The Can-Am was created in 2006 by the Niagara Frontier Bicycle Club (NFBC) and Mary Alice Tock as a way to show off Buffalo and the Niagara Frontier not only for its great riding opportunities but also for its architecture, natural wonders, and friendly people.
The Can Am Invitational is a three-distance bicycle ride taking place August 17 and will generate its program, hosted by the NFBC, from a starting base at Buffalo’s waterfront. Registration is still open to new cyclists who will pedal 35 miles, 62 miles, or 100 miles. The two longer rides will be in the US and Canada.
“Routes have been carefully laid out to feature the parklands, scenery, and architecture of Buffalo and Niagara Falls,” stated Robert Mahaney, one of the organizers. Registration includes catered rest stops, sag wagon support and a post-ride picnic.
The night before, a party will be held for registered entrants at the waterfront’s new Frank Lloyd Wright Boathouse, from 6 to 8 PM. This is the same location that the ride starts from the next morning. “This is a great chance to meet and welcome new people riding in our CanAm Century, especially those who have traveled far,” Mahaney said.
There will be a wine tasting sponsored by Chateau Buffalo, featuring a variety of fine New York wines. The Flying Bison Brewery will have two of their special brews on hand as well.
Registration Fast Fact Track:
1. What: a three-distance invitational bicycle ride hosted by the Niagara Frontier bicycle Club (NFBC).
2. Who: For novice and experienced bicyclist from near and far.
3. When: Sunday, August 17, 2008. The century ride will start at 7:00 am, the 62 mile metric century starts at 9:00, and the 35 mile city tour ride at 10:00.
4. Where: The start is at the West Side Rowing Club on the waterfront in Buffalo, New York. Parts of the two longer rides will be in Canada. The 35 mile city tour does not cross the border.
5. Cost: Registration includes; night before party, tee shirt, catered rest stops, post-ride picnic, and more. $45 with your mailed-in registration form. This event is limited to 300 riders. If space is available, registration on the day of the event will be $50.
Questions? …email Mike & Brenda at: CanAm2008@mac.com or call: (716) 683-3961, or visit the website: http://www.nfbc.com.
Bill Zimmermann
Bill runs Seven Seas Sailing school, and is a staunch waterfront activist. He is also heavily involved with preserving, maintaining, and promoting the South Buffalo Lighthouse. When Bill first started writing for Buffalo Rising, he wrote an article a day for 365 days - each article coincided with a significant historic event that happened in Buffalo on that same day.