This is your chance to test your self and help others while your at it. Our competitions are not about who gets done first, but instead they're about participation. As long as you participate you're already a winner and so are numerous other people who will benefit from your sponsorship.
Irishtown Mt. Biking Trail and Vanderwhacker Mountain Hike
In the Central region, the biathlon begins at the Cheney Pond Trailhead, about 8 miles east of Newcomb On NY 2B (Blue Ridge Rd.), which forks off of NY 28N, 0.5 mile east of Newcomb. Coming from the east, the trailhead is 13 miles west of Exit 29 off the Adirondack Northway (I-87). Park at the Cheney Pond Trailhead access parking area.
The trailhead signpost reads: CHENEY POND, 1 MILE; LESTER DAM, 2.5 MILES; AND IRISHTOWN TRAILHEAD VIA HOFFMAN ROAD, 11 MILES.
We'll be starting out on our Mt. Bikes descending from the parking area and passing Cheney Pond off to the left and turning right onto the Irishtown Snowmobile Trail. We will pass through a boggy area, but the trail is grass and pine needle covered beyond. At about 3.5 miles down the trail we will take a break from our biking to tackle the enormous Vanderwhacker Mountain which sits in isolated splendor, offering commanding views of distant summits in all directions. The round-trip hike is 5.8-miles, taking an estimated 2.5-5 hours to complete. The strenuous trek is steep, rising 1,700 feet from the surrounding valleys to the 3,385-elevation. The trail generally follows a long, narrow ridge that leads to the small summit. The mountain's fire tower may or may not be manned and its lower flight of stairs may be removed. With or without the tower, you can enjoy the spectacular panorama of the High Peaks to the north, framed by stunted Spruce trees. This would be a good time to take a break and refuel your body, but don't dally long, because were not even half way yet. Once your back down to your bike it's back off down the trail where you'll meet up with the Boreas River and the edge of Lester Flow. Here you'll have to ford the stream to reach the trail again on the other side. Now things start getting a little more extreme.
Your story Synopsis In just a few words, what’s the key message or idea you want to convey? Why does it matter? (i.e. technology providing or promoting inspiration, motivation, deep research, communication, connection, collegiality.) Finish the sentences: This is a story about . . . It’s important because . . . Setting Give your audience a sense of place. Urban, rural or suburban? Technology-rich or barely equipped? Help others imagine where you’re coming from. Key characters Who’s important to the story—a particular student; a group of teachers; or parents? Introduce us to your protagonist. Help us imagine him or her. Better yet, help us care. Plot What happened that’s compelling? What’s the source of tension or catalyst for change? A project that motivated students? Acquisition of technology that created new opportunities? A challenging situation that had to be resolved? Outcome What have been the lasting outcomes? Improved graduation rates? Higher test scores? Collaboration among teachers that changed practice? Better community and/or parental engagement? Connections beyond the classroom? What else? Why it matters What’s the value of sharing this story? How does it relate to improved student learning?