Saratoga Race Course is hosting the Belmont Stakes because its traditional home, Belmont Park, is undergoing a massive, multi-year renovation. Saratoga is hosting the third and final leg of the Triple Crown for the third consecutive year on Saturday June 6, 2026. “Riders Up!” is the traditional command from the Paddock Judge for jockeys to mount their horses in advance of the upcoming race. The Belmont Stakes coincides with the Alfred University Reunion Bike Ride this year. A slight modification of “Riders Up!” to “Bikers Up!” may be appropriate for the AU cyclists who will be converging on the Saratoga Springs area on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for their week-long journey back to campus.
Thanks to the recruiting efforts of Anne Cornell, University Advancement, and veteran bikers, the Reunion Riders have two rookie cyclists who will be joining them this year as last minute “walk-ons” to the lineup. Nate Siewert graduated last month with a political science and psychology dual major and minor in public law. He was recently recognized at Honors Convocation as the recipient of the Harris E. Kershnar ’75 Social Justice Award. In addition to his outstanding academic achievements, Nate was also a two-sport athlete having played football his freshman year and baseball his sophomore year. Nate is a native of Saratoga Springs and has graciously offered to share his local expertise with what now have become his fellow alums. Please join us in welcoming Nate as the youngest AU alumni in the history of the Alfred University Reunion Bike Ride. Way to go Nate Siewert ‘26!
Kyle Brown attended Alfred University in 2000 and 2001 as a fine arts major. He is associated with the class of 2004. Kyle may prove to be an invaluable resource to the Reunion Bikers due to his familiarity with the Keuka Lake area. Kyle is the managing director and chief of operations of Shoreline Rentals headquartered in Penn Yan, NY. The business rents a full line of bicycles, kayaks, and paddle boards. Pleas join us in welcoming Kyle to our Reunion Bike Ride. This year’s remaining lineup includes Mary Bouchard ’73, David ’77 and Regina Holleb, Terry Kiff ’84, Dave ’61 and Kate Perry, Jim Randall ’77, Harry Wilhelm ’74, and Conor Walsh ‘01. All are veteran bikers having participated in several previous reunion rides.
In recognition of America250, our nation’s 250th birthday, the Alfred University Reunion Bikers have chosen the historic Saratoga Springs, NY, as their pedal off point for this year’s journey back to campus. The area offers a unique variety of historical, cultural, and recreational opportunities. The city’s official slogan is “Health, History, and Horses”.
The group will start gathering in Lake George and Saratoga Springs the weekend before Reunion on Saturday, June 6. The first bike ride will take place on Sunday, June 7, and will take riders on back country roads from Lake George to Fort Ann on the Hudson River. From Fort Ann they will head south along the Champlain Canalway Trail (part of the Empire State Trail) to Hudson Falls and Glens Falls where they will pick up the Warren County Bikeway which will take them north back to Lake George. On Monday, June 8, they will bike the Saratoga Battlefield loop from Saratoga Springs. Tuesday’s journey includes a ride around the city of Saratoga Springs and through Saratoga Spa State Park. After Tuesday’s ride the group will drive to Penn Yan and stay at the Mansion on Keuka for two nights. On Wednesday, June 10, they will bike around Keuka Lake; a traditional favorite choice of the Reunion Bikers. On Thursday, June 11, we will orbit Conesus Lake one or two times (fielder’s choice).
The group’s final “Victory Ride” is on Friday morning, June 12, from Hornell into Alfred with an anticipated arrival at the King Alfred Statue at noon. Reunion Bikers welcome alumni, faculty and staff, students, and friends to join them as they ride through your local area, or for part or all of our trip. They also enjoy having lunch or dinner with friends of the University throughout their travels. Please email Jim Randall ’77 at [email protected] for additional information.