Photos by Karen Fien
After holding the tour at reduced capacity in 2021 due to the pandemic, the annual eight-day, cross-state Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour returned at full capacity this year, departing from Buffalo on July 10 and scheduled to arrive in Albany eight days later on July 17. In total, 750 cyclists from 40 states are crossing New York as part of the 24th Cycle the Erie Canal tour organized by the statewide nonprofit Parks & Trails New York.
On day two of the tour, riders passed through this area on their way from Medina to Fairport. They had the chance, for the first time ever, to travel through a designated Empire State Trail Town – the Village of Brockport.
In early 2022, the “Victorian Village on the Erie Canal” was selected by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the New York State Canal Corporation (NYSCC) as the pilot community for the new Empire State Trail Town program, based on its long-standing connection to the canal and commitment to the trail.
Brockport boasts a comprehensive Welcome Center right along the canal that is staffed by friendly volunteers. The Brockport Welcome Center offers anything a visiting cyclist might seek, from cold water and an accessible restroom with showers, to free Wi-Fi and local area maps.
Once selected as the pilot community, the Village of Brockport, along with PTNY and NYSCC, established a diverse Trail Town Steering Committee, consisting of Brockport representatives from businesses and organizations, including Walk! Bike! Brockport!
“Our community has already begun to benefit from our collaboration, as we have made new and stronger connections with partners across the state and locally,” said Susan Smith, Director of the Brockport Welcome Center. “As we progress through this year, our committee is working towards creating a detailed action plan that will promote Brockport as a premier destination for cyclists and create long-term economic, health, and quality of life benefits for the entire community and surrounding area.”
The visiting cyclists were delighted by Brockport’s historic lift bridges over the canal that brought them to the bustling Main Street, packed with local bike-friendly businesses.
“We are proud to be an official bike friendly business and we look forward to welcoming them to our café,” said Jo Matela, owner of Red Bird Café and Gift Shop. “Although they did not have time to stop they got a glimpse of our Victorian Village and we hope that someday they will be able to come back and stay a while!”
Other highlights for cyclists included the Lift Bridge Book Shop, with an entire section of the store dedicated to the Erie Canal, and the Village’s rich history, showcased in a series of interpretive signs throughout the community.
To spread the word about all Brockport has to offer, the Village, in partnership with Walk! Bike! Brockport!, has provided postcards and postage to the visiting cyclists for many years. After seeing visitors from all across the country during the 2021 Cycle the Erie Canal event, the idea was discussed of also providing a map for the cyclists to pin their hometowns. Melanie Perreault, a member of Walk! Bike! Brockport!, made it happen. “The cyclists really enjoyed pinning their hometown,” Smith said.
For those not participating in the tour, Brockport is a great place to spend the night while touring the Canalway Trail, as travelers can either camp on the grounds of the Welcome Center or spend the night at one of two historic bed & breakfasts on Main Street.
“The Village of Brockport is truly a gem along the Erie Canalway Trail and has so much to offer the visiting cyclist,” said Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of PTNY.
Smith is excited for what the future holds. “Brockport is just the beginning chapter of the Empire State Trail Town Program. As more Trail Towns are established, the next century along the Erie Canal will continue to bring new opportunities and experiences to neighbors and visitors alike.”
After their visit to Brockport, the cyclinsts departed towards Spencerport and points east. For updates on the ride and the communities that riders passed through, follow Parks & Trails New York on Facebook (@parksandtrailsny), Instagram (@parkstrailsny), or Twitter (@PTNY).
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Photos by Ray Kuntz Jr.
Spencerport was a “water stop” for those participating in Cycle the Erie Canal as they passed through the area on July 11. It was lunch time when cyclists arrived in the village, and local eateries, including McColley’s, Texas Bar-B-Q Joint, and Union Street Coffee House had lots of bikes parked out front.
