Explore along the IRONMAN bike course
Every July, IRONMAN Lake Placid’s scenic bike course brings athletes and spectators into the region, both on race day and ahead of time for training. Part of North America’s #1 most recommended IRONMAN, the course is equal parts beautiful and challenging, drawing character for the quaint mountain towns it winds through.
In fact, it's such a great route we recommend exploring it for yourself! Whether you're an athlete looking to experience more of the place you'll race, a friend or family member coming to support, a spectator, or you’re simply looking for a day's drive packed with hidden gems, discover what lies along the IRONMAN bike course.
Keene
As soon as athletes finish their 2.3 swim in Mirror Lake, they mount their bikes and head out of town toward Keene, where arts, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm blend seamlessly. Experience the town’s creativity at Keene Arts or stop by Dartbrook to browse handcrafted goods and interior decor.
Other Keene highlights include Cedar Run Bakery for coffee and fresh-baked treats, Stewarts for gas and all your convenience needs, and East Branch Organics, a garden center that also sells craft beverages! If you happen to visit on a summer Sunday, the Keene Farmers' Market is one of the most scenic you'll ever visit.
Upper Jay
Where Route 73 meets Route 9N, the course turns toward Upper Jay. The winding road follows the path of the East Branch Ausable River and the scenery gradually shifts from mountains to meadows. As you approach the center of this small hamlet you'll see Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe on your right. Their slow-roasted coffee and all-day breakfast offerings are best enjoyed seated outdoors where you can hear the soft babble of the river across the road.
Just down the road, the Upper Jay Art Center brings the arts to a unique venue: a former Ford Model T plant turned furniture upholstery turned Recover Lounge. Sugar House Creamery adds even more flavor to the community, with melt-in-your-mouth cheeses made from the milk of their sweet Brown Swiss cows. Stop by their farm store Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for cheese, produce, and local meats.
Jay
Continue past lush riverside fields (where moose have been known to be seen!) to Jay, where the first thing that will greet you is the Jay Craft Center. The owner, Cheri, is a wealth of local knowledge and will be just as happy to recommend local gems as she will be to sell you some of her beautiful pottery.
The Jay Village Green is ideal for a mid-day picnic, as is the Jay Covered Bridge riders race over! The wooden Howe truss covered bridge, constructed in 1857, spans 175 feet over the East Branch Ausable River and is the sole remaining bridge of its kind in the Adirondacks.
At this point, the course veers off on bucolic back roads towards Au Sable Forks before returning to Jay, where there are still a few more places you should see! On its way back to Jay, the course passes The Garden, a boutique floral and herbal apothecary that describes itself as "an Adirondack happy place!" And as you head toward Wilmington on Route 86, be sure to stop by Young's Studio & Gallery to see more of the region's artistic talent! Sue Young's pottery takes center stage, joined by a wide selection of yards, jewelry, and other artisan crafts from local makers.
Au Sable Forks
While the IRONMAN bike course doesn't make its way all the way into Au Sable Forks, it is well worth a side trip. Their quaint main street has been experiencing a renaissance in recent years, with the addition of painted murals, a Visitors Center, and several new businesses. Tahawus Cultural Center hosts art galleries as well as dance and various art classes. 20 Main, the friendly neighborhood pub, hosts live music almost every weekend. The Forks Blend and Brew is a great stop for specialty coffees and two pizza shops offer options for re-fueling mid-course. And we can't talk about hidden gems without mentioning Arts & Antiques, where treasures new and old wait to be discovered.
Wilmington
The final community the IRONMAN bike course passes through before returning to Lake Placid is Wilmington. On the way there from Jay you'll pass NewVida Preserve, a former ski area revitalized into a luxurious lodge with multiple dining options, robust amenities, and expansive grounds. In Wilmington, a bustling little town awaits. Grab a slice at Fratelli Pizza Restaurant & Bar, a burger and beer at Twisted Raven, or explore elevated cuisine in a cozy setting at Cadence Lodge at Whiteface. Summer staples also include the Whitebrook Dairy Bar and A&W Family Restaurant! Find tasty morsels at Adirondack Chocolates or delightfully unique souvenirs Unicorn Square.
Wilmington is also home to the region's namesake Whiteface Mountain, where fun isn't limited to the snowy season! Drive the Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway to the top for panoramic summit views, or take the Cloudsplitter Gondola to the outlook deck on Little Whiteface. The mountain also offers hiking and disc golf of the grassy slopes. In the river valley below the mountain, nestled in the famous Notch IRONMAN competitors either love or hate to ride, is High Falls Gorge. Walk criss-crossing boardwalks over the West Branch Ausable River to enjoy stunning views of powerful waterfalls in a deep, rocky gorge. Once you've soaked in the scenery, stop into their River View Café for a bite to eat or sweet treat!
Extend your journey
IRONMAN athletes may complete the bike loop twice in one day, but for you there's no time limit! Take your time and extend your on-course experience by staying in the region! From historic inns and luxurious lodges to mountain cabins, camping, and retro motels, there are so many ways to stay along the course.
Be in the know for race day
While exploring along the IRONMAN bike course is a worthwhile standalone experience, we know many people are interested in the route because of the race. To help you prepare for a memorable IRONMAN weekend in the Whiteface Region, we've compiled all the IRONMAN-specific information you need—from course maps and traffic impacts to additional events—so you can easily plan your visit.
