Americade June 2 - 7, 2014 in Lake George, New York

Riding in the Adirondack Mountains is good riding

Americade takes advantage of the location with 'on-road' and 'off-bike' events over 6 days in a type of motorcycle megashow with an emphasis on touring.

Some say Americade has jumped the shark and last year numbers dropped significantly over previous years, but it's still the largest event in the area seeing a huge draw of good people.

Days are spent on guiding rides through the Adirondacks and evenings transform the town of Lake George, NY into an amusement theme park for motorcycle riders and locals.

You get demo rides, 'mini tours' around New York and Vermont, a large trade show with 200 vendors. There's comedy shows, speakers, safety seminars, demos, fashion shows and boat rides! It's vast and organizers expect 50,000 to 100,000 riders this year.

Wristband Tickets

Premium wristband gets you all access for $120. Classic wristbands exclude the boat cruises and Friday night party but cost $85. DayTrip is a one day access wristband for $20 and then there's a hand stamp that get's you into the TourExpo for $15.

Ticket box office is at the Holiday Inn Lake George-Turf, 2223 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845. Or check Americade's website, but be warned, it's confusing.

About the Adriondacks

Adirondacks do not form a connected range like the Rocky Mountains, they're an eroded dome consisting of many peaks with over one hundred summits. The highest peaks are Mount Marcy and Algonqin, both over 5000 feet. There are 46 highest peaks and people who've climbed them call themselves the '46ers'.

Here's a good blog post by Lance Oliver on on what to expect and planning your ride.

Buzz Kill

Americade is the largest driver of tourism in the area but that doesn't stop the Warren County Sherif guys from being as hospitable as Buford T. Pusser from Smokey and the Bandit. Expect mandatory spot checks at motorcycle-only checkpoints. This is discriminatory and unjust, but a consequence of the size of the event.

If you go, be sure you have all your papers in good order; do not ride with a suspended license or registration (anyway). Basically the Sherif's office is known for writing a lot of tickets at Americade for everything from novelty helmets to loud pipes.