With spring in the air and summer on the horizon, now is the time to plan to participate in an event that will get you pedaling around New York State.
There are numerous bike-centric happenings tailored for leisure, family, and competitive cyclists. You’ll quickly see why the seat of your bike is the perfect perch for getting better acquainted with the sights of the Empire State.
What: TD Five Boro Bike Tour and Expo
When: Sunday, May 3, 2015
Why: Whether you’re a participant or spectator, you won’t want to miss New York City’s own TD Five Boro Bike Tour. It’s one of the largest charity bike events in North America. 32,000 cyclists of all skill levels will roll through 40 miles of streets and bridges in of each of the five boroughs, without a moving car in sight. It’s all for a good cause with proceeds funding free bike education programs. Standard and VIP registration are already sold out, but you can still ride for one of the many charity partners.
What: Wilmington Whiteface Bike Fest
When: June 5-7, 2015
Why: A bike fest weekend fit for families, serious competitors and everyone in between hits the majestic Adirondacks this June. On Friday, spectators can enjoy stunts, jumps and tricks at the Jump Jam and Trials Exhibition. The 14th Annual Whiteface Mountain Uphill Road Race begins at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, and is followed by a vendor expo, music events, food offerings, and children’s activities. Don’t miss the Bike Fest Beach Party with live music, food and contests. Sunday’s action features the grueling 5th Annual Wilmington/Whiteface 100k Mountain Bike Race, which takes place with a shotgun start at 7:00 a.m.
What: Annual Raccoon Rally Cycling Festival
When: June 27-28, 2015
Why: Beautiful Allegany State Park in rural Cattaraugus County plays host to this event. Cycling fanatics can participate in the annual Road Race, Trials Competition, Blockbuster Cross Country and Kids Race. Competitive cyclists from several surrounding states compete on a world-class array of courses for awards and prizes. Saturday’s Road Races kick off at 9:30am at Camp Allegany. On Sunday, the Mountain Bike Cross Country Races send competitors into course options in novice, beginner and expert Classes.
What: UCI Windham World Cup 2014
When: August 6-9, 2015
Why: The world’s best professional mountain bikers return to Windham Mountain to compete in a series of cross-country and downhill races as a stop on the 2015 World Cup Circuit. This four-day event is packed with activities, including racing events for all levels and a block party. The Catskill Mountain scenery alone makes it worth the trip.
What: Highlander Cycle Tour
When: September 11-12, 2015
Why: The Highlander Cycle Tour is an annual charity bicycle tour of New York’s Finger Lakes wine country. The event consists of four different road races and one off-road course, all with a picturesque view of glistening Canandaigua Lake. After the events, unwind at Bristol Mountain where you may sample delectable homegrown food and chill to the sounds of live music. Competitive riders can participate in the individual and team time trials on the preceding Friday. Extreme challenge enthusiasts can also compete for prizes by riding the Highlander Century on Saturday and competing in the Finger Lakes Triathlon on Sunday. This area is producing award-winning wines, so take time to explore the glorious vineyards and sample the fruits of the Finger Lake’s vines.
Photo credit: Allen McGregor
Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributes travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She is fluent in Italian and Spanish and laughably adequate in French. Her background as an Early Childhood Educator gives her an added understanding of what it takes to travel with kids in tow. She firmly believes that the most important part of education takes place outside of the classroom, on the road, around the world. She never misses a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. Follow Allison at @gourmetrav.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram