Bike the Finger Lakes 11 Challenge
Bike the Finger Lakes 11 Challenge (BTFL11) is a series of self-guided rides around each of the eleven Finger Lakes, created by Finger Lakes Cycling Club (FLCC) members to raise the awareness and visibility of cycling in our beautiful region. All routes, parking, lodging, and amenities have been verified for accuracy. Questions, comments, or suggestions can be sent to info@bikethefingerlakes.org.
NEW FOR 2024 AND BEYOND: If you've already completed the challenge and received a patch, you can start the challenge again!
Get started
Fill out the Registration & Rider Progress Form.
View the Participant Table for a full list of riders.
Update the Registration & Rider Progress Form when you have finished a ride. Rides can be done in any order. Rides done before the current year can be added as prior accomplishments. (Note: ignore Google’s "You’ve already responded" message and simply click on the "Edit your response" to update.)
The Facebook Group Page can be used to share your experiences and photos.
Registered cyclists that complete all 11 rides will receive a free embroidered patch recognizing their accomplishment and be added to the BTFL11 Kudos List! Just send an email message to info@bikethefingerlakes.org when you've completed all 11 rides, and the patch will be mailed to you at no cost, thanks to the generosity of the FLCC.
NOTE: If you've already completed the challenge and received a patch, you can start the challenge again! Just go back to the Registration & Rider Progress Form and enter the updated dates for your rides. Send a message to info@bikethefingerlakes.org and we will send you another patch recognizing your second (or third!) accomplishment!
Shortcuts for those familiar with RideWithGPS:
RideWithGPS event for quick download of all 11 lake rides.
RideWithGPS collection of all 11 lake rides on a single map.
Conesus Lake
This all-paved road route starts at the southern end of Conesus Lake, and consists of gently rolling terrain for nearly the entire ride. The exception are two small hills: a tiny climb of just 40 ft around mile 2, and a slightly more challenging 1-mile-long climb of just 100 ft at mile 7. This ride is a great introduction to riding in the Finger Lakes Region, and is suitable for all levels of riders with an adventurous spirit. The small town of Lakeville is perfectly situated at the north end of the lake, halfway through the ride, and has lots of choices for lunch or snacks. Consider staying overnight nearby in the small towns of Geneseo or Honeoye, or slightly farther away in bigger Canandaigua, and use those overnight locations as a base to ride several of the surrounding lakes.
Recommended starting point & parking
Parking area on W Swamp Rd (Conesus)
Map & Cue Sheet PDF to print
RideWithGPS route for digital devices
Recommended food/water stops
Lakeville Family Restaurant (Lakeville)
Recommended overnight locations and accommodations
Hemlock Lake
Don't be fooled by the compact-size of Hemlock Lake, as it boasts both one of the longest climbs (start to mile 4), and one of the steepest climbs (mile 11 to 12) in the Finger Lakes Region. But happily, it also features probably the best downhill ride, in all of the Finger Lakes (mile 4 to 8). Care has been taken to choose all paved roads, which results in a slightly bigger loop around the lake then one might first expect when glancing at a map. There are no services of any kind on this route, so stock up on water and snacks prior to the start.
Recommended starting point & parking
Map & Cue Sheet PDF to print
RideWithGPS route for digital devices
Recommended food/water stops
None on route - there is a 7-11 Store in the town of Hemlock, 1 mi north of the start
Recommended overnight locations and accommodations
Canadice Lake
Canadice Lake is the smallest of the eleven Finger Lakes, and this ride can easily be combined with one or two of it’s neighbor lakes for a delightful day of riding. The first 4 miles of this route are on a gravel/dirt trail, with a wonderful tree canopy, and is virtually flat. A mountain bike or any bike with wide tires is best for this route, although the last 4 miles are on paved roads, so you’ll probably be fine with nearly any bike, except for a road bike with very skinny tires. There are no services of any kind on this route, so stock up on water and snacks prior to the start.
