Cycling Series: Small Ski Town Turns To Bikes In Non-Snow Season

Western New York Ski Town Has Lots Of Cycling Opportunities.

One of the more interesting things that happens to a ski town is the metamorphosis that occurs after mud season.  Mud season is traditionally when spring rolls along and the snow melts and the locals in ski town head for vacation.  Soon after, the festivities that define the area in the “off season” begin.  Large ski areas are great with this transition but so are the smaller ski towns like Ellicottville, NY.  When summer comes to this region, the mountain bike and hiking trails come alive in the Allegheny National Forest and the riding/hiking  can compete with anywhere in the country.

Personally, my favorite loop is to ride from the Inn at Holiday Valley to the Race Loop at the ski area.  Then proceed to Big Merlin Trail, the Dead Dog Loop, to Sidewinder and back to Big Merlin and the Race Course Loop.  All these trails are available on www.mtbproject.com or also in a regular map provided by the Western New York Mountain Bike Association.  These trails are not too technical in nature, but there is some climbing.  Also, this loop can lead to miles of maintained trails in the Allegheny

National Forest.  Check with Mud, Sweat and Gears , a very cool ski/board/cycle shop in the center of Ellicottville, for rental information as well as great choices of cycling clothing, accessories, and of course a wide selection of road and mountain bikes.

For those who have noniriding spouses, the town of Ellicottville has many shopping options including boutiques, ski shops turned to cycling and outdoors shops, and a myriad of restaurants including the John Harvard Brew Pub in the Tamarack Club at Holiday Valley Ski Resort.  The pot pie there is not to be missed.  Also, the Ellicottville Brewing Company (EBC)  has a weekly menu board of craft  beers produced on site for your post ride and post shopping enjoyment.  Their food is also great.

Lot to Trails

All of the trails leaving Ellicottville can be accessed from the parking lots at Holimont Ski Area or Holiday Valley Ski area via the Race Course Loop which is clearly marked.

Terrain

Typical Eastern Singletrack with some steep climbs but not terribly technical in nature.  Not hybrid friendly but mountain bike accessible.

Whether it is EVL or any other ski town, don’t miss the summer activities that are available in the “off season”.