Orleans rolls out red carpet for cyclists

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION –  After a big welcome reception in Medina on Sunday night, about 500 cyclists on the Erie Canal are being treated today to refreshments and greetings in Albion and Holley. The top photo shows a group of cyclists by two welcome tents in Albion.

The cyclists come from 34 states and four foreign countries. They are riding about 400 miles along the Erie Canal in the 16th annual “Cycling the Erie Canal” ride organized by the Parks and Trails Network.

Wendy Hinkley, the branch manager for Five Star Bank in Albion, gives directions to cyclists this morning in Albion. She volunteered in a welcome tent organized by the Albion Main Street Alliance. Carolyn Ricker, left, and the Albion Merchants Association also had local merchandise and brochures available.

Many of the cyclists stop for a snack and to stretch their legs in Albion.

The Pullman Memorial Universalist Church also opened for tours and the Cobblestone Society Museum offered a shuttle bus to the museum complex in Gaines.

Karie Deegan and Debbie Karas try to make the cyclists feel welcome this morning in Albion.

Some of the cyclists who approached the Main Street lift bridge in Albion pulled out their cameras to get a photo.

The cyclists are also being welcomed in Holley. Mayor John Kenney will be part of a welcoming committee at the village’s canal park. Kenney and members of the Murray-Holley Historical Society will be serving coffee, pastries and refreshments.