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Exploring Small Creeks
The Ideal Boats for the Job
By Alan Mapes
My favorite places to explore on the water are small creeks. These hidden gems are the ideal place to explore, finding interesting plants and wildlife. You will often be the only human around, so peace and solitude come with the territory.
My usual paddling craft for the past 20 years have been sea kayaks, 16-18 feet long. These are wonderful for the big waters of Lake George or the tidal Hudson River, but not the best craft for small hidden creeks. My boat of choice for these narrow waterways is a small solo canoe.
Small creeks are everywhere. A few memorable ones that come to mind are the Anthony Kill, the outlet of Round Lake; Coxsackie Creek, Mill Creek and Papscanee Creek off the Hudson River; Lake Lonely Outlet near Saratoga Springs; Dunham’s Bay Brook and Northwest Bay Brook, tributaries of Lake George.
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Exciting News!
Adirondack Sports has purchased the Northeast Ski & Craft Beer Showcase and it’s back for 2022! With a new name and some updates, the Adirondack Sports & Northeast Ski Expo will be on Saturday-Sunday, November 5-6 at the beautiful Albany Capital Center in downtown Albany!
We’re excited to continue this well-loved, 58-year tradition and we’re very appreciative of Ed Lewi Associates for entrusting us with the longest running ski show in the country. We look forward to welcoming returning and new exhibitors and attendees.
It will be the area’s high-energy home for winter and outdoor sports, health/fitness and travel, with a retail-led experience. The expo will feature alpine skiing and snowboarding, cross country/Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, more winter sports and year-round outdoor sports – all under one roof.
We’ll have more resorts, retailers, clubs, destinations and events. Similar to our Saratoga Springs shows, we’ll provide free admission, convenient parking, prizes, family activities, friendly staff and volunteers, and a great mix of exhibitors.
For more info on exhibiting and attending, visit www.adksports.com. We look forward to seeing you in Albany on November 5-6!
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OUR BEST BET EVENTS
Highlighted events are advertisers in the August issue
September issue ad deadline: Tuesday, August 30
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“We succeed in enterprises which demand the positive qualities we possess, but we excel in those which can also make use of our defects.” –Alexis de Tocqueville | |
Saratoga Triathlon Club: Summer Swimming Sessions. June 2-Sept 1. 6pm. Moreau Lake State Park, Gansevoort. saratogatriclub.com. | |
On the Canals: Bike & Boat Friday Evening Short Cruises. 5pm. 8 miles. Bike up to Champlain Canal Lock 6 and take the Caldwell Belle boat ride back to Schuylerville. Option: Caldwell Belle boat ride up to Champlain Canal Lock 6 and bike back down to Schuylerville. Fridays thru 10/7. Free. NYS Canal Corp & NY Power Authority. Adirondack Ultra Cycling, Schuylerville. bikereg.com. | |
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Swift Canoe & Kayak Demo Day. 10am. Bill Swift will be on hand to discuss. Test paddles available. Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company, Old Forge. facebook.com.
Malta 5K & 10K Preview Run. 8am. HVCC-TEC Smart, Malta. malta5k.com.
3rd Great Brant Lake Canoe Race. 9:30am. Open to canoes, kayaks, SUPs with categories for each. Exciting 6M race (all welcome)l that whisks paddles down the bold shores of Brant Lake, finishing on the Mille Pond (near The Hub) in Horicon. Kids’ race, canoe demos, instruction, and voyageur canoes. Plus, food, live music and more. Brant Lake. Benefits North Warren Chamber community scholarship fund and Bob & Gert Newton scholarship fun at Camp Read. northwarrencanoe.com.
Mayor’s Cup 5K & 1M Fun Run. Celebrate the village’s centennial. Cook Park, Colonie. colonievillage.org.
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Terry Laughlin 2M Memorial Cable Open Water Swim. Mirror Lake, Lake Placid. runsignup.com.
15th Tour of the Catskills Gran Fondo Bike Ride. 75M/52M/27M. 10am. Tannersville. tourofthecatskills.com.
Jenkins Mountain Scramble: Half Marathon. 9:30am. 10K: 10am. Paul Smith’s VIC, Paul Smiths. paulsmiths.edu.
Cranberry Lake Canoe/Kayak Race. 8am. Cranberry Lake. facebook.com.
