Riding with PTNY has always been about more than miles; it’s about community, discovery, and the satisfaction of finishing something meaningful. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to do it, but I don’t have the right bike,” or “I’m not sure I can keep up,” or “I may not have the resources for this kind of trip,” 2026 is your year.

We’ve introduced three new programs designed to remove the most common barriers that keep people from signing up. The result: it’s easier than ever to say yes and to show up confident that you’ll be supported from start to finish.

1) Bike Rentals Through Unlimited Biking

Not owning a tour-ready bike shouldn’t be the reason you miss our iconic rides. New this year, we’re offering bike rentals through Unlimited Biking for CTEC and CTHV, making it simple to get the right equipment without the hassle of transporting your own.

For many riders, the logistics of bringing a bike can feel like the biggest obstacle. Rentals change that. You can arrive ready to ride, knowing you’ll have a properly maintained bike suited for the tour. It’s a straightforward way to reduce planning stress and make participation possible for more people.

2) A Buddy Program For First-Time Riders

If you’re new to multi-day cycling events, the unknowns can be intimidating: pacing, daily mileage, what to pack, how rest stops work, and what it feels like to ride day after day. Our new  buddy program for first-time riders is built to answer those questions before you arrive at the start.

Mentors help first-timers prepare with practical guidance and encouragement so you’re not trying to figure everything out alone. You’ll have someone who understands what you’re feeling, can share what worked for them, and can help you arrive at the start line with realistic expectations and a plan. Plus, you’ll have a familiar face when you check-in at the start of the tour.

3) An Access Program For Riders Who May Not Have The Opportunity

Great outdoor experiences should be available to more than a select few. That’s why we’re launching our new Tour Access Program for individuals who may not otherwise have the resources to ride.

We are working to knock down financial barriers with the goal to open the door wider for more people to participate. These tours showcase New York’s extraordinary trails, towns, and landscapes, and we believe more people deserve the chance to be part of that.

The Bottom Line

This year’s updates are about one thing: making it easier to participate. With bike rentals, first-time rider mentorship, and a new access pathway, Cycle the Erie Canal and Cycle the Hudson Valley are more welcoming and more doable than ever.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time, this is it. Join us on a fully-supported tour with amazing camp sites, catered meals, multiple daily rest stops, support vehicles, online maps, cue sheets, and gear transport while you experience New York from the best seat there is: the saddle.

See you on the trail!

Rob Panzera

Tour Director

Cycle The Erie Canal and Cycle The Hudson Valley