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photos by carl heilman

prepare to ride

Begin with some 5-mile rides in April. This should take less than an hour. A lot of short rides at this time of year will let you build up gradually. The trick is, once you are used to riding 5-miles, do it twice in a row. In May do these 10 miles rides for the first couple weeks, then gradually add one five mile ride at a time. By the end of May, you should be able to put together four or five five-mile rides, and do 20 or 25 miles at a time. The weather is great then, you'll want to be out anyway. If possible, try and do rides that are not all flat, but keep challenging you.

Around the first of June, move up to 30-35 mile rides. Do at least two 50 mile rides, by the end of June. In July, be sure to increase your mileage to 75 miles and keep adding more ascents. By August 20, you should have completed at least two 75-mile rides just to know your pace and needs before attempting the ididaride! Adirondack Bike Tour.

Ask your local bike shop dealers or cycling clubs on best ways to prepare for rides. They are always happy to help!

RIDER'S CHECKLIST Helmet (mandatory) High energy snack Water Sunscreen Spare inner tube Sunglasses Sweatband Insect repellent Lip balm Disposable bag

There are rest stops every 20 miles or so, and cafes and mini-marts in Speculator and Indian Lake.

Cell phones will probably not work in this part of the Adirondacks. Yippee! A true adventure like the old days!

For additional information about preparing for the ride, go to the Transportation Alternatives site