At 65, retired NASA engineer Oren—whose career included designing, building, and launching satellites, and contributing hardware to two rovers currently on Mars—is no stranger to adventure. Cycling has been woven through his life for decades, from a 1,400-mile Bikecentennial trip at age 30, to rides across New England and Nova Scotia. But this year, a long-anticipated journey brought him to New York’s signature trail: the Erie Canalway Trail section of the Empire State Trail.
He and his friends had always wanted to join PTNY’s Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour (registration open now!), but were unable to logistically make it work. Instead, they ended up relying on PTNY’s expertise to plan their own adventure… And it’s that journey, he says, that inspired him to become a Park & Trail Champion, joining PTNY as a monthly donor to support the work that made his ride possible.
A Bucket-List Ride Across New York
Oren traveled with three longtime colleagues—“four of us, three retired”—all experienced cyclists who love multi-day touring. After calling PTNY in March to discuss timing, he purchased the Cycling the Erie Canal Guidebook and began mapping their week-long, Tonawanda-to-Albany adventure. (If you would like your own copy of the guidebook to plan 2026 adventures, today is the last day of our sale!)
Planning the logistics was a “shell and peanut game,” he joked. They brought a truck to Tonawanda, booked hotels along the way, and used Amtrak’s Lakeshore Limited at the end of the trip because it offered a baggage car. Despite two rain days, he says the ride was unforgettable.
“There are some things you can’t capture in a photo… riding along the old canal, the gravel path, the overgrown banks beside you, the sun burning off the morning mist—that was magical.”
He loved the mix of historic and modern canal features, a detour to Waterloo and Seneca Falls, and more than a few standout meals—including a memorable stop in Pittsford for Vietnamese food. While restaurants were sparse at times, the weather, scenery, and camaraderie more than made up for it.
And though he’s a boater dreaming of one day completing the Great Loop, he was surprised not to see more boats traveling the Erie Canal during their ride. “If we’d come two weeks later, we probably would’ve seen a lot of folks heading south,” he said.
Why PTNY’s Resources Made the Ride Better
Oren doesn’t mince words when describing the value of PTNY’s support:
“I’m not going to say I couldn’t have done it without the guidebook—but it was massively helpful.”
He cited the guidebook’s seamless alignment with Ride with GPS, its detailed history, and the way it highlighted local businesses and lesser-known stops along the route—from the Lockport Flight of Five to the many pocket parks and historic features that make the Erie Canalway Trail so special.
“I could almost go verbatim between the guidebook and the GPS maps. It was immensely helpful.”
He also noted that his home state of Maryland doesn’t have anything comparable:
“Not as big or as organized as what PTNY does. What you have is a real asset.”
Up next for his group: choosing between riding the Katy Trail or returning to New York for the Empire State Trail’s north–south leg (and if you’re interested in this section of the EST, we have a guidebook for that, too! On sale now).
Why He Chose to Give Monthly
When asked why he became a Park & Trail Champion, his answer was simple:
“I support a lot of organizations, and giving monthly helps them plan more effectively. What PTNY does is really good—and really effective.”
“When I see good, I like to promote it. And the help I received—not just from calling, but through the canal guide—was an amazing asset.”
Setting up a recurring gift, he says, felt like the best way to ensure PTNY can continue supporting cyclists, communities, and trail users for years to come.
A Message for the Community
Before wrapping up, he added one more thought:
“I’m very appreciative of the resource you are for the cycling community. You’re a good example for any other state to follow.”
Join Oren in Supporting the Trails You Love
Stories like his are made possible by supporters who believe in an accessible, well-maintained, growing network of greenway trails across New York. Becoming a Park & Trail Champion ensures these resources continue to thrive.
Your monthly gift keeps New York’s greenway network strong—today and for generations to come.