LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/481033
LOCALadk Spring 2015 LOCALadk Magazine 53 The value of Cycle Adirondacks for our communities: Cycle Adirondacks aims to benefit the communities that the riders (and entourage) will pass through in myriad ways. The planners intentionally plotted this route through communities that are off the regular beaten tourist track – communities, in other words, that will benefit most from the influx of visitors. Also, to the greatest extent possible the logistics of this event are in the hands of local and regional purveyors. Although Cycle Adirondacks had to look a bit farther afield than the immediate North Country to find certain amenities in sufficiently large size (the caterer, for example, is from Albany) other key components – such as the coffee, the beer and wine, the bike mechanics, and the entertainment – are all locally sourced. Also, every evening presents an opportunity for businesses and organizations to be part of a vendors' 'fair.' Cycle Adirondacks will require considerable manpower to help with all the set up and take down and transport. The program offers room, food, travel, and a stipend to a host of volunteers willing to help with the day-to-day logistics of it all. (Truly a great way to enjoy the whole program – and get paid!) But beyond the immediate economic benefits, Cycle Adirondacks is really about pride in place: it's about showcasing the unique communities, history, and environment that define this region. All the evening programming is open and free to the public. WCS and the partners that are planning Cycle Adirondacks hope the atmosphere feels a bit like a fair, and a bit like a community-wide party. This is a chance to make connections and share stories. Most of the riders might be visitors, for now (currently those signed up come from 16 states – as far away as Montana, Texas, California – and also from Canada) but, if the program is successful, they may well be repeat visitors. And, perhaps, one day even neighbors and colleagues. One never knows… Certainly WCS hopes Cycle Adirondack is successful, and becomes an annual event with an expanded number of routes into different parts of our beautiful North Country. For more information, to see the exact route, and to find out how to be involved as rider, volunteer, vendor, or at any other level – please see the Cycle Adirondack website: www.cycleadirondacks.com scottmartinstudio.com scott.martin.photo@gmail.com Weddings & Portraits