What were you thinking?
In every race, athletes push themselves to their limits. Maybe even the limits of human abilities. But one race sticks out in my mind as just plain crazy/awesome:
The Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race
For those of you who don't know, Whiteface Mountain is home to a world-class ski area, downhill mountain biking mecca, hiking trails, weather observatory, and a toll road. On top of that, it's the 5th highest peak in New York State!
Somewhere along the way, someone decided it would be great fun to ride a bike from the base of the ski area to the top, along the toll road which climbs over 3,500 feet.
Let me repeat that: OVER three thousand five hundred feet!
The course runs 11 miles with an average grade of 8%. EIGHT PERCENT. That's enough to make even the most grizzly trucker pucker.
Now, you may be thinking to yourself, "Dan, that's crazy talk. I would never do that."
And I'd agree with you. But for the people that compete in the race, it's a unique challenge. And it will make any hill climb you try to conquer on your road bike look like child's play.
You may cry, "But Dan, I want to experience the majesty, but I don't want pedal my bike up that mountain!"
And again, I'd agree with you. Luckily, we have 360° spins of the race that are so fantastic, your calves will burn just looking at them! Click through the pictures below and "experience" a one-of-a-kind race!
Maybe you're thinking, "Hey, I think I'd like to try that!" Well, good news, dear reader! You can register right here on our event page!






In related ADK Park challenges:
Treasure Hunters take note: liquor, money, and a trip on the line!
Here Champy, Champy... have you spotted this creature?
Finding the source of the Hudson - yeah, the river that feeds NYC starts here!
Quiz 9.0: Pro to Partier - what’s your 90 miler style?
Ultra 6er: no big deal - you just have to hike 6 mountains in a mere 24 hours.
Black Fly Challenge: why swat when you can simply outride them?