Stops We Like: Cadence Lodge, Wilmington, NY

(2023) If there is one place to accommodate a cycling getaway with a group or team, Cadence Lodge in Wilmington, NY, has everything needed to pull off the adventure. Cadence Lodge has a lot going on for the Upstate cyclist. Conveniently located at the literal starting point of the Whiteface Veteran’s Memorial Highway climb, or close proximity to other quiet routes, this newly renovated motel was the perfect place to layover for the Black Fly Challenge weekend.

Cadence Lodge in Wilmington, NY, houses a ski tuning shed.

Located within feet of the base of the Whiteface Uphill Bike Race’s climbing section, this cycling themed lodge continued to reveal secrets throughout the stay. Getting into town late on Friday in preparation for the bike race, it was an easy check-in, a standard laid back affair the Adirondacks are known for. The room was open for my use before I even checked in. This proved helpful because of timing. I hurried into my cycling kit and went for a quick ride to shake out the long drive. Upon returning I walked down to a new building at the back of the property to check in. One could be forgiven for feeling a little misplaced.

The building in question is a brand new restaurant. It has just opened, and I’m told it has been in a soft opening phase. Though there are no signs, the restaurant features a handful of tables and a full service bar. Having checked in, and being quite hungry, I was able to gather dinner from the kitchen in a to-go container, a first for them. (Like I said, soft opening.) What surprised me was the quality of food- butternut squash risotto that was bursting with flavor. I took a breakfast menu and was informed breakfast was free for any motel guest. Having seen the restaurant, I decided this was my plan for the weekend. Fast forward to the next morning and this was no continental breakfast. Cadence Lodge’s restaurant continued to impress with American waffles, home fries, bacon, and coffee. The morning service was just as pleasant as the evening prior. The owners are certainly trying their best to impress.

Cadence Lodge promoted the soft opening of their new on-site restaurant which was certainly worth staying for.

After having returned from the Black Fly Challenge, the shower was heavenly as was the fire pit near the restaurant entrance. Again, the owners worked tirelessly to get the warmth going; it was in the low fifties and getting colder. Even a passing raccoon continued on in search of a cozy place. I conversed with a couple from Binghamton, NY, who came up to Wilmington regularly. Eventually I returned to my room to fall asleep from the day’s activities. The beds were soft. It was peaceful to have open windows all night.

Guests are greeted by these functional locker spaces upon room entry. They were perfect at storing cycling gear for the weekend.

The rooms are moderately priced, but don’t let the rates fool you- the rooms are clean and simple. My room featured a little locker area to conveniently lay out cycling equipment. The beds were simple and the television small, though having the tv on is low on the priority list. I did manage to get sucked into watching the finale to Tombstone on the local cable channel, though. There is a minifridge. There is a pocket door to the bathroom, another simply themed room. There was one other chair but no table. Cadence Lodge has a community feel to it that ushers guests outside to admire the views.

As the name suggests, Cadence Lodge is cycling themed. There are beach cruisers guests can borrow. A pillow in the motel room featured a bike. As things used to be, there are also many references to skiing. The motel has a tuning shed for those looking to come up in the winter. In the meantime, the Cadence Lodge’s website is comically geared toward cyclists. Have a read at their suggested activities and notice their descriptions. Now notice the intense scrolling that occurs under cycling suggestions. This detail is what solidified reserving a room at Cadence Lodge for the weekend.

The rooms at Cadence Lodge are clean, simple, comfortable, and affordable.

The cycling potential out the door: be it road, mountain, ‘cross, or time trial, is nearly endless. Access to Whiteface’s mountain bike trails is a short drive up route 86. There is a sandy gravel road (Preston Road) fewer than three miles from the motel coming off the Ausable River, which trickles through Wilmington. There’s the extremely fast road (9N) to the town of Keene with wide shoulders, smooth road, and beautiful views. Just a short pedal stroke away is the Wilmington Pump Track. And conveniently there’s the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway where one can climb eight percent for eight miles, rocket down the same road, and simply roll right into the front door of the motel to call it a day. The Cadence Lodge is one of few places where cyclists feel at home amongst the Adirondack playground. 

The bathroom is behind a pocket door and is stocked with necessities.

Gather the team to use the motel’s other offerings. There is a covered grill area for the entire team to utilize. The motel also offers a covered pavilion for use as well as bench seating right outside the restaurant. Cadence Lodge also features a laundry room, though I didn’t use it, nor did I see it. As mentioned the fire pit is a gathering spot to decompress after a long training day. And the final flourish is that Cadence Lodge welcomes dogs provided they are not left in rooms unattended. Maybe one area Cadence Lodge could impress is offering the Tuning Room in the summer as a bike stand for those last minute quality checks.

It would be hard to find a better choice for cyclists staying in the Adirondacks than Cadence Lodge. Given the motel access, riders can roll right into their room without worrying about a lobby or stairs/ elevator. Though the rooms are on the smaller side, there is plenty of room to spread out in the shadow of Whiteface mountain. With fair priced rooms and a scrumptious restaurant on site, everything for the vacationing cyclist is covered. For those looking to ride up Whiteface Highway while staying at Cadence, they are running out of excuses as to why a PR did not happen.