back. bikereg.com.
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Saturday-Sunday, Sept 30-Oct 1
Whiteface Oktoberfest. 11am-5pm. Bavarian-style celebration: authentic music, dancing, food/drink, activities for all, arts/crafts, gondola rides. Whiteface, Wilmington. whiteface.com.
P’tit Train du Nord Marathon & Half. Sat: 13.1M. Sun: 26.2M. Sold out. Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, Canada. marathontraindunord.com/en.
Sunday, October 1
27th Adirondack Marathon, Half Marathon & Relays. Sat – Packet Pickup (11-6) & Kids 1K Fun Run (2pm), Schroon Lake. Sun – Full/Relay, 9am: Schroon Lake & Half, 10am: Adirondack to Schroon Lake. Part of Adk Marathon Distance Festival. adirondackmarathon.org.
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Friday-Sunday, October 6-8
Flaming Leaves Festival. FIS Continental Cup ski jumping, live music, crafts, food/drink. Olympic Jumping Complex, Lake Placid. whiteface.com.
Saturday, October 7
3rd Michael Pitney Farm 5K Run/Walk. 9am. Youth 0.5M Fun Run. Post-race: food/music. Afternoon: Saratoga HS XC Invitational Meet. Pitney Meadows Community Farm, Saratoga Springs. runsignup.com.
Run the Runway 5K. 9am. Free Kids 1M Fun Run: 10am. Prepare for takeoff… Runners, joggers, walkers welcome! Presented by Schenectady Co. Empire State Aerosciences Museum, Glenville. schenectadycountyny.gov.
2nd Tour de Vine: Upper Hudson & Battenkill Valleys. 12pm. 35M road cycling tour of vineyards, wineries, cideries, distilleries & breweries. Casual supported w/tasting stops. Argyle Brewing, Cambridge. anthemsportstours.com.
Bike the Barns. Tour farms by bike. 30M. Ausable Brewing, Keeseville. bikeadirondacks.com.
Fall Paddler Series: Guided Trip. 4.5 hours. Various locations. St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Saranac Lake. canoeoutfitters.com.
Alpha Win Series: 1st Woodstock Summit Duathlon. 7am. Uphill road-bike & trail run from Woodstock to top of Overlook Mountain. 4.5M. Solo & teams. Woodstock. alpha.win.
Bike the Branches. Albany Public Library and Albany Bicycle Coalition’s bike ride to six library branches, with informative historical talks, as part of the Library's 100th anniversary celebration. Free. Sign-in: 11:15am at Pine Hills Library, Albany. 9M round-trip; ride time two hours. Elevation gain: 415ft. Helmet and signed waiver required. Minimum age 12; riders under age 18 must be accompanied by adult. Return to Pine Hills Library by 1:30pm. Free indoor concert: 2pm. Rain date Sat, 10/14. albanybicyclecoalition.com.
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Saturday-Sunday, October 7-8
Saratoga Foliage Bike Rides & Festival. Save $20! coupon code: ADKSports. Two days, six routes: 30/5075M with SAG support. Enjoy peak foliage on scenic roads. Post-ride: YMCA day pass, swim, sauna, hydromassage, yoga. Presented by YMCA & Bikeatoga. Saratoga Regional YMCA, Saratoga Springs. srymca.org.
Mohawk Hudson River Marathon & Half Marathon. 8am. Marathon: Schenectady to Albany. Half: Colonie to Albany. HMRRC-directed on beautiful Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail. mohawkhudsonmarathon.com.
Gore Harvest Fest. 10am-4pm. Fall scenic skyrides, live music, craft show, recreational activities, disc golf, hiking, food/drinks. Gore Mountain, North Creek. goremountain.com.
Sunday, October 8
Kingston “First Capital” SCY Masters Swim Meet. USMS sanctioned pool meet: 50/100/500yd freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, individual medley, 500/1000/1650yd freestyle, medley & freestyle relays. All welcome. Hartwick College, Oneonta. adms.org.
Monday, October 9
ADK High Peaks Guided Hike: Esther. 6.6M. 8:30am. Ausable River Two Fly Shop, Wilmington. adk.org.
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Saturday, October 14
Cross-Mountain Crusher Catskill Mountain Gravel Grinder. 55 miles on new route. 8:30am. Catskill Recreation Center, Arkville. bikereg.com.
Map & Compass Fundamentals. 9am-4pm. ADK Education Yurt Village, Lake Placid. Adirondack Mountain Club: adk.org.
Fall Paddler Series: Guided Trip. 4.5 hours. Various locations. St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Saranac Lake. canoeoutfitters.com.
Saturday-Sunday, October 14-15
Uncle Sam Grand Prix Cyclocross Race. Sun: NYS Cross Championship. Part of CBRC Cyclocross Series. Prospect Park, Troy. bikereg.com.
Sunday, October 15
20th Mohawk Towpath Byway Duathlon. 8:30am. 2M run, 12M bike, 2M run. Solo & teams. Benefits Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway. Riverview Orchards, Clifton Park. mohawktowpath.org.
Peak 2 Brew: Catskills. 60M sprint relay. Plattekill Mountain, Roxbury to Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown. p2brelay.com.
Heady Trotter 4-Miler. 9am. Scenic course & post-race party. Stowe, VT. greatamericanbreweryruns.com.
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Daily Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club: Group Bike Rides. 300 rides per year. All levels welcome. Capital Region. Schedule & membership: mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org.
Weekly Albany Ride for Missing Children: Orientation Rides. Must complete two orientation rides to participate. Event day, 9/22: SSYMCA, Clifton Park. Info/schedule: give.missingkids.org/theride.
MON Monday Night Paddling. 5/1-9/25. 6pm. Canoe, kayak & SUP. Recreational paddling & instruction via Northern NY Paddlers & Schenectady Wintersports Club. All welcome. Some canoes/paddles are available; bring a PFD. Kiwanis Park, Rotterdam. swcweb.org.
MON-FRI Rock Your Fitness: Boot Camp Workouts. Mon/Wed/Fri: 5:15am, 6:30am, 9:30am. Tue: 5:30pm. Thu 7pm. Special offer: Free week of class with registration for 2x/3x per week option. To register, text and use promo code “ADK fit” to 518-522-9765. Malta Community Center, Malta. facebook.com/rockyourfitnessllc.
TUE GGB Mountain Bike Rides. 5:45pm. Daniels Road State Forest, Saratoga Springs. facebook.com/ggbsaratoga
TUE Tuesday Night Guided Kayak Tours. 6-8pm. Canoes & SUPs welcome. June-September on one of favorite local waterways. Includes plastic kayak, PFD, paddle, guide, transport. Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters, Saranac Lake. adirondackoutfitters.com.
WED Wednesday Night Paddling Time Trials. 5/1-9/27. 6pm. 3.6M course. Hosted by Northern NY Paddlers; paddlers of all levels are welcome; free for Schenectady Wintersports Club members. Aqueduct Park, Niskayuna. swcweb.org.
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THU GGB Thunder Road Rides. 6pm. 3-5 loops of Malta Ridge. Grey Ghost Bicycles, Saratoga Springs. facebook.com/ggbsaratoga
THU HPC Thursday Evening Road Bike Rides. 6pm. All welcome. High Peaks Cyclery, Lake Placid. facebook.com.
THU Real McCoy Brewery Ride. 6pm. 30M race/20mph paces. 21M 14mph pace. Real McCoy Brewery, Delmar. facebook.com.
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