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Vermont Sun Triathlon. 600yd swim, 14M bike, 5K run. Aquabike: 600yd swim, 14M bike. 8:30am. Branbury State Park, Lake Dunmore, VT. vermontsuntriathlonseries.com.
Lake Dunmore Triathlon. 0.9M swim, 28M bike, 10K run. Aquabike: 0.9M swim, 28M bike. 8am. Branbury State Park, Lake Dunmore, VT. vermontsuntriathlonseries.com.
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Bike Adirondacks: Multi-Sport Weeklong Experience. Cycling, hiking, paddling. Wilmington & Saranac Lake. Save 15%: BIKEADK15. bikeadirondacks.com. | |
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High Peaks: Mt Marshall. 4,360’, 15.5M RT. 7:30am. Adirondak Loj, Lake Placid. ADK: adk.org.
Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Run Series. Mondays in August: 1-29. 6:15pm. Fun, challenging course. Open to all ages and abilities. Hosted by Saratoga Stryders. Register day of race. Camp Saratoga at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, Wilton. saratogastryders.org.
High Peaks Cyclery: Mini-Triathlon Race Series. 6/27-8/15. 400yd swim, 12M bike, 3M run. 6:30pm. Mirror Lake Beach, Lake Placid. highpeakscyclery.com.
On the Canals: Utica Rides. 15M. 5pm. Lock 20 Canal Park, Marcy. Adirondack Ultra Cycling & NYS Canal Corp/NY Power Authority. onthecanals.com.
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Capital District Triathlon Club: Summer Training Sessions. May 31-August 30. 6pm. Swim/bike/run on Crystal Lake Triathlon course. Crystal Cove, Averill Park. cdtriclub.org. | |
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Saratoga Stryders “Trails and Ales” Run Series. 6pm. Spruce Mtn Fire Tower Trail. Post-run: The View Restaurant, Brookhaven, Porter Corners. saratogastryders.org.
Saratoga Triathlon Club: Summer Swimming Sessions. June 2-Sept 1. 6pm. Moreau Lake State Park, Gansevoort. saratogatriclub.com.
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Beers, Bikes & Barges. 6-7pm. Experience Erie Canal history by bike, guided tour, enjoy a pint. Bagg’s Square Brewing, Utica. eriecanalmuseum.org. | |
On the Canals: Bike & Boat Friday Evening Short Cruises. 5pm. 8 miles. Bike up to Champlain Canal Lock 6 and take the Caldwell Belle boat ride back to Schuylerville. Option: Caldwell Belle boat ride up to Champlain Canal Lock 6 and bike back down to Schuylerville. Fridays thru 10/7. Free. NYS Canal Corp & NY Power Authority. Adirondack Ultra Cycling, Schuylerville. bikereg.com. | |
Friday-Sunday, August 19-21 | |
2nd Alpha Win: Lake George Tri Camp. Weekend of swimming, biking and running with coach Dr. Mike Halstead and race director Tommy Struzzieri. Good preparation for the Alpha Win: Lake George Triathlon on Sept 3-4 with expert training tips and learn the courses, while also enjoying the wonderful scenery. All skill levels and ages welcome. Quality Inn & Inn of Lake George, Lake George. alpha.win. | |
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21st CDTC Crystal Lake Triathlon. 0.5M swim, 18M bike, 3M run. Aquabike: 0.5M swim, 18M bike. 8am. Crystal Cove, Averill Park. cdtriclub.org.
On the Canals: Simple Bike Maintenance. Level 2. 9am. Adirondack Ultra Cycling, Schuylerville. NYS Canal Corp/NY Power Authority. adkultracycling.com. bikereg.com.
Canoe Safety & Rescue Clinic. 10am-2pm. Adirondak Loj, Lake Placid. ADK: adk.org.
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Flyin’ FAST 5K! 8am. Vischer Ferry Firehouse, Rexford. zippyreg.com.
Olga Memorial Footrace. 10K run & 5K run/walk. Benefits SL Youth Center & Rotary Club literacy project. Berkeley Green, Saranac Lake. olgamemorialrace@gmail.com.
Lake George Open Water Swim. 2.5K, 5K & 10K national championship swims. Hague Town Beach, Hague. lakegeorgeswim.com.
