Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cycling the Erie Canal?
Cycling the Erie Canal is an eight-day 400-mile fully supported recreational bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany along the historic and scenic Erie Canal. Nearly two-thirds of the ride is on the traffic-free off-road Canalway Trail.

When is the tour?
The 2009 tour starts on Sunday, July 12, in Buffalo and finishes on Sunday, July 19 in Albany. Because the tour starts at 8:00 am on Sunday, people should arrive on Saturday, July 11. Saturday highlights include registration, pre-tour rides, kick-off reception and dinner that evening.

Who organizes Cycling the Erie Canal?
Cycling the Erie Canal is organized by Parks & Trails New York, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and protecting our parks and creating new kinds of parks such as greenways and rail and canal trails. Parks & Trails New York organizes this bicycle tour to promote the Canalway Trail, the historic Erie Canal corridor and economic development through bicycle tourism. Funds raised will help support Parks & Trails New York's trail programs, including its work on the Canalway Trail.

What's included in the tour?

• Wonderful scenic ride - nearly two-thirds on off-road Canalway Trail, the rest on rural roads
• Camping accommodations every evening with showers and toilet facilities. Some campsites feature pools or lakes for swimming. Dormitory options are available several nights
• Eight hearty breakfasts and six delicious dinners
• Two refreshment stops daily stocked with fruit, snacks and beverages
• Entertainment and historical presentations each evening
• Guided tours of the Canal, historic sites, museums, and other attractions, including the Women's Rights National Historic Site, Erie Canal Museum and Village, Fort Stanwix National Monument and a boat tour through several locks.
• Kick-off reception and festivities and end-of-tour gala celebration banquet
• Cycling the Erie Canal T-shirt and water bottle
• Baggage transport
• Sag wagon and mobile mechanical support
• Daily maps and cue sheets
• Painted and arrowed routes
• Small town rural charm and warmth of Upstate New York
• Additional services (fee)- fresh daily towels, gourmet coffee each morning, tent and air mattress rental and setup, etc.
• Massage available each evening (fee)

How much does the trip cost?
The full eight-day tour will cost $520. Current Parks & Trails New York members (as 01/01/09) get a discount ($495). Six or more riders who register together receive a 10% group discount (registrations must be mailed in together). Children under the age of 18, who must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian, will pay a reduced half-price fee for the full eight-day tour of $260. The fee for children under 3 is $95. The two-day weekend tours cost $200 for adults and $100 youth (under 18 and accompanied by an adult*). (Registrations received after June 20, 2008, will be charged a $50 late fee. You will need money for lunches, and two dinners. You should also bring extra money if you would like to make any purchases along the way (souvenirs, etc.) and in the event that bicycle parts are needed.

Can I make a deposit and pay in full later for the tour?
No, payment for the tour must be in full.

Can I pay by credit card?
Yes. You can pay by VISA, MASTERCARD or American Express.

Can I get my money back if I can't make the tour?
You will receive a full refund, minus a $50 processing fee if you cancel before June 26, 2009. A written cancellation request is required. After that time no refunds will be made except for emergency situations. Absolutely No Refunds after July 8, 2009.

Is there a waiting list to sign-up?
When the ride is full, a waiting list will be started. Each person that would like to be placed on the waiting list must provide a registration form and pay the full fee. You will be informed when you are registered. Each person on the waiting list must be available to do the ride. If you are on the waiting list and are unable to join the ride, we will return your check.

When is the ride registration day?
Registration will be just before the kick-off reception and dinner on Saturday, July 11 from 2 - 6 pm. Please come to the registration area and drop off your bicycle and bags before returning rental vehicles or taking your car to long-term parking.

For those unable to make it to the festivities on Saturday there will be an hour available for registration on Sunday, July 12 from 6:30 - 7:30 am.

