Where do the boat cruises leave from? The Adirondac and Horicon Boats leave from the Shoreline Dock, at the corner of Beach Road and Canada Street, about 300 yards west of the Steamboat Dock. All other boats leave from the Steamboat Dock, located on Beach Road. All boats depart at exactly the time stated. Please arrive ½ hour early.
How do I take a demo ride? Demo rides at Roaring Brook Ranch (RBR) are open to any registered attendee. You must have a valid Americade wristband to get into RBR. Full-Week wristbands and Daytripper wristbands are available for purchase from Americade Registration at the Lake George Holiday Inn. They are not available for sale at RBR.
Registration is open from 8am to 6pm Tuesday-Thursday and from 8am to 5pm on Friday. Cash and traveler's checks are the only forms of payment accepted.
Once you have a pass, you just go to the manufacturer whose bike you want to try, and sign up for a bike and a time slot for that day. Check the event schedule for locations. Demo Rides are on a first come, first served basis, and they're very popular. Try to sign up in the morning, because by mid-morning the popular models will likely be full for that day. Please wear appropriate riding gear (including boots and helmet), have a valid Americade wristband, and a valid motorcycle driver's license. The manufacturer will insist that you sign their demo waiver form. You must be 18 or older. Check with each manufacturer for any additional requirements.
Do I have to have a wristband to attend the fireworks? Yes, you'll need a Full-Week or A La Carte wristband, available at the Americade Registration desk at the Holiday Inn in Lake George.
Do I have to be present to win the drawings on Friday night? You don't have to be present for most of the door prize drawings.
How do I get to the Great Escape, and where is the parking? The Great Escape is located 1 mile south of I-87's Exit 20, on Route 9. General parking for Friday Night Celebration Dessert Ticket holders is located in the front of the park on Route 9.
Friday Night Celebration Dinner Ticket holders enter the park via the Bavarian Gate, located south of the Great Escape on Round Pond Road. The first 1,000 bikes may be able to park inside the amusement park.
Can I go to the Friday Night fireworks if I don't purchase a wristband? Due to space limitations, the only people allowed into the Friday Night Celebration are those who have purchased a Full or A La Carte package. Day passes and hand stamps are not allowed.
Why a gift certificate? Gift Certificates are great gifts to an Americade-lover. They may be used at the Americade online store, at the Official T-Shirt Booth at TourExpo Beach, and for registering to the event. They are like cash, and should be presented when registering or pre-registering for the event. Originals only, no photocopies please.
How do I buy a gift certificate? Contact the Americade office at (518) 798-7888 x202 to order a gift certificate or purchase online at www.tourexpo.com through the E-store.
Great Escape
See Friday Night Celebrations
Hand Stamps and Wristbands
Why would I need a wristband? To access the many locations and events of Americade, you will need a wristband. This gains you access to demo rides at Roaring Brook Ranch, TourExpo, field events, seminars, judging contests, drill team shows, fireworks,etc. You can buy a single-day wristband (a "daytripper"), or a Full-Week wristband. To learn more about what you'll be able to enjoy with a wristband, go to Registration
What do I need to enter TourExpo? To enter TourExpo, both locations, Lake George Forum & Million Dollar Beach, you will need a valid Americade wristband or a hand stamp. Wristbands can be purchased at the Holiday Inn and hand stamps can only be purchased at the TourExpo entrance (Lake George Forum & Million Dollar Beach). Hand stamps are good for TourExpo-only, that day only.
Can we upgrade and pay the difference from our hand stamp to a Daytripper wristband? Yes. Just go to Americade Registration at the Lake George Holiday Inn on the same day you received your hand stamp. (On Saturdays, just go to either TourExpo office.)
How much are Daytripper bands? Daytripper bands are $20 per person per day. They get you into Roaring Brook Ranch [Americade's Headquarters, where most of the demos are located] and the TourExpo vendors at the Beach & Lake George Forum, all day that day only. They can be purchased at the Holiday Inn. Registration is open from 8am to 6pm Tuesday through Thursday and from 8am to 5pm on Friday. They can be purchased in advance and they will put the wristband on your wrist at that time. Cash and traveler's checks are the only form of payment accepted.
