Ride kicks off July 11 in Buffalo and finishes July 19 in Albany, showcasing the Erie Canalway Trail and communities across the state
BUFFALO, N.Y. — More than 600 cyclists from 37 states and Canada will ride across New York on Parks & Trails New York’s (PTNY) 28th annual Cycle the Erie Canal, the state’s largest multi-day bike tour. Beginning July 11 in Buffalo and concluding July 19 in Albany, riders ages 8 to 86 will travel approximately 400 miles along the Erie Canalway Trail, cycling 40–60 miles each day while visiting historic canal communities, local businesses, and landmarks across the state.
The fully supported eight-day ride highlights the Erie Canalway Trail as both a premier recreational destination and a powerful driver of tourism and economic activity for communities along its route.
WHAT
Cycle the Erie Canal is an annual, fully supported bicycle tour that follows the Erie Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany. Riders will camp in Medina, Fairport, Seneca Falls, Syracuse, Rome, Canajoharie, Schenectady, and Albany while experiencing New York’s history, culture, and scenic landscapes.
WHEN & WHERE
Saturday, July 11
Buffalo
Pre-rides through the city of Buffalo
Overnight: Nichols School, 1250 Amherst St., Buffalo
Sunday, July 12
Buffalo to Medina
Overnight: Medina Central Schools, 1 Mustang Dr., Medina
Monday, July 13
Medina to Fairport
Overnight: Center Park West, 1100 Ayrault Rd., Fairport
Tuesday, July 14
Fairport to Seneca Falls
Overnight: Elks Lodge, 2221 River Rd., Seneca Falls
Media Opportunity:
Hydration Station Ribbon Cutting
Clyde Village Park, 96 Glasgow St, Clyde, NY 14433
10 a.m.
Wednesday, July 15
Seneca Falls to Syracuse
Overnight: Burnet Park, 577 Burnet Park Rd., Syracuse
Thursday, July 16
Syracuse to Rome
Overnight: Fort Stanwix, 200 N. James St., Rome
Media Opportunity:
Rome Block Party
100–200 blocks of West Dominick Street
4:00–8:00 p.m.
Friday, July 17
Rome to Canajoharie
Overnight: Canajoharie High School, 136 Scholastic Way, Canajoharie
Saturday, July 18
Canajoharie to Schenectady
Overnight: Schenectady Jewish Community Center, 2565 Balltown Rd., Schenectady
Sunday, July 19
Schenectady to Albany
Finish Line: Quackenbush Square, Albany
The full route can be found here with daily itineraries to follow.
WHY IT MATTERS
Cycle the Erie Canal showcases the transformative impact of New York’s trail network and canal communities. PTNY’s newly released report on the economic impact of the Empire State Trail, finds the 750-mile trail generates an estimated $1.87 billion in annual economic activity while connecting nearly 10 million residents and visitors to safe outdoor recreation, local businesses, and historic destinations.
Each summer, Cycle the Erie Canal brings hundreds of visitors to communities along the Canalway Trail, supporting restaurants, shops, attractions, and overnight accommodations while introducing riders from across North America to one of New York’s most iconic recreational and cultural assets.
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 the ride’s inception in 1998. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor serves as the event’s premier heritage sponsor, joined by 10 regional tourism agencies.
About Parks & Trails New York
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) is New York’s leading statewide advocate for parks, trails, and public lands. Since 1985, PTNY has worked to improve the health and well-being of all New Yorkers by expanding access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation. PTNY is the leading voice for the protection and expansion of New York’s state park system and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use greenways, bike paths, and river walks. Learn more at www.ptny.org.