Join us for a group ride hosted by BETA and Placid Planet Bicycles that starts at Placid Planet, tours the MTB trails of Lake Placid, and ends at West Shore BBQ. Read on for the wild history behind how we got from a 1920s fur farm/petting zoo known as the Home of 1000 Animals to a 90s-era weekly group ride called 1000 Animals Social Athletic Club. This group ride is an homage to that history, the people who made it, and the driving force behind it all: bikes, friends, and good times.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 9 (departure time between 5-5:30 p.m.) Registration CLOSES July 2 at noon. Register at bit.ly/1000Animals.
WHAT’S WITH THE NAME: Brace for this history lesson. The 1000 Animals Social Athletic Club was a local, casual crew of cyclists who met weekly to ride together in the 90’s. The rides were organized by Placid Planet, which, at one time, was located at 1975 Saranac Ave. This same location has taken on many identities over the years - the “Speedy Spa”, an antique shop and “The Home of 1000 Animals” - an oddball roadside attraction that was part petting zoo and part fur farm from the 1920’s through the 60’s. Most recently, it is the home of West Shore BBQ, which also happens to be our final stop. Full circle! Please know that while the event name is a nod to an OG group ride and one of our sustaining Community Partners, Placid Planet, you need not be athletic or even social. Come as you are.
WHY: To celebrate the growth and expansion of mountain biking in our community and to honor the efforts of so many who’ve had a hand in it. Who doesn't like a fun group ride and bbq?
WHERE IT STARTS: Meet at Placid Planet (2242 Saranac Ave.) between 5 and 5:30 p.m. - aiming for a 5:30 p.m. departure.
THE RIDE: We’ve got our sights set on two options for riders to choose from: intermediate/advanced and beginner/intermediate routes. The int/adv option is planned for Mt. Whitney Road, Purple Trail and the Lussi Trails finishing with a triumphant loop around Mirror Lake. The beg/int option is planned for Mt. Whitney Road, an old section of Purple Trail and a bit of JRT. The routes are subject to change and will be dependent on the size and pace of our zoo. Plan to be on your bike for about two hours including social stops.
WHERE IT ENDS: West Shore BBQ (1975 Saranac Ave)! West Shore BBQ has been SO KIND as to open just for us, so we encourage you to embrace the opportunity to support them through this event. At registration, you’ll choose A.) Sliced Brisket Sandwich or B.) Pulled Pork Sandwich. Each entree will also come with coleslaw, mac & cheese, cornbread, pickles, BBQ sauce, and a bottle of water. There will be beverages available for purchase as well. Absolutely no outside beverages are allowed on the West Shore premises.
FEES/REGISTRATION: Registration is $35 and includes dinner and access to the ride. If dinner isn’t in the cards for you but you still want to join us, registration is $20. All proceeds go back to the trails. Registration closes on Monday July 2 at noon. This is so we can provide West Shore with our food pre-order.
ATTIRE: Animal costumes and/or print not required but STRONGLY encouraged. 10,000 style points for anyone who shows up on a 1990's era mountain bike.
OTHER PRO TIPS: We anticipate a good crowd. Register early at bit.ly/1000Animals. Spots are limited. Parking at Placid Planet could be tight, so if you can, ride from home or consider alternative parking behind Simply Gourmet.
