The state’s largest multi-day bike tour kicks off on Saturday from Buffalo, arriving in Albany on July 20. Organized by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the 27th annual Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour brings together cyclists from 37 states between the ages of 8 and 84. Nearly 600 cyclists will travel 40-60 miles per day, visiting historic towns along the Erie Canalway Trail. This year, the tour celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal and will culminate at a finish line festival at Quackenbush Square in Albany.
Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, said, “The Erie Canalway Trail transports riders back in time. The welcoming communities, captivating natural environment, and rich history of the region make Cycle the Erie Canal an experience like no other. Our cyclists ride away with lifelong memories and a new appreciation for the state.”
Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, said, “Cycle the Erie Canal is among the very best ways to discover all there is to love about the Erie Canalway Corridor: friendly people, extraordinary history, unbeatable recreation, charming towns and vibrant cities, and bucolic scenery. It’s also one of the best-supported rides in the country. Parks & Trails New York does an incredible job of introducing hundreds of people each year to the joys of long-distance cycling along the canal that transformed America.”
Schedule of Events:
Saturday, July 12
Pre-rides through the city of Buffalo
Overnight location: Nichols School, 1250 Amherst Street, Buffalo
Sunday, July 13
Buffalo to Medina
Overnight location: Medina Central Schools, 1 Mustang Drive, Medina
Monday, July 14
Medina to Fairport
Overnight location: Center Park West, 1100 Ayrault Road, Fairport
Tuesday, July 15
Fairport to Seneca Falls
Overnight location: Elks Lodge, 2221 River Road, Seneca Falls
Wednesday, July 16
Seneca Falls to Syracuse
Overnight location: Burnett Park, 577 Burnett Park Road, Syracuse
Highlight: Erie Canal Birthday Party, Burnett Park
Thursday, July 17
Syracuse to Rome
Overnight location: Fort Stanwix, 200 N. James Street, Rome
Highlight: Rome Block Party, 100 – 200 blocks of West Dominick Street, 4 PM -8 PM
Friday, July 18
Rome to Canajoharie
Overnight location: Canajoharie High School, 136 Scholastic Way, Canajoharie
Saturday, July 19
Canajoharie to Schenectady
Overnight location: Schenectady Jewish Community Center, 2565 Balltown Road, Schenectady
The New York State Canal Corporation, a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority, has partnered with Parks & Trails New York on Cycle the Erie Canal since its inception in 1998. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is the premier heritage sponsor of the event. Ten regional tourism agencies also sponsor the ride.
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Sunday, July 20
Schenectady to Albany
Finish Line: Quackenbush Square