Recommended starting point & parking
Purcell Hill Rd Parking Lot (Springwater)
Map & Cue Sheet PDF to print
RideWithGPS route for digital devices
Recommended food/water stops None on route - see Honeoye for nearest services
Recommended overnight locations and accommodations
Honeoye Lake
This ride starts at the north end of Honeoye Lake in the small cute town of Honeoye. You’ll find several locally owned businesses that sell yummy delights that are perfect to carry during your around-the-lake adventure, as there are no services on this route once you leave Honeoye. This all-paved route features gently rolling terrain, with the exception of 1 modest hill at the southern end.
Recommended starting point & parking
Parking lot on Main St (Honeoye)
Map & Cue Sheet PDF to print
RideWithGPS route for digital devices
Recommended food/water stops
Pop's Bakery and Deli (Honeoye)
Recommended overnight locations and accommodations
Canandaigua Lake
There really is only one substantial climb on this route around Canandaigua Lake, and it is just a mile long and occurs fairly early, around mile 9. Push through that climb and you will be rewarded with fairly mild riding the rest of the way (OK -- there is another short climb around mile 33). Don’t skip the cute town of Naples, the grape capital of the Finger Lakes, positioned perfectly in the middle of the ride at the southern end of the lake. Grab some lunch at one of the cafes along Main St and don’t forget to sample the grape pie! This is an all paved road ride.
Recommended starting point & parking
Map & Cue Sheet PDF to print
RideWithGPS route for digital devices
Recommended food/water stops
Cheshire Farms Creamery (Canadaigua)
Recommended overnight locations and accommodations
Keuka Lake
This loop ride is a real ego-booster, with 14 miles of some of the flattest lakeside riding in all of the Finger Lakes, followed by only one noticeable climb at the north end of the lake. Keuka lake is shaped like a "Y" and this route cuts across the top of the "Y" to avoid a wickedly steep climb in the middle of the "Y". Penn Yan sports a variety of lunch spots at the midpoint of the ride. The route down the east side of the lake jumps on and off of the aptly named East Lake Rd - a quiet residential road parallel to the busy highway NY-54A S. Try not to miss the numerous turns onto this road because it features some beautiful lakeside homes and cottages, not to mention riding within just a few feet of the lake. If it is a hot summer day, then you can’t beat ending the ride with ice cream in Hammondsport followed by swimming at Depot Park. This is an all-paved road ride.
Recommended starting point & parking
Map & Cue Sheet PDF to print
RideWithGPS route for digital devices
Recommended food/water stops
Silverbird Woodfired (Penn Yan)
Crooked Lake Ice Cream Co (Hammondsport)
Recommended overnight locations and accommodations
Seneca Lake
Your heart will be pumping right from the start on the climb out of Watkins Glen, but the good news is that is the toughest climb of the day. There will be a few more challenging climbs but you will be rewarded each time with gorgeous views of Seneca Lake. You are in Amish country so keep a keen eye out for horse drawn vehicles. There are a plethora of wineries sprinkled along this route, and all make for great water and restroom stops. Geneva is perfectly positioned midway at the north end of the lake with many food options. Approximately 99% of the riding is on paved surfaces, including the spectacular lakeside bike path in Seneca Lake State Park. You’ll exit the park on a trail that briefly changes to loose gravel for about a half mile -- following this route avoids riding on busy State Hwy 5 & 20. Snoop around Watkins Glen and you’ll find several shops for ice cream and apres-bike refreshments.
Recommended starting point & parking
Seneca Harbor Park (Watkins Glen)
Map & Cue Sheet PDF to print
RideWithGPS route for digital devices
Recommended food/water stops
Parker's Grille & Tap House (Geneva)
Finger Lakes Welcome Center (Geneva)
Recommended overnight locations and accommodations
Cayuga Lake
This route features a broad loop around Cayuga Lake, the largest lake in the Finger Lakes region, with an emphasis on quiet low-traffic roads wherever possible, and mostly long gradual climbs. Yes, there are a couple of short steep climbs, but this presents an opportunity to savor the great views of the lake and countryside during the climbing! The ride ends with a nice downhill on the Black Diamond Trail - a rail trail with a crushed stone surface that is suitable for all types of bikes. The rest of the route is on all paved roads. Note: There are other routes around this lake that are slightly shorter, using all state highways, but they have more traffic, and more total climbing, hence the reason we recommend this particular route.