Are children allowed?
We love kids! Because of the relatively flat terrain and so much trail riding, Cycling the Erie Canal is a very family-friendly ride. Old and young are welcome to join us on the canal tour, as long as they can reliably ride or be towed behind a bicycle for an average 50 miles a day. Please consider your child's ability to bicycle this distance daily. We will provide sag wagon rides to the day's endpoint for physical or mechanical break-down, but not on a daily basis. Since children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian at all times, if the child is too tired to continue bicycling, that will end the day of touring for the guardian too. Sorry, tour staff are not available to provide babysitting services.

Does Cycling the Erie Canal allow child carriers, tandems or trailers?
Yes.

How many miles does the tour average?
50 miles/day.

An average of 50 miles a day seems like a lot!
You can bicycle 50 miles in five hours or less of actual biking, leaving plenty of time for sight-seeing and visiting historic sites. Sag wagon rides are available for physical and mechanical breakdowns.

50 miles a day doesn't seem like much!
Cycling the Erie Canal is a different kind of bicycle tour, designed for relaxation, learning about the history of the Erie Canal and just plain FUN! Ride at a leisurely pace, take time to see the sights, and finish the week rested. If you really want more miles than the 400 miles this week provides, optional rides will be available during the week.

What sort of terrain will we ride on?
The Canalway Trail, built along the historic right-of-way of the Erie Canal, has a very gentle to flat grade. We will be riding on the Canalway Trail as much as possible, which is nearly two-thirds the ride. The other part of the ride will be on rural roads with good shoulders. Several days in the Finger Lakes have a few rolling hills and there are two long gradual climbs in the Mohawk Valley.

Where do we stay?
Cycling the Erie Canal is a camping tour. Each night, as your trip winds down for the day, you'll set up camp at the official campsite. Trucks will transport all of your baggage each morning to that evening's campsite. Dorm options are available several nights to riders for approximately $40 per night. The dorm option must be reserved and paid for in advance.

What are the campgrounds like?
Each night's campground will have a Hospitality Tent where riders can get information about the town and tours available and the next day's routes and tours. There will be a tent providing medical services and massage services (for a modest fee). Most Tent Cities will be located on school or college grounds. Many will have swimming pools available to riders. Restrooms and showers will be provided each night. Supplemental port-a-johns will be provided where needed. Alternative shelter will be available in the event of an emergency (e.g. high winds, electrical storm).

Will my luggage and bicycle be safe?
Thefts of baggage or bicycles are extremely rare. The usual culprit is someone who mistakenly picks up a bag thinking it is his or hers. Your bags should be distinctively painted or decorated with ribbons so you can find them easily. All bags must have name tags. We urge you to lock your bicycle when you are not riding it. Cycling the Erie Canal does not guarantee the safety of your baggage, bicycle, or other equipment.

What if I don't want to camp out?
Dorm options are available two nights to riders. The dorm options must be reserved and paid for in advance. If you prefer alternative lodging on nights when dorm rooms are not available, you can make your own arrangements to stay in a hotel, motel or bed & breakfast. A list of accommodations near to the ride tent cities is included in the rider handbook. If you do choose alternative lodging, you will be responsible for transporting yourself to and from the tent city at the end and beginning of each day, and in order to participate in meals and activities occurring at the tent city. Upon arrival at each night's tent city we will provide you with a list of transportation options (taxis, buses, etc.).  

NEW THIS YEAR - SPECIAL DELIVERY SERVICE A service that transports you & your gear to your motel/B&B accommodations for $12/day.

You can also use the CampTel option, which provides (for a fee) rental of tents and air mattresses (fee includes setup and break down), plus rental of camp chair and/or daily, clean, fresh towels. For more information, visit In Motion Events or call 607-423-2769.

What do we do during the day?
Each morning, a truck will be waiting for your luggage. You are then free to travel the established route, riding at your own pace, stopping along the way to admire the attractions, and arriving when you wish. Parents and minors participating together are required to stay together during the day's ride. Along the way you'll find smiling faces with snacks, drinks, support, and repair vehicles to take care of all your daily needs.