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Wheelerville Mountain Bike Festival. Wheelerville Trails, Caroga Lake. facebook.com. | |
Thacher Park Trail Running Festival. 10K, 13.1M, 26.2M & 50K. 8:30am: all races. Festive atmosphere & awesome post-race food. Thacher State Park, Voorheesville. areep.com. | |
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Peasantman Triathlon: Half Iron, Olympic, Sprint, Duathlon, Aquabike. 7am. Indian Pines Park, Penn Yan. peasantman.com.
Tour de Force Charity Runs. 13.1M/10K/5K/1M Walk. Mooney Bay Marina, Plattsburgh. runsignup.com.
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Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Run Series. Mondays in August: 1-29. 6:15pm. Fun, challenging course. Open to all ages and abilities. Hosted by Saratoga Stryders. Register day of race. Camp Saratoga at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, Wilton. saratogastryders.org. | |
Capital District Triathlon Club: Summer Training Sessions. May 31-August 30. 6pm. Swim/bike/run on Crystal Lake Triathlon course. Crystal Cove, Averill Park. cdtriclub.org. | |
Great Camp Sagamore Experience. Road cycling & more in central Adirondacks. Raquette Lake. Save 15%: BIKEADK15. bikeadirondacks.com. | |
Trailless Peak Backpacking: Seward Range. 27M RT. Trailhead, Coreys. ADK: adk.org. | |
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Saratoga Triathlon Club: Summer Swimming Sessions. June 2-Sept 1. 6pm. Moreau Lake State Park, Gansevoort. saratogatriclub.com.
Thru-Hiking 101: Wakely Dam to Long Lake. 26.3M. Mt. Sabattis Pavilion, Long Lake. ADK: adk.org.
Birding & Paddling Tours. 5pm. Montezuma Audubon Center & NYS Canal Corporation/NY Power Authority. onthecanals.com.
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22nd Pat Stratton Ride. Century, 100M: 8am. Postcard Pedal, 49M: 10:30am. Ice Cream Run, 22M: 11:30am. Raffle, cookout, music, homemade pies, ride T-shirt. Benefits Kiwanis area youth programs. Mt. Pisgah Lodge, Saranac Lake. strattonride.com.
Malta 5K & 10K Preview Run with Diadora. 8am. Demo shoes for all. HVCC-TEC Smart, Malta. malta5k.com.
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Fishy Frolic 5K/10K for Huntington’s Disease. 9:30am. Jennings Landing, Albany. albany.hdsa.org.
24th Altamont 5K Run/Walk. 9am. Crupe Bozenkill Park, Altamont. facebook.com.
Hickory: Bands, Brews & BBQ. 3-9pm. Craft beer, wine & dinner. 3:30pm: Kid’s scavenger hunt. 4pm: Adults geocache event. Silent auction for ski/snowshoe equipment. Hickory Ski Center, Warrensburg. hickorysc2@gmail.com.
Newcomb Regatta. 5M/10M canoe/kayak/SUP paddle. 9am. Lake Harris. Newcomb. nypra.org.
Snowmaker 5K Race & 1M Walk. 9am. Woods Valley Ski Area, Westernville. runsignup.com.
Rochester Triathlon: Sprint, Olympic, Aquabike. 8am. Durand Eastman Beach, Rochester. rochestertriathlon.com.
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Empire Cyclefest. 80M: 8am. 55M: 9:30am. 30M: 11am. Three great routes for everyone along the Mohawk River and Erie Canalway. Post-ride food/drinks. velofix support. Mabee Farm Historic Site, Rotterdam Junction. bikereg.com.
On the Canals: Sunday Mid-Long Bike Rides & Boat Cruise. Free. NYS Canal Corp & NYPA. Adirondack Ultra Cycling, Schuylerville. bikereg.com.
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Saratoga Historic Homes Slow Roll Bike Ride. 9am. 10M. Family-friendly with Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. Congress Park, Saratoga Springs. bikeatoga.org.
Northeast Race to the Top of Vermont. Run, bike or hike via toll road. Mt. Mansfield, Stowe, VT. rtttovt.com.
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High Peaks: Iroquois Peak. 4,840’, 10.4M RT. 7:30am. Adirondak Loj, Lake Placid. ADK: adk.org.
Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Run Series. Mondays, 8/1-8/29. 6:15pm. Fun, challenging 5K trail course. Open to all ages & abilities. Register day of race. Camp Saratoga at Wilton Wildlife Preserve/Park, Wilton. saratogastryders.org.
