Bikeatoga’s Saratoga Foliage Ride Promotes Cycling Tourism

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bikeatoga’s Saratoga Foliage Ride, a two-day cycling festival that will be held on Oct. 11 and 12, will aim to promote bike tourism while also raising funds for a bike workshop.

Bikeatoga believes that the City of Saratoga Springs has failed to capitalize on bike tourism, which it calls a “significant opportunity to bring in new visitors.” According to a study by the Outdoor Industry Association, bicycle tourism generates $83 billion a year nationwide in economic activity. Bikeatoga board member Ed Lindner says the city has what it takes to bring those tourist dollars to the Spa City.

“We have hundreds of miles of scenic, low traffic cycling routes surrounding a nationally famous Victorian small city,” Lindner said in a news release. “You can ride in the morning on country roads passing horse and dairy farms, spend your afternoon exploring downtown shops and end the evening in one of our many great restaurants and bars. It’s really a bike tourist’s dream destination.”

Bikeatoga thinks those attributes are driving the success of its Saratoga Foliage Ride, a fundraiser for the Bikeatoga workshop, where volunteer mechanics refurbish used bikes and get them back out to anyone in the community who needs one on a free or “pay what you can” basis. In 2024, local families adopted 700 bikes from the Bikeatoga workshop, including 73 bikes in their December Kids’ Bike Giveaway. They also provide free pop-up bike repairs around the city.

Lindner thinks the success of the Saratoga Foliage Ride demonstrates local bike tourism’s potential. Only in its third year, the event is expected to draw more than two hundred riders from nine states throughout the northeast and as far away as Maine, Florida, Ohio, and Canada. Nearly 60% of participants stay for the weekend and ride both days. Many of those riders are coming back after riding last year. 

Local businesses are also getting involved. According to Lindner, “Bikeatoga is always looking for ways to get our riders downtown after the ride and we’re thrilled to partner with local bars and restaurants on the Foliage Ride Happy Hour.” 

Riders wearing Foliage Ride wristbands will get exclusive happy hour discounts from Whitman Brewing Company, the Henry Street Taproom, Bocage Champagne Bar, Cooperstown Distillery, Bibulous, and Kindred.

Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga is optimistic about the future. “Cycling tourism continues to be a growing market, and the Saratoga Foliage Ride is a wonderful example of how our community can attract visitors who want to experience the beauty of Saratoga County in an active and memorable way,” he said. “With riders coming from across the country, this event not only showcases our stunning fall landscapes but also drives real economic impact for our local hotels, restaurants, and shops.” 

Riders on the Saratoga Foliage Ride will start the day with coffee and pastries from the Bread Basket Bakery; choose from routes of 30, 50, or 75 miles each day; and then return for a hot lunch catered by the Front Street Deli. For more information or to register, visit www.SaratogaFoliageRide.com.