More Than 500 Cyclists Registered for 400-Mile Trip from Buffalo to Albany
The New York State Canal Corporation and Parks & Trails NY recently announced the beginning of the 12th Annual Cycling the Erie Canal, a 400-mile bicycling tour from Buffalo to Albany scheduled for July 11-18, 2010.
The eight-day recreational bicycling tour will help highlight the beauty, history, culture and recreational appeal of the Canal System and the Canalway Trail, a prime tourism destination in New York State.
More than 500 cyclists from 36 states are participating in this year’s event, as well as international representatives from as far away as France.
Carmella R. Mantello, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation said, “The Canalway Trail provides numerous recreational, tourism and economic development opportunities throughout New York State as demonstrated through the success of Cycling the Erie Canal. Each year, cyclists from all over the country and the world participate in this popular event to experience firsthand the unparalleled history and beauty of the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail. The Canal Corporation is pleased to once again partner with Parks & Trails NY to sponsor the Twelfth Annual Cycling the Erie Canal bike tour.”
Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, said, “The 12th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour is a great event that lets people of all ages and from 36 states experience the Erie Canal corridor in a unique way. Although the many historic and interesting sites along the way are a real plus for participants, the Canalway Trail itself is the real draw, as cyclists can relax and enjoy riding in a safe, car-free environment.”
Roughly two-thirds of the 400-mile bicycle tour takes place on the completed portion of the Canalway Trail. When complete, the New York State Canalway Trail System will span more than 500 miles and connect numerous cities, towns and villages along the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego and Champlain Canals, making it one of the longest multi-use recreational trails in the country.
During the bike trek, Cycling the Erie Canal participants will have the opportunity to participate in guided tours of the Canal, historic sites and museums, such as the Erie Canal Village, Fort Stanwix National Monument, and Old Erie Canal State Park.
Participants are scheduled to arrive in Buffalo on Saturday, July 10, to register and participate in optional bike rides and an opening reception. The complete schedule for the 2010 Cycling the Erie Canal Tour is as follows (Arrival/departure times are approximate and are subject to change without notice):
Sunday, July 11
