Biking from Adk Loj to Keene Valley?

[AOC-1]

I'm planning to hike the Great Range traverse from Keene Valley, finish at Adk Loj and bike back to my car at the trailhead on Rt. 73. I've driven Rt. 73 many times but never biked it before. Is the shoulder wide enough for reasonably safe bicycling? How about the big downhill stretch from Cascade Pass?

 

[Rick]

I beleive Pete Hickey has biked that section many times when he bikes down from Montreal - He would be the first person I would PM and ask.

 

[Whiteman]

You'll love the hill

I've done this route in the opposite direction, and chatted with some who have gone down the hill in the direction you're traveling. Look for speeds up to 50 mph! I think you should be fine, since a lot of it is three lanes so cars should have room to pass, assuming they can catch you.

 

[Jay H]

I'm not Pete Hickey, nor do I do most of my biking in the High peaks, but I have biked from the ADK Loj all the way down to I think is the town of Jay, before turning north to Wilmington and Whiteface Mtn. basically, I did the Iron-Man loop one day before driving home. The way from the Loj is nice and there is a HUGE-ASS hike before you get to Jay that I remember easily hitting 50mph on my Lemond Zurich road bike that I had (still do) with me at the time.

I don't think you'll have much a problem at least where the IM goes to. Of course, you SHOULD be prepared for darkness, which means the red blinky and some kind of headlight would be a good idea.

Jay

 

[CrisisBill]

That section of 73 is just fine for biking, I have biked it many times as I did training rides before I did the Ironman. That section of 73 is part of the Ironman bike course.

 

[prino]

I've done that route 2 or 3 times....It's fine except for the stretch that parallels Pitchoff and the Cascade lakes. It is a little narrow and cars tend to be travelling fairly fast as it is the only level stretch. Also there is not much shoulder at that point.Just keep an eye out and you'll be fine.
Have Fun!