A cycling inspired weekend of exploration and relaxation.

Welcome to Finger Lakes Cycling Excursions. Our home base is at Firefly Creek Lodge, located in the Northern hills of Honeoye NY., known as the heart of the "Little Lakes " region of the Finger Lakes. From here we will enjoy a cycling inspired weekend of exploration and relaxation. Finger Lakes Cycling Excursions will provide a unique "Bike B&B" experience. All non-cycling travelers are welcome and will be accommodated according to travel plans and expectations.

 

 Firefly Creek Lodge is a modern custom-built rustic "ponderosa" style log cabin nestled on a private 35 acre rural property. The lodge can accommodate up to 6 guests in 3 bedrooms. The upper loft has two bedrooms (queen/2 twins), a shared full bathroom and a common media/reading lounge. A lower-level bedroom has an adjustable split king or 2 twin beds with a private full bathroom. The main level can entertain group gatherings for meals and comfortable lounging in the great room.       

 

The property boasts wooded hiking trails, expansive views, fruit orchard, vineyard, and prime wildlife/birding habitat. Below the rear porch flows Firefly Creek, bisecting the property in half. The creek and surrounding meadow provide a perfect setting for a spectacular natural firefly light show in the thousands. Wooded hiking trails extend along the creek and up the opposite hillside. Feel free to relax by an evening bonfire or on the beautifully scenic front or rear porch.  Hiking and stargazing are encouraged. 

   

 We will start our weekend adventure with a Friday pizza party and Firefly happy hour (5-7pm).  A fun meet and greet opportunity to become acquainted with arriving guests. Home baked pizza and refreshments will be served while welcoming guests upon check in. Guests will settle into their rooms and head out for dinner if desired. Saturday and Sunday morning will start with a buffet style breakfast before a guided ride. Check out will be by 4pm Sunday after the ride.

 

Breakfast will be served around 8am. The guided ride will begin between 9-10am. Meal and ride times may be adjusted as necessary. Breakfast will be substantial and catered to the nutritional needs of cyclists. Fresh in season products will be sourced locally when available. The menu will include COFFEE, tea, juice, fresh fruit, baked goods, pastries, home cooked hot choices, hard boiled eggs, yogurt and oatmeal with toppings. Special dietary restrictions must be notified in advance. Guests will be on their own to depart for lunch/dinner while further exploring the Finger Lakes region.

 

 You are welcome to bring your own alcoholic beverages and any particular mixers, energy type drinks, and snacks. The well-equipped kitchen will be open for self-preparing simple bring your own lunch type food for 1 hour after our ride. Use of stovetop, oven, and outdoor grill available. Refrigerator space is provided to store any related food and drink items. Fresh fruit, iced tea, and other light refreshments will be provided post ride.       

 

Finger Lakes Cycling Excursions is "geared" particularly to the serious and accomplished bicycle enthusiasts. Guided rides will be tailored to the group abilities and desires accordingly.  A moderate to high level of riding ability is advised. These rides will explore the hills, valleys, lakes and waterways of the Little Lakes region upon rural roadways. Route options will touch upon, above, and around the countryside from the Genesee Valley up to the Western shore of Canandaigua Lake (Honeoye, Canadice, Hemlock, Conesus, Genesee River). Drive and ride options can also be arranged for rides around Canandaigua and Keuka lakes, along with other options. Both road and gravel routes will be considered.      

 

The terrain is challenging with sustained climbing and several "thigh buster" hills. The rides will be 2-4+ hours anywhere between 30-50+ miles with elevation between 1800-4500 feet depending on route length and direction.  Climbs average 6-8%, 10-15% on the steeps. Save some gas in the tank. The lodge is built atop a notable finishing climb upon return. Sag service is provided for mechanical breakdowns and other potential mishaps.     

 

The guided rides will be no drop. As a group, we will discuss the route options and decide what kind of ride best fits the group for the day. Once a compatible ride is decided upon, I will plot the course on a mapping app and send the file to all participants to be accessed by cell phone.  Rides will include a short rest stop if desired. Weather variables must also be taken into consideration on route choice. Rides times may be adjusted or cancelled for unsafe weather conditions. Riders with abilities considerably below or above the general group as a whole will be encouraged to take advantage of the many self-guided routes. Again, this is focused on riders with moderate to high abilities and experience. Riders should be proficient at riding comfortably in the roadway as a peloton. Drafting and pulling should be shared by all riders in the group.

 

Bikes should be of the drop bar race/performance road/gravel type. No mountain bikes on guided rides. Tire width of at least 25mm as short sections of gravel, dirt, or newly chipped roads may be encountered. Gearing of at least 34/26 or lower is advised, keeping in mind to reserve a "bail out" gear when needed. E-bikes are welcome. E-riders should have knowledge and experience on how to operate an E-bike within a group.     

 

Come join us to explore the Finger Lakes in this unique setting and opportunity.  Multi-day bicycle tourists are welcome to base camp on the property, reservations required. Secure parking will be provided for $10/day with a hot shower upon return, free with one night stay. Finger Lakes Bicycle Excursions at Firefly Creek Lodge welcomes your next cycling experience. *Special private bookings of Firefly Creek Lodge outside of Finger Lakes Cycling Excursions will be considered upon request. Please contact me directly for details and pricing.