Greetings to all our first time 2026 Finger Lakes Ride for Life cyclists!

By now you’ve trained and reached out to friends and family to raise money for STAP. THANK YOU!

We are members of the ride planning group, and collectively have done the ride 85 times over the past 27 years. Each of us has special memories of our first time on the ride, and the many since, and we want to share our “rider’s perspectives” about what you should expect.

SAFETY FIRST

It’s a ride, not a race.  Pace yourself – take it easy on the hills. Enjoy the views of Cayuga Lake, fields of recently picked corn and grapes, and lush woodlands, plus available food and facilities. 

Call out “On your left” when passing another cyclist.  Everyone rides at different speeds, and many are not accustomed to riding in groups. Nobody wants to be surprised when another cyclist suddenly appears beside them.

Pay attention.  It is a long time on a bike and is easy to become distracted and fatigued.

Keep hydrated and well-nourished.  Pit stops are 16-18 miles apart and have water, gatorade, fruits, sweets, salted snacks and toilets. Pause, stretch, and chat while recharging your system.

Plan for the weather.  It can be chilly in the morning, and many riders wear extra layers. There will be plastic bags at the first two pit stops to stow these for pick-up later at Stewart Park. If RAIN is predicted, bring a waterproof (not just water-resistant) jacket. Cold and wet together are a dangerous combination that can lead to hypothermia.

Support is always close by.  Whether you have a flat tire, a bout of fatigue or any other problem, just pull off the road. Other riders will stop to help until one of our motorcyclists or SAG vehicles arrives. You all have emergency phone numbers to call, and EMTs at communities along the route know we will be passing through. 

ROUTE INFORMATION: North-bound to Verdi and Seneca Falls

The northbound ride up the east side of Cayuga Lake begins with the two longest climbs of the ride, totalling over 1000 feet. After that the route is fairly level and the climbs shorter. The town of Aurora, home of the former Wells College, and the short stretch along Rte 20 are the only high-traffic areas before entering Seneca Falls.

ROUTE INFORMATION: Home-bound to Stewart Park

Along the 43-mile ride south from Seneca Falls you’ll encounter rolling hills, none of which are as steep or long as those on the east side of the lake, and you’ll have lots of great views. Keep alert riding on Route 89. This is a busy road and the shoulder varies in width. You will climb gradually to the pit stop in Trumansburg, which is 600 feet above Cayuga Lake.

The last 8.4 miles are on the Black Diamond Trail, a gradual 480-foot descent through forested terrain with several bridges across gorges. It crosses 8 roads and ends in Cass Park where all riders need to check in. The surface is firmly packed fine shale. It is named after a famous luxury passenger train that, from 1896 to the 1950’s, brought city-dwellers from New York to several spas along the Finger Lakes then west to Buffalo. There will be walkers on the trail, so call out your presence when approaching them.

AFTER THE RIDE at Stewart Park

Enjoy the camaraderie and food at the park pavilion, which from 1915-09 was the production site for many silent movies made by Wharton Studios. We look forward to greeting you soon,

Jerry Dietz, Russ Traunstein, Adam Brumberg, Drew Noden