Archive-URL: http://search.bikelist.org/getmsg.asp?Filename=touring.9702.1079.eml
Date: Wed, 26 Feb 1997 16:32:33 -0500
From: A_Davis <adavis(AT)mhcnet.lucent.com>
Subject: Re: Seeking route info for NY to Ottawa

gil gilmore wrote:
>       have 4 days to get from CT to Ottawa. I was thus trying
>       to avoid big time-eating climbs. OTOH, maybe you're right
>       and I should see what the countryside has to offer.

This is the Adirondack MOUNTAINS.  Are you touring, racing, or
commuting?  For touring, pick the most interesting route, and take
whatever terrain you get.  In a mountainous area, the most interesting
route will probably have the most climbing.

>       What would you think of proceding down Route 30 south
>       from Malone to Lake Clear and then picking up Route 73
>       to Keene. From here I'd continue onto route 9N down to
>       route 22. Any idea what the terrain is like on that
>       route?

Mountains.
You still miss the section of 73 around Keene Valley and St. Huberts.  I
would avoid 9N.  There is nothing wrong with it.  It is a nice way to
go, but it isn't as spectacular as 73.

I would probably take county roads west of the Racquette from Massena to
South Colton, then 56 to 3, 3 to Saranac Lake, 86 to Old Military Road,
to 73, to 9, to Schroon Lake, then county roads for a while.

If I had a little more time, I would probably take the road that used to
be called NY 99 (?) by Loon Lake, from 30 to 3.  (I think that is
right.  I don't have a map handy.  They changed the name.)  It is more
like a wilderness experience. It is one of those that you could choose
from a map, as the hypotenuse of a triangle, but the two legs at twice
the distance are faster.  There used to be a sign that said "not a good
way to NY 3" or something like that.  But, I like adventure, and have no
problem with a little dirt.

There are other nice ways, too, so I can't say anything is absolutely
"best".  458 to 30 to 86 is a nice way, too, but more is forest with
short views.  If you go this way, stop for a while at the 86(formerly
192)-186(formerly 86) intersection to soak up the view. (and for ice
cream).

A couple of warnings about the Adirondacks ....
Traffic can be heavy on weekends in the summer.  Go during the week, or
better yet off season.  September is best.  It is real sparse after
Labor Day, so you get to see it without the tourists.
In late spring watch out for black flies.  These critters the size of a
pinhead can eat you up.  Not a problem while riding, but stop......

Another comment on the Dannemora(sp?) route. My little book says the 23
is better than 24, as alternates to 11.