Potsdam and Canton both sit on the transition from the Adirondacks to the Saint Lawrence Valley. Both have north flow rivers running through them– the Grass in Canton, and the Raquette in Potsdam. And both are college towns. These make Potsdam and Canton a great base for cycling.
The Potsdam/Canton chapter contains seven rides, ranging form 19 miles to 43 miles. Some go up to the mountains, and some go down to the river.
Links to local resources:
Cycle Routes of the Saint Lawrence Valley and Northern Adirondacks 