It was a sunny day on Monday, July 12, when riders participating in the Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour from Buffalo to Albany, an annual event of Parks & Trails New York, passed through Spencerport. Rain all day on Sunday, July 11, left most bicycles and some riders still a bit muddy. Weather altered overnight accommodations from tents to a high school as a dormitory. “It was dry,” said a young couple from Brooklyn. Like many events, Cycle the Erie Canal was different in 2021; 250 or so cyclists – not the usual 800 – reached Spencerport.
Thank you: Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce Past President David Haines who coordinates water donations, brings and sets up chairs, tables, tubs for ice, and bags for recycling bottles; Tops Friendly Markets, Cindy Hook, Manager, for free cold water, and Spencerport Fire Department for ice; local businesses for good food and drink, ice cream, and welcomes; Don Fernberg and Village of Spencerport Mayor Gary Penders, always volunteers; Karen Fien and Ray Kuntz, photographers.
This event is an economic development opportunity. From a Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce brochure, volunteers promoted our community. Smiles and stories were shared as ducks swam nearby. Riders came from all over – Albany, San Francisco, Texas, and Wyoming, to name a few. There were compliments and questions about Spencerport, its lift bridge, and Western New York. “Au revoir,” said a gentleman. “Merci.” Yes, French – from a rider who hailed from Hollywood, Florida.
All Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce members and prospective members are invited to attend the SACC (2019) Awards Meet & Greet on Thursday, September 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Braemar Country Club. Visit
spencerportchamber.org/events for easy registration.
Carol J. Nellis-Ewell
Deputy Mayor, Village of Spencerport
Economic Development & PR Chair,
Board of Directors,
Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce
