Calling all first time riders: It’s now easier than ever to join Cycle the Erie Canal! CTEC is the perfect bike tour for beginners.
We’re excited to introduce the Cycle the Erie Canal Buddy Program, a new initiative designed to support and welcome first-time riders through mentorship and community connection. This program pairs new participants with experienced riders to help ensure a smooth, inclusive, and enjoyable introduction to one of New York’s most iconic cycling experiences.
By fostering supportive relationships before and during the tour, the Buddy Program aims to make Cycle the Erie Canal more accessible and welcoming for riders of all backgrounds and experience levels.
Mentors will be selected based on prior Cycle the Erie Canal tour experience, familiarity with the Rider Handbook, and knowledge of PTNY resources. All mentors will participate in a training meeting in May to ensure they are well-prepared to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer encouragement in the weeks leading up to the tour. Mentors will serve as a valuable point of contact for buddies, helping them feel confident and prepared as they approach the journey.
If this is your first time cycling the Erie Canal, rest assured, you’ll be in good hands. PTNY will host an in-person meet-up in Buffalo on Saturday, July 10, where buddies and mentors will be introduced before the tour begins to connect, ask last-minute questions, and start building relationships before heading out on the road together.
Over the course of eight days and 400 miles, riders will travel through the peaceful countryside, charming canal towns, scenic waterfronts, and landscapes rich with New York’s history. The Buddy Program adds an extra layer of connection to this already unifying experience, reminding us that the journey is about more than miles, it’s about community.
Giving or receiving support from a fellow cyclist is a powerful way to get the most out of our bike tours, making Cycle the Erie Canal a great bike tour for beginners. Mentors and buddies will be thoughtfully matched based on application information to encourage compatibility. The tour will take place July 11–19, with participants camping and cycling along the historic Erie Canal corridor.
Applications for both buddies (first-time riders) and mentors are now open and must be completed by April 30, 2026. Whether you’re new to the ride or eager to share your experience, the Cycle the Erie Canal Buddy Program offers a meaningful way to connect, support one another, and enjoy the journey together. Who knows, you might even find a lifelong friend!