Hotels, Motels and Campsites
Where do I see a list of lodgings in the area? Visit Lodging and click on Local Places, Vermont Lodging or Camping. [The lodgings listed at the top of the page have supported Americade by donating a room(s) to our volunteers, so please try to support them.]
How do I know who has rooms available? Please contact the lodgings directly to see if they have availability. We will also be listing and updating availabilities on our lodging section, on a regular basis, after April 15th.
(For Lodgings) How can I advertise my motel and cottages for the week of Americade? Please contact the Americade office at (518) 798-7888 ext. 205.
Can Americade suggest a place to stay? If you're looking for accommodations, please check out our website, Local Places for a list of area hotels and campgrounds. Americade does not make personal recommendations for lodging, but we do list many hotels within the region. [The lodgings listed at the top of the page have supported Americade by donating a room(s) to our volunteers, so please try to support them.]
Do check our website message board. It's a great place to find room information from "Experienced Americaders."
Motels do fill up fast; so don't wait to make your reservations.
The Lake George Chamber of Commerce can be very helpful in finding accommodations. Contact the chamber @ 518-668-5755 or visit their website, www.visitlakegeorge.com
Judging & Contests
When are the winners listed and where? The contest winners are posted in the Activities Room at Roaring Brook Ranch and at TourExpo.
Can I enter the Judging as a Daytripper, or must I have a Full-Week wristband? Either band is acceptable, as long as it’s valid for the appropriate judging day. All proceeds go to Double "H" Hole in the Woods Ranch, a camp that provides year-round fun and support for children 6-16 who are facing critical illnesses. A $5 charitable donation is requested per class entered, if you have a full week band (Full pkg or A La Carte). Day-trippers must pay $5 per class entered.
What are MiniTours? At Americade we offer Un-guided MiniTours, Guided MiniTours, and Self-guided Tours to wonderful destinations, on scenic roads with little traffic.
~ Un-guided MiniTours are MiniTours that you do at your own pace, which also include a group lunch, tour pin and door prizes. You leave when you want, but must arrive at the designated lunch spot by noon (the latest) to receive your lunch and to take part in the door prizes.
~ Guided MiniTours are guided by our experienced tour guides and also include CB commentary of the scenic highlights you pass. They come with lunch, tour pin, tour guide and door prizes.
~ Self-guided tours are tours that you do on your own. There is no charge, have no CB commentary, no schedule, no lunch and no pin. You pick up the self-guided tour maps at Roaring Brook Ranch in the activity room.
Where do the guided tours depart from? Guided Tours depart from the parking lot on Beach Road near the Steamboat Docks.
Can I bring my pet on the MiniTour? No pets, please. This avoids some unpleasant or tragic incidents en-route. Thanks for your understanding.
What time do they start lining up? It's best to arrive by 7:30am. All guided MiniTours have staggered departure times.
Where can we pick up tour maps? Guided tour maps are handed out at the parking lot. Unguided maps are in your packets, picked up at the Holiday Inn.
I want to take a tour; don't you have any for free? We do offer self-guided tours. You can pick up these tour maps at Roaring Brook Ranch.
Will there be gas stops and potty breaks on the MiniTours?There will be occasional stops along the way. Not all stops will be gas stations or restrooms. Please make sure that you come with an empty bladder and a full tank of gas before you line up for the tour.
What happens if my bike breaks down on a guided tour? At the rear of each guided tour is a volunteer who will try to help you if there is a problem. They will call for assistance, if needed, but they cannot stay long, and must rejoin the group. Please make sure that your bike is in good shape for long rides.
Are cars allowed to go on the MiniTours? Cars are allowed to go on MiniTours. However, they will be placed at the rear of the tour for safety reasons.
