The Wilmington-Whiteface Bike Festival is one of the most exciting events that comes to the Whiteface Region each season. There are so many different things to participate in it's hard to know where to start. One thing is certain, no matter what your cycling interest is, there is something for you the weekend of June 14-16th in Wilmington, New York. While the many compeititons highlight the weekend, in it's 4th year of the festival there is new emphasis on creating opportunities for riders, not just racers.
Things get rolling in the afternoon on Friday the 14th with the Jump Jam and trials exhibition at the Wilmington Bike Park. There will be a unicycling demo by Taylor Wright-Sanson, a trial exhibition by Sam Pekrins, and a Dirt Jump Spectacle by Elias Ingram and Friends. The evening will wrap up back at Whiteface Mtn. with live music, and the infamous "Best Calves Competition"
Saturday morning will feature the start of the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Race at 8:00 AM. Riders will shove off from the Whiteface Mountain Base Area, and make their way all the way to the summit on the Whiteface Veteran's Memorial Highway. It is a grueling race to summit, and the climb is sure to test any rider's endurance.
Saturday afternoon will feature plenty of opportunities for riders who are choosing not to be competitive this weekend. Beginning at noon there will be group rides on area trails led by the designers and builders of the trails from the volunteer group Barkeater Trails Alliance. Rides will be tailored toward the riding level of the group. Riders can sign up for group rides at the Barkeater Trails Alliance Table at event registration throughout the weekend.
On Saturday beginning at 3:30 there will be free shuttles up to the Top of the "Poor Man's Downhill" Trail. This trail got its name because it is a fun downhill trail that riders do not need downhill specific mountain bikes to ride. It is great for a wide variety of abilities, and is suitable for any fat tire bike. The trail ends nearly across the street from the access road to the Wilmington Town Beach where, beginning at 5:00 pm there will be live music from Lucid and food by Liquids and Solids, as well as Proper's Food Stand.
Sunday morning will begin early with the Shotgun Start of the WIlmington/Whiteface 100K at 8:00am. The 100k is a qualifier in the Leadville series of events in which riders can earn a spot in the infamous Leadville Trail 100 in Leadville, Colorado. This Grueling race treats riders to some of the most spectacular terrain the area has to offer. This year, riders who don't feel like they are up to the task of the full 100K can choose the newly added 50K which will run on an abbreviated course over similar terrain. There are categories for teams and individuals.
The Wilmington-Whiteface Bike Festival is also the official opening of the Whiteface Mountain Bike Park. Expeirenced downhill riders can enjoy a quick ride in the Gondola to some spectacular off-road riding terrain. Riders who are looking to build their skills on the lower mountain can access more moderate terrain via the shuttle. Park managers, Elias and Mike have been getting the trails ready all spring, so come check it out.
There is so much offered at the Wilmington-Whiteface Bike Festival it's hard to know what to choose. Come to Wilmington this weekend and stay in one of Wilmington's great lodges or motels so you'll be close to all the action.
