600 cyclists riding across Orleans County today

Communities welcome riders in annual trek along canal towpath

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A group of cyclists are reflected in the Erie Canal in Albion this morning. About 600 cyclists left Medina this morning and are headed east, going 62 miles to Fairport.

Today is day 2 of an 8-day journey from Buffalo to Albion.

This is the 28th annual Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour. There are riders ages 8 to 86, and they hail from 37 states and Canada. The ride is organized by Parks & Trails New York.

The cyclists met Santa, portrayed by Joe Martillotta, a member of the Albion Betterment Committee. The committee is working to open a Santa School museum on Main Street to highlight Albion’s home to the Charles W. Howard Santa School from 1937 to 1966.

This rider wanted a photo with Santa. Many of the cyclists make frequent stops to get photos of local landmarks.

Kay Ecker was up early to welcome the cyclists. Ecker, Anita Finley and Natasha Wasuck were up early and had orange slices, bananas, granola bars and water for the riders. Albion isn’t an official rest stop for the waters, but the Albion trio wants to welcome the cyclists. Holley is an official rest stop with snacks 10 miles farther in the journey today.

“It’s fun,” Ecker said about greeting the cyclists. “You meet a lot of nice people.”

Natsha Wasuck, second from right, and Anita Finley, right, chat with some of the cyclists. Wasuck owns Tinsel next door while Finley owns Oak Orchard Canoe and Kayak.

“We want to introduce them to Albion and Santa,” Wasuck said.

Finley said the cyclists appreciate the unofficial rest stop in Albion.

Wasuck’s daughter Ephy served complimentary ice cream from Tinsel for the cyclists.

A rider checks traffic on the Main Street lift bridge before crossing Route 98/Main Street.

These cyclists approach the tugboat tied up in Albion.