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Malta 5K & 10K Preview Run with Saucony. 6pm. Unified Beerworks, Malta. malta5k.com. | |
5th Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival. 25M singletrack, group rides, kids’ race, camping, music, food. Wilmington, Lake Placid, Elizabethtown. wilmingtonmtbfestival.com. | |
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Run 4 The River Half Marathon. 8am. Fast times, food, beer & live music. Mabee Farms, Rotterdam to Frog Alley Brewing, Schenectady. narkrunningstrength.com.
On the Canals: Birding & Paddling Tours. 5pm. Rivers Crossing Campground & Marina, Savannah. Montezuma Audubon Center & NYS Canal Corporation/NY Power Authority. onthecanals.com.
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Saturday-Sunday, Sept 3-4 | |
Alpha Win: Lake George Triathlon. Saturday, Half Ironman (70.3): 7am. Sunday, Sprint: 7am & Olympic: 7:45am. Battleground Park, Lake George. alpha.win. | |
Catskill Mountain Cycling Challenge. Century Challenge (99 miles): 8am. Pepacton Long (57 miles): 8:30am. Pepacton Short (29 miles): 9am. Carries forth the long tradition of recreational road cycling in the Western Catskills with three outstanding routes. Your scenic pedal will raise funds to help keep the Catskill Recreation Center open into the future. CRC is partnering with their good friends at Overlook Bicycles. Catskill Recreation Center, Arkville. bikereg.com. | |
Monday, September 5 – Labor Day | |
33rd HMRRC Labor Day 5K Run/Walk. 9am. Central Park, Schenectady. hmrrc.com. | |
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THU-SUN On the Canals: Guided Paddle & Pedal. 3M kayak, 3M bike. Klam’r Kayak Boat Launch, Clifton Park. Upstate Kayak Rentals & NYS Canal Corporation/NY Power Authority. onthecanals.com.
DAILY Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club. 300 group bicycle rides per year. All ages and abilities welcome. Greater Capital-Saratoga Region. mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org.
MON-FRI Albany Rowing Center: Junior Rowing Summer Camps. Program offers instruction in rowing to boys/girls ages 12-18. ARC teaches young athletes about the sport of rowing through participation in a fun and educational setting. Students will learn water and boat safety, stroke mechanics on the ergometer (rowing machine) and the basic techniques of sweep rowing and sculling. While the majority of time is spent on the water, there is also fitness training on land and education about boats and equipment. Campers learn how to work as a team. Those who would like to continue rowing may join the competitive rowing program. Camp runs Monday to Friday, 9am-12pm. 8/1-8/5, 8/8-8/12, 8/15-8/19. ARC Boathouse, Albany. albanyrowingcenter.org.
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MON Saratoga Stryders Monday Trail Run Series: 4/4-8/29. 6pm. Various locations, Saratoga County. saratogastryders.org. | |
MON Monday Night Recreational Paddling on the Mohawk River. 6pm. May 3-September 26. Canoes and paddles are available but bring a life vest (PFD) if you have it. Erie Canal, Lock 9 at Kiwanis Park, Rotterdam. swcweb.org/northern-new-york-paddlers-home. | |
TUE-THU Roundabout Runners Club: Adult Runs. Tue, 5:15am: Starbucks, Malta. Wed, 6pm: Unified Beerworks, Malta. Thu, 5:15am: Twisted Bagel, Malta. Free for members and not yet members. roundaboutrunnersclub.com. | |
MON-FRI Rock Your Fitness: Boot Camp Workouts. Mon/Wed/Fri: 5:15am, 6:30am, 9am. Tue: 5:30pm. Thu 7pm. Special offer: Free week of class with registration for 2x/3x per week option. To register, text and use promo code “ADK fit” to 518.522.9765. Malta Community Center, Malta. 518-522-9765. facebook.com/rockyourfitnessllc. | |
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WED Paddling Time Trial Series: 5/4-9/21. 3.65M. 6:30pm. Free. Aqueduct Park, Niskayuna. swcweb.org.
THU Albany Running Exchange: Summer Trail Run Series. 5/26-8/25. 6pm. Various locations, Capital Region. albanyrunningexchange.org.
THU Real McCoy Beer Ride. 30M training road rides. 6pm. A/B groups. Real McCoy Brewery, Delmar. facebook.com.
THU Bethlehem Tri Club: Summer Swim Training. June 2-Sept 1. Lawson Lake County Park, Feura Bush. bethlehemtriclub.com.
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