Cycle the Erie Canal Keeps On Rolling

Cycle the Erie Canal, one of Parks & Trails New York’s most anticipated events, provides eight days of cycling, scenery, history, friendship and endless adventure. This year, in July, more than 600 cyclists were scheduled to embark on the 400-mile journey from Buffalo to Albany along the iconic Erie Canal on the almost-completed Erie Canalway Trail.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and after careful consideration and out of concern for the health and safety of our riders, volunteers, and the many communities the tour passes through, we sadly made the decision to cancel the ride this year. While it was a hard decision to make, we feel it was the right one.

But, we will be back in 2021 better than ever and are looking forward to see everyone next year. Still, we couldn’t let the 2020 Cycle the Erie Canal tour pass unnoted and uncelebrated. The event means so much to so many.

Therefore, we invite you to experience the first virtual Cycle the Erie Canal celebration, starting Sunday, July 12 and ending Sunday, July 19. We hope you’ll join us. Past riders will be able to relive the memories as they share photos and stories. Future riders will be able to get a taste of what the event is like. And everyone else can just go along for the ride!

Our goal is to bring the wealth of history, scenery and camaraderie that the tour embodies to you in a virtual, interactive and fun manner. You’ll get to experience the famous “flight of five” locks in Lockport and lock through a modern lock by boat, cycle over the restored Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct, and discover what it’s like to sleep in a Revolutionary-era fort.

Through photographs, videos, games and daily route maps, everyone will be able to easily participate in the Cycle the Erie Canal virtual celebration. Whether you choose to ride the miles or are just curious about what the tour is like, please join us.

Keep an eye on Parks & Trails New York social media for announcements and more information about the event. We look forward to providing an opportunity for past riders, future riders, cycling enthusiasts, history buffs, supporters, and community member to be part of the fun of one trail…endless adventures.

In the meantime, learn more about Cycle the Erie Canal on our website. Also, check out the Cycle the Erie Canal guidebook and other merchandise in our shop.