“Three P” races that include skiing, biking and paddling have existed for decades—out West in places like Crested Butte, Colorado, and Bend, Oregon, but also in the Adirondacks, from Tupper Lake to North Creek to Lake Placid. The idea, says Scott McKim, who’s competed in these events all over the country, is to “have fun during a tough time of year,” when ski and bike trails are at the mercy of mud, and waterways might be crusted with ice. And because it’s shoulder season, those who play year-round have yet to “make their gear-closet transitions from winter to summer, so they can use it all.”
Scene from Lake Placid’s inaugural 1978 Pole, Pedal, Paddle. Photo by Nancie Battaglia
For a 3P revival, McKim, who lives in Gabriels and works as science manager at Whiteface Observatory, in Wilmington, set his sights on Saranac Lake for the race “because of its amazing venues.” Plus, he says, an event like this is “a great way to galvanize community,” especially in a place like the Tri-Lakes, where outdoor rec is a priority.
Last year’s inaugural Saranac Lake 3P was a success. The race sold out at 100 participants, and 645 local business sponsors jumped on board, with all proceeds going to the Friends of Mount Pisgah and the Saranac Lake Ski Club’s kids’ programs, as they will again this year.
The 2025 3P happens March 1, at Mount Pisgah. The race includes an alpine ski/snowboard leg, a townwide bike, a Nordic ski at Dewey Mountain, another bike leg, a Saranac River paddle, and a run back to Pisgah. Teams and solo competitors can learn more and register at www.saranaclake3p.org.
