LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — There are several ways to enjoy a summer day in the Lake Placid, N.Y. region, but it doesn’t get much more fun than on a downhill mountain bike or cross country mountain bike. Beginning Friday, June 29, both the Whiteface Mountain Bike Park, in Wilmington, N.Y., and the Cross Country Mountain Bike Center, at Mt. van Hoevenberg, in Lake Placid, both operated by High Peaks Cyclery, will be open daily.

The Whiteface Mountain Bike Park has 27 diverse trails that range from hardcore expert only downhill trails, to cruisers, to winding cross-country trails —something for every ability and riding style. New beginner trails have also been added this season

From the summit of Little Whiteface, via a stunningly beautiful ride in the Cloudsplitter Gondola, trails are expert-only. Big bikes, helmets and full pads are the norm here. So are tight turns, big rocks and steep drops. Expect each run to take about 30 minutes.

For intermediate and beginner riders, the mountain’s shuttle truck, which runs twice an hour, will take riders and their bikes from the base up to a drop-off point where they can choose from a selection of trails that match your ability. New this year, the shuttle will be going up to mid station once a day for more intermediate options.

The Mt. van Hoevenberg Cross Country Mountain Bike Center has more than 30 kilometers of trails that climb, dip and twist through pristine stands of Adirondack hardwood and sky-scraping pines. Veteran riders will be challenged by the center’s jumps, steeps, sharp turns and terrain that vary from open meadows to single-track, secluded forest.

For those new to the sport, this is the perfect place to get started. Mt. van Hoevenberg’s trail system has plenty of mileage to offer riders of all levels. The teaching center staff, where the motto is “Fun, not Fear,” will show you everything from how to get the most out of your bike to how to conquer hills safely.

If you don’t have a bike, or you just couldn’t pack it in or on top of your car, Giant Bicycles rentals are available at both locations. Sales and service are also available.

For more information about the Whiteface Mountain Bike Park and the Mt. van Hoevenberg Cross Country Bike Center, log onto www.whitefacelakeplacid.com , www.downhillmike.com or www.highpeakscyclery.com.

— ORDA —
Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speedskating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.