Thousands of bicyclists set for Grand Tour this week

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Jody Parks (left) and Becky Manor from the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce set up tables and chairs Monday to seat 1,200 people at Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh. More than 2,000 bikers will be arriving there from Ticonderoga Tuesday as part of Velo Quebec's Grand Tour.

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August 10, 2010

Thousands of bicyclists set for Grand Tour

By DAN HEATH Staff Writer The Press Republican Tue Aug 10, 2010, 03:28 AM EDT

PLATTSBURGH -- Thousands of cyclists will tour the North Country this week, bringing along an economic boost.

Cyclists taking part in Velo Quebec's Grand Tour arrived in Ticonderoga Sunday and rode around that area Monday.

They will pedal along Lake Champlain to Clinton Community College today and will tour the Plattsburgh area Wednesday.

They will then ride along the lake through Rouses Point to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, on Thursday.

CHAMPLAIN'S ROUTE

The 17th edition of the Grand Tour features a new route designed to follow in the footsteps of Samuel de Champlain. Velo Quebec Evenements and Velo Quebec Voyages Executive Director Joëlle Sévigny said that includes stages along Lake George, Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks and Richelieu River.

"In addition to enjoying the stunning views, the travelers will have the pleasure of riding on exceptionally well-maintained roads and selecting from a variety of routes allowing them to cycle at their own pace and at their preferred level of difficulty," Sévigny said in a news release.

"Avid cyclists can choose to ride long distances and tackle some challenging climbs, while touring cyclists can explore new regions with less-demanding routes and studded with numerous tourist attractions."

About 2,000 cyclists and 250 employees and volunteer support personnel will take part in the seven-day event. That support team, along with local volunteers, set up a "village" at each overnight destination. In Plattsburgh, it will be on the grounds of Clinton Community College.

The village includes a campground and services that provide meals, sanitary facilities, first-aid station, sports medicine therapist, mechanics booth and an Internet room. There are also activities such as bicycle touring workshops, cinema, artistic performances at the Bistro and daily news by Le Dechaine, the tour's daily newspaper.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Despite all those supplied amenities, a study conducted by Descarie et complices showed participants spend more than $300,000 total in the locations they visit.

It also revealed that 83 percent plan to return to the places they traveled through during the Grand Tour.

City of Plattsburgh Mayor Donald Kasprzak said visitors and events like this in the North Country are very special and appreciated not only by the region's elected officials but also the area's residents.

"We all hope that after they have been here for several days they return to enjoy Lake Champlain and all the other assets the region offers," Kasprzak said.

"I hope they all have a safe trip as they travel through the area and return often."

Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Bernie Bassett said he was extremely pleased the group will spend time in Plattsburgh. He said an event like this really helps underscore efforts to create a healthy lifestyle.

"It's good to have exposure to this group of cyclists from Montreal who can come back to this region very easily," Bassett said.

THE SCHEDULE

As the cyclists head north from Ticonderoga today, they will enjoy a catered lunch from Bazzano's Restaurant at the Essex Fire Station.

They will be greeted to Clinton County with a welcome station at AuSable Point State Park sponsored by Mountain Riders.

As they arrive at Clinton Community College between 1 and 5 p.m., cyclists will set up their campsites. The Adirondack Boy Scouts will help unload their luggage from the tour's tractor trailers, with Velo Quebec donating $1 to the scouts for each bag handled.

Cyclists will later enjoy a gourmet dinner provided by Sodexho and served by Compassionate Friends of Northern New York. A invitation-only cocktail reception starts at 6 p.m.

Clinton County Public Transportation will provide shuttle service for the 260 support people, who opted to stay at the Inn at Smithfield, La Quinta and Holiday Inn.

Wednesday, cyclists will enjoy breakfast provided by Sodexho and served by Compassionate Friends. Those staying at area hotels will receive breakfast at the Ground Round.

Tour riders are then free to peddle the region at their own pace. A lunch will be set up at Ausable Chasm, catered by the Smoked Pepper. Dinner will again be provided by Sodexho and served by Compassionate Friends.

The Adirondack Cycling Team will start a group ride at 6 p.m. Wednesday from the Clinton Community entrance through the City of Plattsburgh and along the lake. Everyone is welcome to take part.

The Adirondack Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau and Adirondack Bike Ranch will staff a tourism information booth both days. Refreshments will be available from Smooth Moves, Adirondack Coffee roasters and Sodexho.

Elf's Farm Winery, Rulfs Orchard, A Taste of the Adirondacks and Adirondack Bee Supply will showcase local wares.

Shuttles provided by Ground Force 1 will run from the college to the City Beach, Champlain Centre and Plattsburgh Farmers and Crafters Market.

Bassett credited Michele Powers and Kristy Kennedy at the Adirondack Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau for their efforts to bring the event to the North Country.

"I wouldn't be surprised to see more people coming to Plattsburgh and the Champlain Valley to use local lodging for a base camp for cycling rides," he said.

Powers said the Adirondack Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau has been working on this event for almost two years.

"Kristy Kennedy has led the charge and coordinated the VCB's efforts with countless other local businesses and agencies. It's gratifying to see everything come to fruition, but the real payoff will be the effect on future tourism," she said.

"In the next few days, 2,000 cyclists will be introduced to the exceptional road biking our area offers. I'm confident many of them will return for biking vacations for years to come."