The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is inviting New Yorkers to get outside this summer to trace history and track miles for the Canalway Challenge. The Challenge is free and welcomes people of all ages and abilities to set a personal mileage goal and walk, run, cycle, or paddle on the New York State Canal System and Empire State Trail to achieve it. A full lineup of recreational events offers numerous opportunities for people to get involved.
“Canalway Challenge events are a great way to get going and experience the waterway that transformed America. Whether you are looking to be more active, see more of the Empire State, or enjoy quality time with family and friends, the Canalway Challenge offers a summer of fun and adventure,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor.
Participating in the Canalway Challenge is easy and free. Participants register online and choose a mileage goal, track their miles over the course of the summer, and upload a photo when they finish. They may log miles on their own or at an event. Finishers receive a certificate, bandana, and mileage decal. Find details and signup at www.canalwaychallenge.com.
Several events across the state are supported in part by grants from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the NYS Canal Corporation. Registration and additional details are available from event hosts.
Supported events in Greater Rochester and Western New York include:
•1st Mile/Next Mile on the Erie Canal
June 30, July 21, August 11, and August 25, Fairport
Inclusive Thursday group paddle/ride meet-ups.
•Reimagining the Canals by Bike
August 1, September 12, October 15, Buffalo
August 27, Lockport
Hop on your bike to explore the unique heritage, recreational assets, and local businesses surrounding the Erie Canal in western New York during this series of four bicycling programs.
•Color Wayne
September 3, Erie Shore Landing, Newark
Join the fun at this two-mile disability awareness color run/walk on the Erie Canalway Trail. Hosted by ARC Wayne.
•Beers, Bikes, and Barges: Seneca Falls
September 15, start at Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry, end at WT Brews
Join the Seneca Falls Museum of Waterways and Industry and the Erie Canal Museum for this hour-long cycling tour around Seneca Falls followed by a sampling of local brews at WT Brews.
•Roc the River Ride
September 17, Genesee Valley Park, Rochester
Explore Rochester’s history and natural beauty on a bicycle ride along the scenic Erie Canalway and Genesee Riverway Trails.
For those looking to explore a bit farther from home, events include Beers, Bikes, and Barges cycling tours and brew tastings in Weedsport (July 7), Schenectady (July 21), Syracuse (August 4 and September 1), and Utica (August 18); Oswego Paddlefest on July 16; Albany & the Erie Canal: A Skyway Tour on July 17; and Paddle the Canal: ON the Erie from Baldwinsville to Onondaga Lake Park on August 6.
For more information and a full list of sponsored events, visit https://eriecanalway.org/explore/challenge/
ideas-logging-miles.
Provided information
