07/09/2018
20th anniversary Cycle the Erie Canal tour started in Buffalo July 8, cyclists arrive in Seneca Falls July 10
On July 8, more than 700 cyclists left their cars behind to pedal along the historic Erie Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany in celebration of the Erie Canal Bicentennial and Barge Canal Centennial. They arrive in Seneca Falls on Tuesday, July 10, on the third day of the 20th annual 400-mile Cycle the Erie Canal tour, organized by the statewide nonprofit group Parks & Trails New York.
Covering between 40 and 60 miles per day, cyclists travel along the Erie Canalway Trail, which is now 80 percent complete and will, by 2020, be completed as part of the statewide 750-mile Empire State Trail. A recent study shows that the Erie Canalway Trail annually receives close to 1.6 million visits and generates an economic impact of $253 million.
“The 20th annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour is a wonderful way to celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial, Barge Canal Centennial, and explore Upstate New York. Plus, it’s fun, healthy, and good for the economy,” says Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin. “We have cyclists aged 6 to 82 from 37 states and several Canadian provinces, as well as Australia and the United Kingdom, and they all get to experience what makes the Erie Canal and Upstate New York so special.”
The NYS Canal Corporation and the New York Power Authority are Premier State Sponsors of Cycle the Erie Canal. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is the event’s Heritage Sponsor. Brookfield and Nalgene are Supporting Sponsors. Other sponsors include Wegmans and Hodgson Russ. Eleven regional tourism agencies also sponsor the ride.
Parks & Trails New York is New York’s leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space.
Click here for more information.
Schedule of Events for Seneca Falls:
Tuesday, July 10 Fairport to Seneca Falls
Tent City Overnight Location:
Mynderse Academy, 105 Troy Street, Seneca Falls, NY
• 8 to 11 a.m. – Morning Rest Stop: Palmyra Canal Park
• 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. – Afternoon Rest Stop: Clyde Village Park
