SPYDERQUEST
Guided Rides
Please show up 30 minutes prior to listed departure time with a full tank and an empty bladder. Rides leave at the listed time.
Going Nowhere Fast – Experienced Riders
Ride Captain: Ed Liona
Adventure Awaits.
As the title states, this is a fast paced ride with no set destination.
We start the ride by heading out to eat breakfast, but in keeping true to the title, where we eat is undetermined. Once our bellies are sufficiently fueled – we ride, no set destination, no set duration, just an uncharted riding adventure that embraces your inner wanderer.
This ride is for experienced riders only, it is not a slow leisurely ride, please do not register for this ride unless you are comfortable riding and keeping up with a faster paced group.
Gas stops and stops as needed.
Round Trip – Undetermined but average is 200 miles.
Total Time – Undetermined
10 bikes maximum.
Vermont Country store
Ride Captain: Kjeld Schou
There’s just something about the charm of an old Country store.
We will make our way through the stunning Green Mountains into the beautiful state of Vermont and to the one of a kind – Vermont Country Store.
There is something for everyone here at this quaint store with a rich history, from locally handmade goods to wool sweaters straight from Ireland and everything in between. The store features an apothecary department, a Christmas department, home made fudge, puzzles, homegoods, and of course Vermont Maple Syrup and Vermont Cheese!
Or if you’re not in the mood to spend money, just come and enjoy the ambiance of strolling through the store, it’s an experience in itself. The store opened in 1946 and the original store is still used as a part of the current store. From the exposed beams and wooden floors and shelving, to the penny candies and goods in barrels, the pure rustic charm will make you slow down and feel like you took a step back in time. While you’re there make sure you take a gander at the covered bridge known as “The Kissing Bridge.” It is often asked why it is known as “The Kissing Bridge” the answer is that it stems from an old tradition from the horse-and-buggy days, when a boy would stop halfway across a covered bridge where it was quiet to give his girl a kiss. The New Year is started with a kiss from a special someone, now SpyderQuest could be as well.
140 miles
Meander to Mt Equinox
Ride Captain: Ray Sanders
Enjoy the ride on the winding roads through the Taconic Mountains into Vermont. Shortly after crossing into Vermont is the base of Mt Equinox and the beginning of the Skyline Drive.
The Skyline Drive is the longest privately owned, paved toll road in the United States. It ascends 3,248 feet in 5.2 miles to the top of Mount Equinox.
At its summit Mt Equinox is 3,848-foot high. There you will be able to see The Green Mountains, The Valley of Vermont and the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the east. The Adirondack Mountains of New York to the west, and the Taconic and Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts to the south.
There is a Viewing Center at the summit with restrooms, as well as a small selection of snacks & drinks for sale.
We will NOT be stopping for lunch. It is suggested that you pack a lunch to bring with you. There are picnic tables at the summit to sit & eat.
It is usually windy at the summit, as well as 20° cooler, bringing a light jacket is advisable.
We will NOT be stopping for gas or a stretch break. We will be riding straight to the mountain & straight back to the Gideon Putnam (2 hrs each way / 97 miles round trip). Please make sure if you sign up for this ride that you can ride for 2 hours without a break & have a full tank of gas.
48.5 miles 1 way/97 miles round trip
5 hrs total trip time
4 hrs total seat time
2 hrs to Mt E.
1 hr at the Mt
2 hrs back to GP
The Triple Treat Tour
Ride Captain: Gary Stephens A little Crunchy, A little Creamy and A little Countryside Cruising. We’ll be Cruising the Countryside along the best country roads in the area around the serene Saratoga Lake, then following along the path of the Hudson River until we take in the beautiful shores of Summit Lake. For a little Crunch, we’ll be stopping at Bucks Country Biscotti. Bucks is a 2nd generation premium artisanal bakery that was started in 1992. At Bucks the biscotti is handcrafted from all natural ingredients and twice baked with love. The zero waste, green initiative bakery has been featured on ABC news localish series as well as Spectrum News 1 Albany. As part of their zero waste initiative, Bucks has 2 honor stands where their biscotti is sold at a discounted rate of $5.00/bag. Then we head to get something Creamy at Martha’s Dandee Creme. Martha’s has been a favorite of most SpyderQuest attendees since the beginning of SpyderQuest. Martha’s has also been a landmark for over 78 years and is the site of a former chicken farm. The giant chicken on their sign out front pays homage to one specific chicken, named Charlie, that enjoyed strutting around for the patrons. If that doesn’t make Martha’s interesting enough, it was even featured on a segment of the Today Show listing The Best Ice Cream Shops in America! While it’s undeniable that they have some delicious, one of a kind ice cream flavors there, they also have a full grill menu if you need a little something before you fill up on ice cream. And heed the warning that a large truly is LARGE!Fully filled up with all the crunchy and creamy delights we’ll head back to The Gideon Putnam where the ride will end with satisfied bellies and great memories. 102 Miles Round Trip 4 Hrs 30 Mins Total Ride Time (Aprox) 2 Hrs 45 Mins total Seat Time (Aprox) 47 Miles / 1 Hr 10 Mins to First Stop (Gas Stop) 17 Miles / 24 Mins to Bucks 6 Miles / 10 Mins to Martha’s 32 Miles / 52 Mins to GP
Saratoga Winery
Ride Captain: Emily Wainen
Whether you go for the handcrafted wines, signature cocktails or just the upstate pub fare you’re sure to relish in the chic yet rustic ambiance of the Saratoga Winery.