Miscellaneous
What is Americade's pet policy? We love 'em & pamper 'em too, but: NO PETS PLEASE ON MINITOURS, because MiniTours go to restaurants. Also, it avoids some potentially unpleasant or tragic incidents en-route. The TourExpo location at the Beach and RBR (outside only) allow dogs, as long as they are on a leash and you pick up after them. Dogs are not allowed at any food functions. You should also check with your hotel before bringing any pets. Service dogs are the only pets allowed on any Americade activity.
What's the weather like at Americade? The weather in Lake George can change drastically from day to day. We recommend bringing clothes for all types of weather. (90 degrees to 40 degrees). Bring clothes for all the seasons and don't forget your rain gear. Click on this link to see what the weather has been like at past Americades.
When is Americade 2011? June 6th - 11th.
When is Americade 2012? June 4th - 9th.
Handicap parking - Many Americaders require Handicap parking, and to the degree we can provide this, we do. At sites that we entirely control, such as TourExpo, Roaring Brook Ranch and the Great Escape we provide ample handicap parking. At other sites, while we have less control, we do require that the facility provide adequate parking for our attendees with special needs. If ever we need improvement, please don't hesitate to email or call us with feedback.
Are Cars allowed at Americade?Of course we allow cars. Cars are allowed to take part in any of our activities. However, cars will not be able to park in Motorcycle-only parking areas and if you take part in a MiniTour you will be at the end of the MiniTour for safety reasons. You can purchase a PP pass, which allows you to park at any metered parking area without having to pay for the week of Americade.
Where can I park my Trailer? Please check with the hotel you are staying with before bringing a trailer. You can also check with the Lake George Chamber of Commerce for any available trailer parking: 518-668-5755. Trailers are not allowed at the Holiday Inn during registration.
How do I get to Lake George? Please visit Google Maps to get directions to Lake George, NY.
What are the laws regarding loud pipes?Americade is a gathering of friendly, fun-loving folks, for whom motorcycling is a social hobby, but not some form of rebellion. It's NOT the place for shows of speed, hostile attitudes, or illegally loud motorcycles. Americade agrees with the AMA: "Loud Pipes Risk Rights" by annoying the general public, who then pushes back with anti-motorcycle laws.
Will I get a ticket? There's an old saying from the police: "if you want to draw attention to yourself, we'll pay attention." The most obvious offenders are the first ones they're likely to write up.
How do you enter for the Gold Wing bike and where is it given away? The Gold Wing bike drawing is done at Roaring Brook Ranch and is sponsored by the Lake George Rotary Club. You can pre-register for these on the pre-registration form or you can purchase and exchange these tickets at the Holiday Inn (8am-5pm Mon-Fri). The drawing is held on Saturday at 7pm at the Roaring Brook Ranch Conf. Center. You do not need to be present to win.
What is the Village Trolley?The Village Trolley is operated by the Town and runs throughout Lake George and as far south as Lake George RV Park in Queensbury. It cost $1 per person or 50 cents for persons 60+. It runs every 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. It operates on Tuesday from 11am-11pm, Wed - Sat from 10am-11pm and on Sunday from 10am-6pm.We believe we found the best (only?) trolley route information at this link: http://www.cityofglensfalls.com/documentcenterii.aspx Once there, click on the Greater Glens Falls Transit folder, then on the Trolley Schedule Lake George North (or South) link. It will open an excel sheet, noting the stop locations and the times.
I see that each event has a sponsor. Does that mean that only people who own that type of bike can go to that event?No, all bikes are welcome at any event. The door prizes offered will be from the sponsoring company.
Is alcohol offered at your events? Alcohol is not offered on any tour or poker run. You may purchase a drink on the dinners, but Americade does not promote drinking and driving, especially on two wheels.
Parade
Where does the parade start and what route does it take? It forms on Westbrook Road at 9am on Saturday, and departs at 10am. The parade travels west along Beach Road, and turns north on Route 9 (Canada St.). It doubles back at the north end of town and travels south about a mile, along Canada St. Then it turns up Prospect Mtn. Highway, to its conclusion atop Prospect Mountain for the Mountaintop Picnic with a thrilling view!
