Cycling the Erie Canal Bike Tour - July 8-15, 2012

Join people, of all ages and from all over the country on July 8-15, 2012 for the 14th annual, 8-day, 400-mile, Cycling the Erie Canal bike tour across New York State along the scenic and historic Erie Canal, named a National Heritage Corridor. Enjoy great scenery, interesting history, and unparalleled cycling. You'll experience the canal and enjoy canal historians' stories about the people, places and things that made life along the Erie Canal so unique in its day and so important to the history of New York State and the country. Register now.

The Ride
You'll cover 40 to 60 miles per day, about 2/3 on asphalt or compact stone dust on completed portions of the Canalway Trail, the rest along public roadways with good shoulders. This is a great tour for riders of all abilities. Most days, the route follows the canal along level ground. There are a few rolling hills and two long, gradual climbs in the Mohawk Valley. Overnights will be at Buffalo, Medina, Pittsford, Waterloo/Seneca Falls, Syracuse, Rome, Canajoharie, and Schenectady.

The Rider Handbook

Check out our 2011 Cycling the Erie Canal Rider Handbook (2012 handbook available in March, 2012)- your compehensive guide to preparing and participating in this year's tour.

The Erie Canal

In 1825 it was called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," a man-made waterway that stretched into the western wilderness to touch the Great Lakes. This tour will follow the towpath along sections of the original Erie Canal and the "canalized" Seneca and Mohawk Rivers through historic villages, rural pastures, old locks and abandoned aqueducts. Today, the Erie Canal and the villages along it are being rediscovered as a unique and easily accessible corridor with a rich role in the history of Colonial America, the American Revolution, commerce, and women's rights.

Volunteer - Ride for Free!

Both riders and non-riding participants can volunteer to help out during the ride. Volunteers will receive a discount on the registration fee and riders will still be able to bicycle part of the time. There are many volunteer possibilities available for volunteers including sag and luggage truck drivers, rest stop help, route supervisors, route checking, and more!! View job descriptions and apply for a volunteer position. If you have questions about volunteering, call 607-423-2769.

Cycling the Erie Canal: A Guide to 400 miles of adventure and history along the Erie Canalway Trail is packed with detailed information about the outstanding bicycling and sightseeing waiting for you along the Erie Canal. The convenient, spiral-bound, 140-page guidebook features full-color maps and lots of detailed information about what to see and do along the way. Order on your bike tour registration form or on our website.

  

 
   






 
   



           
 

29 Elk Street * Albany, NY 12207 * (ph) 518-434-1583 * (fax) 518-427-0067 * ptny@ptny.org
Parks & Trails New York is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization as defined by the IRS.