Things To Do In Schenectady

Revolutionary Velo-Watts’ CompuTrainer is a microprocessor-controlled indoor ergometer and trainer that refines riding styles to boost racing performance. Bikers of all abilities can bring their two-wheelers in to mount on the virtual tutor’s stationary wheels, allowing for immediate familiarity with their equipment while hooked up to the machine. The video software simulates famous courses that relate to trainee’s desired goals—the Lake Placid or Wisconsin Ironman for a triathlete, the Tour de France for a mountain racer, or downtown San Francisco for a motivated paperboy. While pedaling in place, data is generated showing heart rates, speed, wattage, and number of wheelies popped. After the workout, cyclists can take advantage of shower facilities or squeegee their sweat into a mason jar for a delightful memento.

At Harvest Meadow Farm, instructor Laurie Phillips draws on more than 30 years of training experience to guide her students in the ways of equitation, dressage, and jumping. She trains students of all ages and skill levels, and also trains horses according to natural-horsemanship techniques. Holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in equine studies, Laurie is both experienced and certified in training people with mental impairments, sponsoring a handicap program for Living Resources of Albany in 2010.

The “RoCM” in RoCM Dance stands for “rhythms of city motion,” and it’s a phrase the leaders of RoCM Dance take to heart. Not content to simply teach in studios, they head outside and throughout the Big Apple to lead classes and choreograph steps for flash mobs. Through their efforts, they hope to make dance accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of skill level.

At Player’s Park Family Fun Plex, gentle hills and dales peppered with greenery surround an 18-hole miniature-golf course, the park’s scaled-down version of the nine-hole par-3 course. The par-3 course, open during the day and into the evening, provides players with short-game practice, just as the mini-golf course provides putt-polishing opportunities for players shorter than a putter. The mini-golf course and par-3 course are lit for evening play.

In addition to hosting rounds of golf, Player’s Park stays true to its name by inviting kids to play on a row of bounce-house inflatables. Families can also visit the ice-cream parlor, where they can play the quiet game as they chow down on Perry's ice cream. The parlor has an air-conditioned interior as well as an outdoor porch for those who prefer Mother Nature’s air conditioner—the flapping wings of a curious butterfly.

Lynn Gorman Bakos harnesses more than 30 years of riding experience—including time studying under an Olympic rider—as she presides over Renegade Farm. Certified by the American Riding Instructors Association, Lynn trains many of her own horses to help to ensure that the animals are gentle in demeanor. During lessons, Lynn teaches students in either the outdoor riding ring or indoor lighted arena, beyond which lies more than 40 acres of lush, tree-lined pasture where riders have the chance to take a long enough running start to create the first Pegasus.

Schauber Stables, LLC is more than just a riding facility—it's the home to a cadre of rescue animals. Throughout the verdant, sprawling grounds, horses, ponies, and goats that have been given a second chance caper and gallop to the delight of onlookers. Visitors to the family-friendly establishment can learn how to ride atop a seasoned horse during lessons taught by veteran trainers or tour the farm during a field trip, where they'll learn about the animals' backgrounds from the staff and the horses' journal entries.