Ride for the River

WHAT: kids' mountain bike race followed by a free trailhead cookout

WHO: pre-K through high school mountain bikers (striders included)

WHEN: morning of Saturday, August 29th, 2026

WHERE: Hardy Road Trails/Beaver Brook Tract in Wilmington, NY

This is the eighth year for this awesome kids event and the first year that the Barkeater Trails Alliance is hosting it. This race was started by kids, for kids, and we're stoked to continue that legacy this year. Last year the race attracted more than 80 kids and their families.

Race categories span from pre-K to 12th grade and the race course changes with each age range.

• The youngest age groups do a loop on Beaver Brook View Trail, a 0.3-mile crushed-stone path on lower Hardy.

• 3rd - 5th graders ride a 1.4-mile route Coniferous to Lost Farm Trails.

• 6th - 8th graders ride a 2.0-mile route of Make Believe to Coniferous to Lost Farm.

• 9th - 12th graders have a 2.5-mile route including Lost Farm, All In, and Ante Up trails.

We're also hosting a cookout after the race, so don't jet off right after you make the podium. Stick around for a free sizzling hotdog and crisp, cold juice.

Thank you so much to all the volunteers, sponsors, and racers who make this stellar event possible!

Named after local plumber and cycling enthusiast, the Pat Stratton Ride is a road cycling tour featuring some of the most stunning scenery and terrain in the northern Adirondacks.

Dates: August 22, rain or shine

Location: Saranac Lake

Mileage: 25, 50 or Century

Participation Cap: 300 riders

Benefits: Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club Youth Programs

Stratton veterans will also tell you the ride is also known for the world famous fresh baked pies available to all at the finish line BBQ, which is hosted at Mt. Pisgah Recreation Center in Saranac Lake.

But here's what it's really about. The kids. Your registration supports a wide variety of youth programs, including an annual bicycle rodeo, free helmet distribution and fitting, school back-pack program, support for foster children, and summer camp scholarships.

Since it began 26 years ago, the ride has generated over $140,000 for area youth programs.

Registration Includes

• Ride support and fully stocked rest stops

• Event T-Shirt - NEW THIS YEAR WE WILL HAVE A WOMEN'S STYLE SHIRT AVAILABLE

• Post Ride BBQ

• Pies!

• Warm fuzzies for supporting youth programs

Rider Experiences

“This was a well organized, beautiful ride in the Adirondacks. Little traffic, fresh air, fun like minded people, great barbecue, fully supported with bike mechanic at the start. Lovely. We will come again”

“I love seeing the prettiest views on this route, knowing it’s going to a good cause. 10/10 would recommend.”

“It’s one of the best organized rides in the ADK’s and a great fundraiser for a good cause!”

“This is one of the best supported and fun rides of the season. The pies alone are worth the trip.”

Routes:

25mi - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54267818

50mi - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53215096

100mi - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53215096

Routes are also marked with road paint and turn signs.

Time considerations-

The ride organizers anticipate that each ride should be completed within the following time durations;

25 mi – 2 to 2 1/2 hours, appox. speed of 10mph

50 mi – 3 to 4 hours, appox. speed of 14 mph

100 mi – 6 to 7 hours, appox. speed of 15 mph

Please consider these estimates when selecting your ride. If you are a slower rider you may miss out on the BBQ and raffle, which would be a sad thing! These times are expected to get you back to the lodge before 3 p.m. when the BBQ closes and the raffle begins.