Join cyclists from across the country and around the world for Parks & Trails New York’s 19th annual Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour. Enjoy beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and a one-of-a-kind cycling experience on this fully supported eight-day ride across New York between Buffalo and Albany. Along the way, learn about the people, places and events that shaped the Erie Canal and its vital role in American history.
Cycle the Erie Canal attracts riders of all ages and abilities, from beginners and families to experienced cyclists.
The route follows the legendary Erie Canal passing locks and aqueducts and winding through historic villages and rural farmlands.
Riders cover about 50 miles a day on mostly flat terrain. About 75 percent of the ride is on the off-road Canalway Trail, with the remainder on public roadways with good shoulders. Most days, the route follows the canal along level ground, although there are some rolling hills and two long, gradual climbs in the Mohawk Valley.
Riders stay overnight in Buffalo, Medina, Fairport, Seneca Falls, Syracuse, Rome, Canajoharie and Schenectady at colorful tent cities. A variety of lodging and amenities are also available, from national hotel chains to bed and breakfasts. Rental and set up of tents and air mattresses are available from Comfy Campers.
Included with the trip:
•Camping accommodations every evening with showers and toilet facilities, (some campsites include pools or lakes for swimming).
•Eight hearty breakfasts and six dinners
•Two daily refreshment stops, stocked with fruit, snacks and beverages
•Evening entertainment, including music and historical presentations
•Guided tours of the Canal, historic sites, museums and other attractions, including the Women’s Rights National Historic Park, Erie Canal Museum and Village, Fort Stanwix National Monument, and a boat tour through the Lockport locks
•Kick-off reception and end-of-tour celebration
•Cycle the Erie Canal t-shirt and water bottle
•Baggage transport
•SAG wagon and mobile mechanical support
•Daily maps and cue sheets
•Painted and arrowed routes
•Pre-departure info packet, including training tips
•Recognition as a Cycle the Erie Canal End-to-Ender
•Amenities (for an additional fee) including fresh daily towels, gourmet morning coffee, tent and air mattress rental and set up, and evening massage
For those that can’t commit to the full eight-day tour, there are two different two-day and four-day ride options available. These options require that participants make their own arrangements for transportation to and from the tour. All options include dinner and camping accommodations the night before.
Two day options:
•Buffalo to Pittsford, July 9 and 10: This option begins in Buffalo and ends in Pittsford. Riders should arrive in Buffalo for an overnight on the evening of July 8.
•Canajoharie to Albany, July 15 and 16: This option begins in Canajoharie and ends in Albany. Riders should arrive in Canajoharie for an overnight on the evening of July 14. Parking is available both in Canajoharie and Albany.
Four day options:
•Buffalo to Syracuse, July 9 through 12: This option begins in Buffalo and ends in Syracuse. Riders should arrive in Buffalo for an overnight on the evening of July 8. Parking is available in Buffalo. Separate arrangements must be made for parking in Syracuse. Visit www.downtownsyracuse.com/lifestyle/explore-downtown/ for more information.
•Syracuse to Albany, July 13 through 16: This option begins in Syracuse and ends in Albany. Riders should arrive for an overnight in Syracuse on the evening of July 12. Parking is available in Albany at the Amtrak station in Rensselaer for a fee. Separate arrangements must be mde for parking in Syrcause.
For more information, visit www.ptny.org/cycle-the-erie-canal/annual-bike-tour.
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