Cycling the Erie Canal in 1897

As both the bicycle and the Erie Canal celebrate their bicentennial this year, we thought it would be fun to highlight one of the earliest bicycle trips taken along the Erie Canal 120 year ago. Earlier this year, Dave Patterson of Missoula, Montana found a detailed travel log of his grandfather's bicycle trip during the summer of 1897 between Albany and Buffalo and shared it with Parks & Trails New York. "From Albany to Buffalo. An Account of a Pleasant Wheeling Tour Across New York State" describes in detail the sights, route, amenities, and difficulties of the earliest-known end-to-end trip along the Erie Canal. To the thousands who have followed in their tracks since then, the experience holds some familiarity.

You can read about their experience, from where they biked and overnighted, what they ate, and who they met, in Austin's travel log, "From Albany to Buffalo. An Account of a Pleasant Wheeling Tour Across New York State," below.

Share your own End-to-End journey

Each year, hundreds of cyclists and hikers complete the Erie Canalway Trail between Buffalo and Albany, becoming End-to-Enders in the process. All documented End-to-Enders receive a commemorative decal and are added to the End-to-End Honor Roll at the end of the year. Are you an End-to-Ender? Share your story by registering here.