Do I need a wristband to participate in the Parade? Yes, a Saturday Daytripper band (available at TourExpo on Saturday) or a Full-Week/A La Carte wristband.
Where is there parking for TourExpo? Free Parking is available at The Lake George Forum & Father Jogue's Park on West Brook Road.
Poker Runs (sponsored by most major manufacturers)
How many are there? Two. One each day, Thursday and Friday. All the proceeds go to local charities.
What can I win? Trophies to the 10 top hands (5 to AMA members, 5 non-AMA members) PLUS thousands of $ worth of great door prizes from many of the major motorcycle manufacturers.
Where do they depart? Blue Moose Restaurant
Where is the Blue Moose Restaurant? The Blue Moose Restaurant is located at the Corner of State Route 9 & Glen Lake Road, 1300 State Route 9, Queensbury, NY, just south of I-87 exit 20.
What's up there? The end of the Dunlop Parade, an amazing view, a great ride, and the Mountaintop BBQ, a charity event organized by the Lake George Rotary Club.
How do I get up to Prospect Mountain? The entrance to Prospect Mountain is located on Route 9 (Canada Street), but just join the parade on Saturday and you'll go right up there.
Do I need a wristband to access Prospect Mountain during the Parade? A Saturday Daytripper band (available at TourExpo Lake George Forum or Million Dollar Beach on Saturday) or a Full-Week or A La Carte wristband will get you in free. Otherwise you have to pay NYS DEC at the gate.
Registration
When will the registration mailing be sent? At the beginning of February.
When will online registration open? At the beginning of February
Is it required that I pre-register for Americade? No, you can post-register at the event, however pre-registration prices are lower, and post-registration availability is limited. See Registration for details.
I just pre-registered, how do I know if Americade received the forms and how will I know if I got the activities I signed up for? We process registrations in the order they arrive at our office. The process to charge your credit card and process your registration can take up to 2 weeks. Confirmations confirming your choices are sent starting after March 25th and no later then May 15th along with your decal and patch.
How do I register if I'm part of a group? It's best to send all the group's registrations together. If sent separately, they should be sent at the same time, with the names of the other group members attached to the registration forms. Groups will be held for one week; after one week, those whose forms are in-house will be processed..
Can we upgrade and pay the difference from our TourExpo hand stamp to a day band? Yes. Just go to Americade Registration at the Lake George Holiday Inn on the same day you received your hand stamp, and they will give you a daypass wristband. For 2010, the TourExpo handstamp is $10 and the go-anywhere daypass is $20, so it would be $10 to upgrade.
What is your cancellation policy? Cancellations are accepted in writing only. They can be mailed, faxed or emailed. Up to May 1st, a $25 handling fee will be deducted from refund checks. If postmarked May 2nd to May 25th, no refund, but a full credit (excluding options), minus the $25 handling fee, towards the 2011 event. After May 26th, no refund or credit.
I need to make a change to my registration form that I already have submitted, how do I do this? Changes are accepted in writing only and must be received by May 1st, accompanied by a $10 fee. You can send your request to
Please let us know the date you sent your registration in and how you sent it (snail mail, online, or fax)
I forgot to pre-register and now pre-registration is closed. What do I do now to get registered? Since pre-registration closes May 1st you have to go to the Holiday Inn starting on Tuesday June 8th. Post-registration is opened from 8am to 6pm Tuesday through Thursday and from 8am to 5pm on Friday. Cash and travelers checks are the only form of payment accepted there.
Can I pick up my friend's tickets at registration? Unfortunately, you cannot pick up your friend's registration. Our insurance company insists that everyone (those already registered and anyone post-registering) has to sign a waiver. The Americade registration staffers are the only people authorized to put the Americade wristbands on attendees.
