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What to Expect on Cycle The Erie Day 0

The countdown is almost over! Day 0 is your chance to get settled in, meet fellow riders, and ease into the week before the tour officially begins.

Once you arrive at Nichols Ice Rink in Buffalo, take some time to check in, get your bearings, and make sure you have everything ready for the days ahead. This is also a great opportunity to meet other riders and volunteers before we hit the road.

If you’re participating in the Rider Buddy Program, Day 0 is also when you’ll connect with your buddy and get a chance to ask questions, learn the ropes, and get some extra guidance before the tour officially begins.

Looking to get a few extra miles in before the starting line? You’ll have the option to take part in volunteer-led pre-rides for riders who want a warm up before Day 1. Please note that the Day 0 rides are volunteer-led and there is no SAG support available. Volunteers do their best to accommodate a range of rider abilities, but riders should be prepared and self-sufficient for the return trip.

Niagara Falls Pre-Ride


7:30 AM departure | Meet at 7:15 AM at Nichols Ice Rink

Ride together to the border crossing before continuing along the Canadian side of the river toward Niagara Falls. Riders will return on their own along the same route.

TO PARTICIPATE YOU MUST FULFILL THE FOLLOWING: Visit https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html – Please visit Canada’s government website for guidelines to cross the border.

U.S. citizens visiting Canada will be required to present one of the valid travel documents listed here: 

  • Special Audiences (Special documents for U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, U.S. Military, Native Americans, and boaters; birth certificates for children under the age of 16.)
  • U.S. Passport
  • U.S. Passport Card
  • Enhanced Driver’s License (Issued by New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont and Washington only. Please note, REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada.) 
  • Trusted Traveler Program Cards such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards 

Downtown Buffalo Pre-Ride


10:00 AM departure | Meet at 9:45 AM at THE REGISTRATION TENT

Explore downtown Buffalo and take in some local sights before the week officially begins.

DAY 0 SCHEDUle AT NICHOLS SCHOOL

  • 9 AM-4 PM: Information Table is open
  • 12-4 PM: Long Term Parking Shuttles from Parking Lot at Buffalo State University
  • 2-5 PM: Registration in Nichols School Ice Rink; Medical Check In
  • 2-5 PM: Tech Help (Ride with GPS, etc.) near Registration
  • 3 PM: Shuttle from Albany arrives at Nichols School
  • 4:20-6:30 PM: Wine Tasting at Dinner Site Outside
  • 4:30-6:15 PM: Auditorium- Speakers to be confirmed
  • 4:30-7 PM: Dinner On-Site Served in Dining Hall with seating inside and outside, and music outside from “Maynor & Nolan”
  • 7-8 PM: Welcome Remarks and Rider Orientation — Outside in Dining Tent Area

Day 0 is all about getting settled, getting excited, and getting ready for the week ahead. We can’t wait to kick off another year of Cycle the Erie Canal with you!