We will be taking a short ride to savor the cuisine of this rustic meets refined winery, which features seasonal and locally sourced ingredients with their signature winery flair. It will surely be a meal to remember here, where every meal is an occasion.
While you’re there, take the time to sit back and enjoy the company and conversations with your Spyder friends in the expansive backyard and cozy tasting room before heading back to The Gideon Putnam.
This is the perfect ride for someone wanting to get out with a group and doesn’t want a long ride or a long time in the saddle.
10 Miles Round Trip
2 hrs Total Ride Time
30 Mins Total Seat Time
Saratoga Lake Loop & Lunch
Ride Captain: Roger Hiem
Short, Sweet and Scenic is the best description for this ride.
After a short ride we will be stopping at the charming Factory Eatery & Spirits in Balston Spa for a tasty lunch eaten inside a historic renovated factory. With their slogan being “Charm of the Past with the Taste of Today” you’re sure to feel right at home in the ambiance of the tastefully refurbished building.
After lunch we will enjoy the beautiful sights of Sataroga Lake as we traverse the shore line on our way back to The Gideon Putnam.
This is the perfect ride for those looking to get out there and ride but not looking to do a long or fast paced ride.
https://www.thefactoryeatery.com/
Round Trip Mileage – 44 Miles
Total Ride Time – 2 ½ Hrs
Total Seat Time – 1 Hr 15 Mins
Ride to Lunch – 27 miles / 40 mins
Lunch – 1 Hour 15 Mins
Ride Back – 17 miles / 35 mins
Martha’s Dandee Ice Cream Scoot
Ride Captain: Bob Gilbert
An ice cream at Martha’s with Spyder friends is a dandy way to spend the afternoon.
This ride will have us riding the scenic back roads through Saratoga Springs, Greenfield Center, Corinth, Hadley and Lake Luzerne before we arrive at our destination, the Famous Martha’s Dandee Creme in Queensbury for a frozen treat your mouth will surely thank you for!
Martha’s Dandee Creme has been a landmark for over 78 years and is the site of a former chicken farm. The giant chicken on their sign out front pays homage to one specific chicken, named Charlie, that enjoyed strutting around for the patrons. If that doesn’t make Martha’s interesting enough, it was even featured on a segment of the Today Show listing The Best Ice Cream Shops in America! While it’s undeniable that they have some delicious, one of a kind ice cream flavors there, they also have a full grill menu if you need a little something before you fill up on ice cream. And heed the warning that a large truly is LARGE!
On the journey back we will be ascending Luzerne Mountain Road and then riding parallel to the Hudson River to the town of Corinth and onto the Gideon Putnam to conclude the ride and let the ice cream and great memories digest.
70 Miles Round Trip
2 Hrs 45 Mins Total Ride Time
2 Hrs Total Seat Time
Afternoon Stroll
Ride Captain: Bob Raymond
Nothing beats a nice relaxing afternoon stroll, except when you are doing it on your Spyder or Ryker with a group of friends.
Come join us as we wander aimlessly around. Where we will roam is mostly a matter of uncertainty, but a good time will be had as we leisurely ride some enjoyable roads with appealing scenery. We will be passing the Great Sacandaga Lake and Lake Desolation at some point in our wandering. If your primary desire is to just get out and ride, and the destination is not important, this is the ride for you.
Aprox. Round Trip – 2 Hrs
Saratoga Battlefield
Ride Captain: Don McCormack
Saratoga is rich in history and the Saratoga Battlefield is just one example of that.
We will enjoy a nice leisurely ride through the countryside which will take us across the Saratoga County Veterans Memorial Bridge on our way to our destination. While on the bridge enjoy the stunning view of Saratoga Lake on one side and Fish Creek on the other. After crossing the bridge, we will follow a section of Saratoga Lake shore line before heading towards Saratoga Battlefield.
Saratoga Battlefield is the largest of 5 parts making up the beautiful Saratoga National Historical Park. The battlefield offers a 9 mile tour with several areas of historic significance along the way. The top attractions in the battlefield include – The Philip Schuyler House, which was the northern plantation and country home of General Philip Schuyler both before and after the Battles of Saratoga. The Saratoga Monument, a 155 foot stone obelisk commemorating Burgoyne’s surrender to Gates. And the Saratoga Surrender Site, where on October 17, 1777 General Burgoyne surrendered to General Gates.
Total time for this ride may differ depending on how many stops are made within the park. However, Total mileage and Seat time will remain the same.
35 Miles Round Trip
1½ Hours Total Trip Time
1 Hr 15 Mins Total Seat Time
Lost But Making Good Time
Ride Captain: Chad White
Free-spirited, Quick-paced, Aimless – if those words caught your attention because that’s the type of riding you enjoy, then this is a ride for you.
Not all rides need to be a slow leisurely amble centered around a set destination. This is a ride that focuses on the pure enjoyment of the ride itself.
While this is certainly not a slow Sunday stroll, and there is no set destination, we will still be traversing through some of the best scenery that the area has to offer, just at a swifter pace.
We will be traveling along the shores of the picturesque Great Sacandaga Lake and on to the Hudson River where we will have a quick break near Rockwell Falls. From there it’s visors down until we arrive back at the Gideon Putnam.
This ride is best suited for those who are comfortable and capable of riding briskly while in a group. If you do not enjoy riding hastily or do not have experience riding in a group please consider one of our other more laid-back ponderous rides.
68 Miles Round Trip
Light Parade
Join us for the Light Parade.
Line up at 7:00pm, parade will leave when its dark enough.
Prize for best lighted Spyder’s.
No need to signup, just show up with your lighted Spyder.
