Make the most of race weekend
The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series returns to the region October 2–4, 2026, bringing downhill racing to Whiteface Mountain and cross-country to Mt Van Hoevenberg for the final stop of the season. Thousands of fans will fill the region over those three days, and while the racing is the draw, the Whiteface Region rewards anyone willing to explore beyond the course. Here's how to make the most of the weekend, whether you're racing, spectating, or just along for the ride.
Fuel up before the gates open
With events starting at 8:30 a.m., a solid breakfast is worth the early alarm. Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe in Upper Jay has the quintessential Adirondack diner feel and is a longtime local favorite, so expect a line during peak hours. Country Bear Diner in Wilmington offers a convenient breakfast option just minutes from the venue, making it easy to fuel up before the day's events. For more coffee and quick-bite options, try Up a Creek Restaurant, Forks Blend & Brew, and Outpost Cafe at NewVida.
Where to unwind after the final run
Racing wraps up around mid-to-late afternoon each day, which leaves plenty of evening ahead. Wilmington has several dining options near the race venue, while nearby Upper Jay and Au Sable Forks offer more places to grab dinner and settle in after a full day of racing. If you're looking to raise a glass after the final run, check out the brewery guide on Adirondacks, USA, with options ranging from farm taprooms to riverside brewpubs across the region. And even as summer winds down, the towns of the Adirondacks stay busy with events and live music, so there are plenty of ways to keep the good vibes going after UCI.
Keep the adventure going
If you're sticking around after the World Cup, make time to explore the Whiteface Region beyond the race course. Mountain biking is just the beginning, with hiking, paddling, fishing, and other outdoor activities offering plenty of ways to spend a day in the Adirondacks. For a deeper look at where to point your bike during the event, check out five mountain biking trails to amp you up for UCI. And if your legs need a break from the bike, hit the trails on foot, cast a line, or get out on the water and enjoy the scenery at a slower pace.
Recover like you mean it
Race days are long, and if you're hiking to different viewpoints along the course, your legs will notice. When it's time to recover, the Whiteface Region has plenty of ways to recharge. In Wilmington, River Stone Wellness Center offers post-race recovery options, while NewVida in Jay offers massage, wellness services, and other ways to help tired muscles recover. Yoga studios and wellness providers throughout the region also offer classes and practices that can help you stretch, reset, and prepare for another day of spectating.
Explore off the course
When you're ready for a break from the action, take some time to explore the Whiteface Region. Drive up the Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway for sweeping views from the summit of Whiteface Mountain, walk the trails and suspension bridges at High Falls Gorge, or stop briefly at the historic Jay Covered Bridge. Each offers a different way to experience the region's scenery and character off the race course.
Wander beyond Wilmington
The Whiteface Region sits close enough to Lake Placid and Saranac Lake that neither town requires much of a detour. Lake Placid's Olympic Legacy Sites, including the Olympic Jumping Complex and the Olympic Center, are worth an afternoon whether you're an Olympic history buff, and its Main Street covers shopping and dining in a few walkable blocks. Saranac Lake offers a quieter, more local pace, with its own downtown and riverfront worth a slower wander if you want a break from the race crowds.
Make a weekend of it
The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is the main event, but it doesn't have to be the only thing on your itinerary. Race-day fuel, post-race recovery, local dining, live music, and plenty of ways to get outside make it easy to turn a day at the course into a full Adirondack getaway. Come for the racing, then stick around to see what else the region offers.