What is the difference between a Full Package and an A La Carte Package? With the Full Package you also get a meal option. You have the option of enjoying your meal at the:
Both packages include a full week pass to Roaring Brook Ranch (social and demo headquarters), TourExpo show, decal, pin, patch, program, discount coupon book, and admission to the Friday Night Fireworks & more.
For 2010, the Full Package costs $87 for a rider and $77 for a passenger. Kids 3-11 cost $57 and children under 3 are Free. An A La Carte package costs $69 for a rider and $59 for a passenger. Kids 3-11 cost $39 and children under 3 are Free. As you can see, the $18 difference is a bargain for what you get: a boat cruise, rodeo, or 3-course dinner.
I want to take a boat cruise and also go to the rodeo. How can I do that when I can only choose one option with the full package?To add an additional meal option you need to purchase an extra ticket for $29.50 per person or $39.50 per person depending on which boat cruise you choose. On the pre-registration form it is located in the options section at the bottom.
Is your on-line form a secure site? Yes, our on-line form is secure. All credit cards are encrypted when they are sent to us.
Restaurants
Where is there a good place to eat dinner? See Restaurants and the Americade Program's Dining Guide, which is handed out at the rally for places to eat. Remember, look for the restaurants in the Dining Guide that offer Americader's discounts.
Roaring Brook Ranch
What goes on there? Roaring Brook Ranch (RBR) is the headquarters for Americade. Demo rides, seminars, fashion shows, the opening celebration, light parade, field events, stunt shows, judging and much more happen at RBR. To get into RBR you must have a valid Americade wristband.
Where is Roaring Brook Ranch? RBR is 2 miles southwest of Lake George village on Rt 9N. Head south out of the village towards I-87 exit 21. Go under the I-87 overpass and stay straight on Rt 9N towards Lake Luzurne. RBR's driveway is on the left, approximately 1 mile from exit 21. Click here for a map.
I am staying at Roaring Brook Ranch, but they tell me that I need a wristband to get to the room. What are they talking about? Since Roaring Brook Ranch is the headquarters for Americade, the only people who are allowed to stay at Roaring Brook Ranch are those who have valid Americade wristbands. RBR's front desk will help you out with this.
Can I get into the Roaring Brook ranch with my TourExpo hand stamp? No. The hand stamp just gets you into TourExpo (Lake George Forum & Million Dollar Beach). The only people allowed into Roaring Brook Ranch are those with valid wristbands (Full, A La Carte or Daytripper). If you want to upgrade to a ($20) daytrip wristband from a ($10) handstamp, just go to Americade Registration at the Holiday Inn and pay the $10 difference.
How do I become an Americade Volunteer? Contact
or contact us about joining the 200+ volunteers helping make Americade happen.
TourExpo & Vendors
What is TourExpo? TourExpo is the Official Tradeshow of Americade. We have two locations, the Lake George Forum, which is an indoor venue and the Million Dollar Beach, which is an outdoor venue. It was created in 1983 and has become the world's largest tradeshow catering to the touring and touring cruiser rider. TourExpo offers everything from top-quality riding gear, to seats, luggage (either hard or soft), motorcycle trailers, chrome, lighting or sound systems, and virtually every other product made for motorcycle touring.
TourExpo doesn’t allow “fly-by-night” vendors, and has the contact information for all its vendors online at TourExpo.
Where is a certain vendor located? To find a vendor, click here for the alphabetical vendor listing. Specific booth numbers and locations will be listed in the Official Americade Program and on the web site.
What vendor has a specific product I'm looking for? General product listings for vendors can be found by clicking here: Vendors by category
When do the vendors open? TourExpo vendors at the Lake George Forum and Million Dollar Beach are open Tuesday June 8th - Friday June 115th from 9am to 6pm, & Saturday June 12th from 9am to 5pm
How can I become a vendor at TourExpo? For vendor inquiries, click here to go to Become a Vendor.
Is there any vendor space still available for 2010? TourExpo sells out many months in advance. A very few spots may become available several weeks before the event. To contact us about possible availability click here.
FAQ
