750 cyclists departed from Buffalo July 9 on the 25th annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour, arriving in Syracuse July 12
ALBANY, N.Y. – New York’s biggest multi-day bike tour departed from Buffalo on July 9, to arrive in Albany eight days later on July 16. 750 cyclists from 40 states and Canada are taking to the trail as part of the 25th anniversary of the Cycle the Erie Canal tour, organized by the statewide nonprofit Parks & Trails New York (PTNY). Covering between 40 and 60 miles a day, cyclists will travel along the now 85% off-road Erie Canalway Trail, the east-west leg of the 750-mile Empire State Trail.
On Wednesday, July 12 riders arrive in Syracuse, having completed day four of the eight-day tour. During their 39-mile journey from Seneca Falls cyclists will pedal past the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, then follow the canal towpath to the Erie Canal Park Camillus. There, riders will stop at the park’s Sims Store, a re-creation of a 19th century general store. After arriving in Syracuse and setting up camp in Burnet Park, riders can opt to take a shuttle to the Erie Canal Museum for a “History Happy Hour.” Highlights of the evening will include a concert from acclaimed canal historian/musician Dave Ruch, blacksmith demonstrations, a cash bar, food truck and more.
Cycle the Erie Canal, now in its 25th year, is an exceptional tour accessible for cyclists of all levels.
“It’s more than just a tour. Like a magic loom, Cycle the Erie Canal weaves people and experiences together as they move through the landscape. We’ve seen grandparents riding with their grandkids. We’ve celebrated weddings of folks who have met on the tour. Riders come back again and again, bringing more friends and family to experience the tour with them. Every year we’re not only welcoming upstate New Yorkers, we’re hosting folks from all over the United States and the world,” Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York Paul Steely White said. “We are so thankful to share such a meaningful experience with all our riders, not to mention the amazing towns along the canal who really go above and beyond, year after year, to roll out the red carpet for our riders. With more of the Erie Canalway Trail completed year after year, and an even greater sense of celebration and joy from the towns and cyclists, Cycle the Erie Canal truly just keeps getting better and better.”
For a map of the full eight days, visit our interactive story map. Riders will spend the eight nights camping in Buffalo, Medina, Fairport, Seneca Falls, Syracuse, Rome, Canajoharie, and Schenectady, before finishing on Sunday, July 16 at Corning Preserve in Albany. For updates on the ride and the communities that riders are passing through, follow Parks & Trails New York on Facebook (@parksandtrailsny) and Instagram (@parkstrailsny).
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.
About Parks & Trails New York:
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) is New York’s leading statewide advocate for parks, trails, and public lands. Since its founding in 1985, PTNY has been fighting to improve our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space. In collaboration with members, supporters and partners from across the state, PTNY is a prominent voice for the protection and expansion of New York’s magnificent state park system and multi-use trail network, including more than 1,500 miles of greenways, bike paths, and river walks. Learn more at www.ptny.org.
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, July 12 Seneca Falls to Syracuse
8:00-11:00 a.m. – Morning Rest Stop: Port Byron Erie Canal Heritage Park (1575 Rooker Drive, Port Byron, 13140)
11:00am-2:00 .p.m – Afternoon Rest Stop: Sims Store Museum, Erie Canal Park, Camillus (5750 Devoe Rd. Camillus, NY 13031)
5:00pm – 8:00 p.m. – Erie Canal Museum History Happy Hour: Wednesday at the Weighlock (318 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY 13202)
Tent City Overnight Location: Burnet Park, Syracuse, NY
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