Bike with the Bears Community Ride 2026
SUNY Potsdam is excited to host the inaugural Bike with the Bears Community Ride on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
The 13.1-mile recreational ride will take participants along scenic country roads to a refreshment stop at Chip’s Place in Hannawa Falls, owned by SUNY Potsdam alumnus Ed Betz ’07, before returning to campus past local landmarks including Bayside Cemetery, Trinity Episcopal Church, and Ives Park. The route will feature wayfinding signage, volunteer support, and a GPS map developed by Bike Adirondacks.
Families are invited to participate in a free Family Campus Ride, featuring a scavenger hunt to find Maxcy Bear, the Potsdam Gnome, and the Potsdam Squirrel while exploring the SUNY Potsdam campus.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Check-In: 9:00 a.m.
Ride Start: 10:00 a.m.
Start Location: Maxcy Hall Ramp, Saranac Lake Drive, SUNY Potsdam
Rest Stop: Chip’s Place, Hannawa Falls
Ride End: Approximately 1:30 p.m.
End Location: Marshall Park, SUNY Potsdam
Registration
Adult Ride: $20
Family Campus Ride: Free
Bike with the Bears T-Shirts: $25 Adult | $20 Child
Following the ride, participants and community members are invited to attend Picnic with the Bears at Marshall Park from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy complimentary treats, live music, food trucks (available for purchase), and learn more about plans for SUNY Potsdam’s new Bike Shop and campus-community cycling initiatives.
All are welcome to join the fun, whether riding or simply coming out to enjoy the festivities.
