Nearly 600 cyclists will travel Erie Canal through Orleans County on Sunday, Monday

File photo by Tom Rivers: These cyclists stop by an interpretive panel in Ridgeway above the Canal Culvert on July 11, 2022. This is the only spot where you can drive under the Erie Canal.

Press Release, Parks & Trails New York

BUFFALO – The state’s largest multi-day bike tour kicks off on July 12 from Buffalo arriving in Albany on July 20.

Organized by Parks & Trails New York, the 27th annual Cycle the Erie Canal  bike tour brings together cyclists from 37 states between the ages of 8 and 84. Nearly 600 cyclists will travel 40-60 miles per day, visiting historic towns along the Erie Canalway Trail.

This year, the tour celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal and will culminate at a finish line festival at Quackenbush Square in Albany.

“The Erie Canalway Trail transports riders back in time,” said Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks & Trails New York.  “The welcoming communities, captivating natural environment, and rich history of the region make Cycle the Erie Canal an experience like no other. Our cyclists ride away with lifelong memories and a new appreciation for the state.”

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, July 12 – Pre-rides through the city of Buffalo.

Overnight location: Nichols School in Buffalo

Sunday, July 13 – Buffalo to Medina

Overnight location: Medina Central School

Monday, July 14 – Medina to Fairport

Overnight location: Center Park West in Fairport

Tuesday, July 15 – Fairport to Seneca Falls

Overnight location: Elks Lodge in Seneca Falls

Wednesday, July 16 – Seneca Falls to Syracuse

Overnight location: Burnett Park in Syracuse; Highlight: Erie Canal Birthday Party, Burnett Park

Thursday, July 17 – Syracuse to Rome

Overnight location: Fort Stanwix in Rome; Highlight: Rome Block Party, 100 – 200 blocks of West Dominick Street

Friday, July 18 – Rome to Canajoharie

Overnight location: Canajoharie High School in Canajoharie

Saturday, July 19 – Canajoharie to Schenectady

Overnight location: Schenectady Jewish Community Center in Schenectady

Sunday, July 20 – Schenectady to Albany

Finish Line: Quackenbush Square

“Cycle the Erie Canal is among the very best ways to discover all there is to love about the Erie Canalway Corridor: friendly people, extraordinary history, unbeatable recreation, charming towns and vibrant cities, and bucolic scenery,” said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “It’s also one of the best supported rides in the country. Parks & Trails New York does an incredible job of introducing hundreds of people each year to the joys of long-distance cycling along the canal that transformed America.”