Where do we eat?
At the beginning and end of each day's ride, Cycling the Erie Canal and the host communities will provide a delicious and nutritious meal except for two evenings when you will be able to enjoy the local eateries. Vegetarian meal options will be available. Rest stop with snacks and drinks will be provided twice daily. Lunch is on your own.

Will there be a non-meat meal option?
Yes, non-meat meal options will be provided for the breakfasts and dinners that Cycling the Erie Canal provides. Lunch is on your own.

What will I need to bring for the tour?
A multi-geared, better quality bicycle with tires in excellent condition will make the tour much more enjoyable. We highly recommend using a hybrid bike. A second choice would be a mountain bike with non-aggressive tires for on-road travel. Riders have also used road bikes with wide tires (at least 25mm). We have found that older tires cause many tire repair problems. If in doubt, we recommend getting new tires for the ride. You must have a helmet - you won't be allowed on the ride without one. You'll need a small tent and other basic camping gear, sleeping bag, etc. Bring proper clothing for all weather conditions. Everything you take should fit into one large or two small bags that combined weigh less than 50 pounds. An odometer on your bike will be helpful, as all route directions use mileage. For more information, see Preparing for the Ride.

In the brochure and above, you recommend a hybrid bike. Are road bikes suitable for the ride? In addition, the brochure says that a much of the tour is on 'compact stone surface' - is it suitable for road bikes?

Many thanks to past riders whose feedback helps us address this concern. We recommend hybrid bikes because of their comfort and versatility. Riders need to keep in mind that they will be riding 40-65 miles a day and should choose a bike set-up that is comfortable. Each year we have a number of participants on the tour who choose to take their road bikes. If you do ride your road bike, we would suggest the widest Kevlar belted tires the frame will accommodate, to prevent flats. The ride is not designed to be done on a road bike designed for speed. Cycling the Erie Canal bike tour is not a race. There are a number of stops along the way, so take your time, You will be traveling through one of the most historic and beautiful routes in New York State!

How many bags can I bring?
Everything you take should fit into one large or two small bags that, combined, weigh less than 50 pounds.

How do I get to the ride?
We have provided a listing of Transportation Options for riders getting to Buffalo and from Albany.

Will Parks & Trails New York provide transportation to the start of the ride -- Buffalo?
We are offering a shuttle from Albany to Buffalo on Saturday, July 11 for you and your bike (see Transportation Options) for an additional fee of $80. The shuttle will depart from Albany at 10:00a.m. and will stop for lunch, with an approximate arrival time of 4:00p.m. at the Buffalo Tent City. If you choose this option, you can park your car in Albany (long-term parking available--see below), take the shuttle to Buffalo, and bike back to Albany.

How do I get my bike to the ride?
There are many options for getting your bicycle to the starting point in Buffalo. For many people the best option will be to ship their bicycle ahead of time via UPS. For more information about your options and how to ship your bicycle see Transportation Options.

How do weekend riders get to and from the ride?
Weekend rides take place on July 11-13 (Buffalo-Pittsford plus pre-rides in Buffalo) and July 17-19 (Canajoharie-Albany) Riders can take advantage of the long-term parking available at the Buffalo and Albany ends of the ride. Cycling the Erie Canal will not provide any transportation to get weekend riders to their starting points. We understand that this may be difficult for some people, but we offer the weekend rides for those who cannot do the entire ride, but would like to participate.

Where is the long-term parking?
Long-term parking is available in both Buffalo and Albany for all participants of the bike tour.

Buffalo long-term parking. Parking in Buffalo will be at the Nichols School (starting point). If you are using the parking lot in Buffalo, you will need to contact Parks & Trails New York at eriecanaltour@ptny.org or 518-434-1583 no later than June 27, and provide information regarding your vehicle type and license plate. Parks & Trails New York will include the parking pass in your registration packet. This pass must be displayed in the front windshield of your automobile. Please note that Parks & Trails New York is not responsible for any damage or theft that may occur to your vehicle while in the long-term parking lots, although we don't expect any of these things to happen. No valuables should be left visible in your parked car. Please come to the registration area in Buffalo before parking your car in long-term parking.

