400-mile bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany planned

The ninth annual cross-state bicycle tour along the Erie Canal - Cycling the Erie Canal - is scheduled for July 8-15. Cycling the Erie Canal is an eight-day, 400-mile, recreational bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany along the historic, scenic and still-active Erie Canal.

The bicycle tour passes through historic canal villages and rural countryside. Along the way, canal historians and local experts will introduce participants to the people, places and things that make the Erie Canal unique and important to the history of New York state and the country. More than half the ride is off-road, on the traffic-free Canalway Trail; the rest is on rural roads with good shoulders.

Last year's Cycling the Erie Canal drew riders from 39 states. About one third of the riders were from New York state. The trek is a great ride for cyclists of all abilities and ages. Last year, the oldest rider was in his 80's while the youngest participant was three-years-old. For most days, the route follows the canal along level ground.

Included in the $520 fee for Cycling the Erie Canal are: camping accommodations every evening with showers and toilet facilities, several with pools or lakes for swimming; eight breakfasts and six dinners; two refreshment stops daily; entertainment and historical presentations each evening; guided tours of the canal, historic sites, museums and other attractions; T-shirt and water bottle; sag wagon and mobile mechanical support; baggage transport; daily maps and cue sheets; and marked routes.

Two weekend ride options are available, from Buffalo to Pittsford on July 7 to July 9 and from Canajoharie to Albany on July 13 to July 15. A shuttle will be available at the beginning of the ride to transport riders and their bicycles to Buffalo. Non-cycling friends and family of riders with their own transportation are welcome. Youths under 18 enjoy a special half-price rate.

For information on Cycling the Erie Canal, e-mail eriecanaltour@ptny.org or visit www.ptny.org/canaltour, for information on the Great Hudson Valley Pedal, e-mail hudsontour@ptny.org or visit www.ptny.org/hudsontour, or call 518-434-1583 for information on either tour.

February 11, 2007