Becoming addicted to the ADK's

[bodiak]

Hello again, good fellows......I'm back for advice/commentary on my next trip. (My last one, and third trip to the ADK's, was a solo winter climb of Algonquin in Jan.)
Tuesday the 24th, I'll ride my new Honda Shadow 750 for the 7hr trip from Ontario, coming in by way of Ogdensburg, and get a motel room for 2 nights somewhere near between Lake Placid and Keen Valley (any suggestions? Closer to Keene is better).
If it looks like a nice sunset coming, I was thinking of riding over to Whiteface for some pics (is it straighforward from the parking to the summit? Easy down in the dark?) Next day I plan to climb Giant, with hopefully enough energy to hop over to the Rocky Ridge, then out for a nice supper, and a slow ride back the next day on Hwy 3 south for a longer ride through the mtns. I'm mounting a digital camera on the handlebars for a stop-action film of this!

[redhawk]

Nice Shadow....

I'd watch it with that digital camera on the handlebars stuff. Might be arrested as a terrorist picking out targets, especially if you are also carrying a gps!!

Good to see you back!

[bodiak]

And if I do get stopped with that suspicion, they'll really wonder what I'm doing with a gallon of 95% Deet!

Nice to be back!

[Kevin]

I don't think the parking area atop Whiteface is open. Skiing has probably stopped and until memorial day I'm not sure if anyone opens the summit to visitors. Of course you could walk it up, but it's a much longer walk on the road than the more direct trail up.

Welcome back to the dacks.

[Skyclimber]

Nice bike. Must be the year for buying as my daughter just baught a leftover 2004 800cc Suzuki. Gee even Mom went out for a spin on the back of it with her! Wow!

A link at VFTT claims the Memorial Highway opens May 22 this year.

[bodiak]

Thanks for that. Now assuming it is open on the 24th, is it a short climb from the lot to the summit? I'm anticipating being tired and stiff that evening after my long bike ride. Whiteface was an afterthought, I was just looking for a good place for a sunset picture.

[Skyclimber]

Thanks for that. Now assuming it is open on the 24th, is it a short climb from the lot to the summit? I'm anticipating being tired and stiff that evening after my long bike ride. Whiteface was an afterthought, I was just looking for a good place for a sunset picture.

If your calling the "lot" the Castle Parking Lot, then you only have about a 300' foot climb to the top. You also can take the tunnel to where an elevator will take you to the summit.

My daughter might be returning to the Whiteface Ticket Booth on the Memorial Highway. If she does I can tell you the exact date of opening.

[Neil]

For "cheap sleeps" click below:

http://www.adkforum.com/showthread.php?t=2234

[bodiak]

Thanks for that link, Neil. I've got enough info now to know that I can ride into Keene on a Tuesday afternoon in mid-May and have my choice of a few motels.
Skyclimber, thanks for your help. I'll call ahead before trying Whiteface, but if you find out that it has opened, and happen to think of it before the 24th, then sure, giving me a quick notice would be great!

[Skyclimber]

Bodiak I hadn't found out until yesterday that the Highway has been opened for a few days already. Sorry about that. Hope you have a great trip.

[bodiak]

Thanks for that info. Unfortunatly, the latest forecast doesn't include much in the way of beautiful sunsets. Looks like it could be a wet few days! I might take the truck instead of biking it unless things start to look more promising....whatever, I'm looking forward to this little visit!

[eghaley]

On a clear night, there are some beautiful night views of the surrounding area with all the colored lights from below. We used to ski up the road New Year's Eve and either camp up on top at the castle walls or camp below the road near the tunnel where there was a leanto if it was windy. It was one of our favorite trips.