What does BRAKING AIDS® Ride’s new route look like? Frankly, it’s tough to summon the adjectives, the route is just that breathtaking. We’re known for finding the most scenic back roads we can find, but this route takes it to a new level. Over a series of several posts, I’ll share some highlights with you.
First up, the first day. We’re going to begin the event this year at the Clark Sports Center (top right), at the edge of town in Cooperstown. It’s a newly-renovated facility named after its benefactor, the philanthropist Joan Clark, whose great-great-grandfather founded the Singer Sewing Machine Company.
After our opening ceremony, you’ll ride directly to downtown Cooperstown
At mile 1, you’ll pass the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Cooperstown is also home to Lake Otsego (fun fact: It’s the headwaters of the Susquehanna River), so you’ll exit town with an 8-mile stretch that hugs the lake as the sun rises over the Catskills on the opposite shore.
Once you reach the northern end of the lake, you’ll make the turn eastward to continue your journey toward Albany.
Next up is the Victorian town of Sharon Springs, population 547. Frequented by the Iroquois for its healing waters before being discovered by Europeans, it was a popular spa destination in the late 19th century. The town was largely abandoned in the early 20th century during Prohibition and as visitors opted for other destinations, like Saratoga Springs and the Borscht Belt hotels. It’s been rediscovered by a new generation who are buying up the old properties, gentrifying, rebuilding the baths and gussying up the whole town. We’ll have an oasis at one of the new-old hotels to give you an up-close look at this gem of a town.
Then it’s on toward the Mohawk River Valley via one two-lane country road after another. You’ll lunch in the tiny town of Esperance, NY and continue northeast until you hit the Erie Canal trail at the river’s edge.
You’ll ride the canal into quaint and historic downtown right: QUAINT and HISTORIC downtown Schenectady! Don’t believe me? Check this out!
Then hop back on the trail…
… for the ride into downtown Albany and your home for the night. Congratulations on completing your first century of the weekend but rest up: There’s lots more in store tomorrow!