Albany long-term parking. You can park your car for the entire week at the Amtrak train station in Rensselaer, NY (the shuttle departure location), for a fee.

Note: We are offering a shuttle from Albany to Buffalo for an additional fee of $80. You can park in Albany, take the shuttle to Buffalo, and bicycle back to Albany with the other riders.

Do you offer a return shuttle from Albany to Buffalo upon the completion of the Cycling the Erie Canal tour?

At this time we do not offer a return shuttle for the Cycling the Erie Canal tour. Riders are responsible for their own transportation upon the conclusion of the ride. Suggestions and information about transportation options are outlined in the transportation section of the website and the rider handbook. We have also found that by using our canaltour message board, participants have been able to exchange ride tips and, on occasion, arrange carpools.

What if my bike breaks down?
Mobile mechanical and sag wagon support will be available to the riders every day to help fix the problem or get rider and bike to a place where the problem can be fixed. The rider is responsible for all repair and part costs.

What if I can't bike the whole way one or more days?
Bicyclists are expected to have a fitness level that will allow them to bicycle all the miles every day. However, we understand that sometimes assistance is needed and in those cases sag wagons will bring riders and bicycles to the Tent City at the end of the day. See Preparing for the Ride for training tips.

How can my family reach me in an emergency?
In an emergency, family members can contact Parks & Trails New York from 9 to 5 workdays at 518-434-1583 or Al Hastings, Ride Director, at 607-423-2769 anytime. If all else fails, contact the Police Department in the Tent City Community and they will pass on the message.

If I'm not riding, do I have to register?
Everyone must register and pay the fee for the event, whether you are riding or not. Everyone will receive a wristband at registration that allows access to all tours, campsites and meals.

How can I get more information about some of the areas we will be biking through?
Check out the following websites: The Niagara Region, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Tour Cayuga, Visit the Finger Lakes, The Finger Lakes, Schenectady, Montgomery County, Albany, Wayne County, Orleans County, Seneca County, and Oneida Count

How can I volunteer?
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!! You can view the volunteer job descriptions and apply to become a volunteer by printing and completing our Volunteer Application. If you have questions about volunteering, please contact us at 607-423-2769.

What have past participants said about the tour? Best ride in my 13 years of doing multiple-day rides...The route was interesting, unusual and a pleasure to ride...The planning was outstanding....Lots of fun... I really enjoyed the canal history presentations...The swimming pools were so refreshing... The bus trips into town in the evening were perfect...Riders and volunteers were great...Everyone's stories were great to hear...We loved it...This was our first organized ride and we're now anxious to try others but we'll be back...Really enjoyed the brew tour and Remington Arms tour... Keep this event alive...I liked the combination of history and physical activity...Great memories...I am recommending the ride to friends and family.... Plenty of time to visit historic sites...Excellent ride, wonderful people...Nice mix of support and independence...So many museums and side trips-we couldn't do them all...Great group spirit...The canal museum in Syracuse was superb...The perfect way to visit upstate New York... I made many new friends...The ice cream social was fun...Volunteers were alway helpful and friendly...I want to go again next year

Why should I sign up?
Cycling the Erie Canal will be a week spent with companion cyclists learning about the history of the Erie Canal and enjoying the scenery of beautiful Upstate New York. Riders will enjoy time cycling and touring with family members, renewing old friendships and making new friendships. Cycling the Erie Canal is an opportunity for you to enjoy this beautiful region of New York State in a truly unique manner and at your own pace. Riders can enjoy the canal towns, quaint shops and historic sites along the way. If this sounds good to you, your family or a friend, sign up today and begin making plans for a memorable trip along the Canalway Trail on bicycle.

More Questions? Check out the 2008 Rider Handbook (2009 version available in March), give us a call at 518-434-1583, or e-mail eriecanaltour@ptny.org