Recommended starting point & parking
Downtown Ithaca Seneca Street Garage (Ithaca)
Map & Cue Sheet PDF to print
RideWithGPS route for digital devices
Recommended food/water stops
King Ferry Corner Store (King Ferry)
Recommended overnight locations and accommodations
Owasco Lake
This ride starts with a long gradual climb up the west side of Owasco Lake, followed by a rapid descent to lake level. The route hugs the shoreline until turning slightly uphill just prior to entering the hustle and bustle of Auburn, which boasts, among other features, the home of Harriet Tubman (abolitionist who rescued slaves via the Underground Railroad), and a maximum security prison that has been in operation since the early 1800’s. There are several nice lunch spots in Auburn, including the italian-themed Osteria Salina and the Prison City Pub & Brewery, both featuring terrific food and outdoor dining with a view of you know what. The ride down the east side of the lake starts out pretty flat, but then encounters a steep climb around mile 27. (Recommendation: get some ice cream at Tom Thumb’s at mile 24 to energize before the climb.). There’s a great panoramic view of the lake and hills on quiet Sam Adams Lane - arguably one of the best views in all of the Finger Lakes. Watch for the historic marker for the childhood home of John D. Rockefeller along Rockefeller Rd, just prior to descending back down to lake level and returning to Moravia. This is an all-paved road ride.
Recommended starting point & parking
Map & Cue Sheet PDF to print
RideWithGPS route for digital devices
Recommended food/water stops
Recommended overnight locations and accommodations
Skaneateles Lake
You’ll start this ride from a hidden gem of a public park at the southern end of Skaneateles Lake and enjoy a blissful couple of miles of quiet flat lakeside riding, followed by a 2-mile-long very steep climb with terrific views of the lake. By mile 5, the steep climbing is done and it's time to enjoy a glorious downhill followed by lightly rolling terrain all the way into the town of Skaneateles. Many lunch options abound in Skaneateles, and if it is a hot day then take a dip in the lake, with convenient access from the downtown park. Prepare for a hot ride down the east side of the lake, heading due south into the sun, with a 5-mile-long gradual climb, some rolling terrain, and a short but steep final descent back down to lake level. This is an all-paved road ride.
Recommended starting point & parking
Map & Cue Sheet PDF to print
RideWithGPS route for digital devices
Recommended food/water stops
Skaneateles Bakery (Skaneateles)
Recommended overnight locations and accommodations
Otisco Lake
Otisco Lake is tiny - just 6 miles tip-to-tip from north to south, but it is bounded by beautiful hills and valleys. This all-paved road route embraces the beauty of the surrounding area by forming an elongated loop with stunning lake views and some of the best hillside and valley riding in the Finger Lakes. The route starts with a very long, but fairly gentle climb, from mile 3 to 13, followed by a plunging descent with towering views of Otisco Lake - at times you may wonder if you are in an airplane or on a bike. Take a break in the middle of the ride and don’t miss Willowdale Bend - a funky combination of farm, wildlife sanctuary, farmers market, antique store, and outdoor cafe (be sure to check online for limited seasonal hours). This ride ends with 6 miles of the flattest valley riding found anywhere on the planet. That’s a perfect ending to a terrific ride, but it can be made even better by checking out the chicken barbecue and ice cream delights near the start/end in Homer!
Recommended starting point & parking
Homer Intermediate/Junior High School (Homer)
Map & Cue Sheet PDF to print
RideWithGPS route for digital devices
Recommended food/water stops
D&R Convenience Corner (Marietta)
Recommended overnight locations and accommodations
Updated: Jan 22, 2024 by SP