If you’re noticing an onslaught of cyclists infiltrating this city at this moment, then simply be aware that it’s all part of the hoopla surrounding the upcoming group trek along the historic Erie Canalway Trail (from Buffalo to Albany). Each year, the cyclists congregate en masse in Buffalo – 650 cyclists total – before embarking upon a 400 mile cycle tour along the Erie Canal. The cyclists travel between 40 and 60 miles per day.
At this point, the The NYS Canal Corporation has completed 80% of the Erie Canalway Trail. Once finished, it will be the longest multi-use trail in the United States. This particular cycle trek is organized by the statewide nonprofit group Parks & Trails New York. 2016 marks the 18th consecutive year that the ride has taken place.
A recent study shows that the Trail annually receives more than a million and a half visits and generates an economic impact of $253 million.
Currently, riders are either pulling into town with their bikes, or arranging for bike rentals. According to John Clauss at Rick Cycle in Allentown, a number of cyclists actually ship their prized bikes via UPS to Buffalo in preparation for the ride. The bike owners then arrive by plane to pick them up. Rick Cycle has become a sort of unofficial bike hub for many of the cyclists over the years – the bike shop is the receiver of the boxed bike shipments, which are then opened and tuned as needed. Rick Cycle also supplies many of the bikes for the ride, but instead of renting the cycles (due to liability), the shop sells them outright and then buys them back (minus cost for wear and tear) at the end of the trek.
“The 18th annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour is a wonderful way to explore the Erie Canal and Upstate New York. Plus its fun, healthy, and good for the economy,” says Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin. “We have cyclists aged 3 to 92 from 38 states and as far away as Australia, and they all get to experience what makes the Erie Canal and Upstate New York so special.”
The NYS Canal Corporation is the Premier State Sponsor of Cycle the Erie Canal for the 18th straight year. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is the event’s Heritage Sponsor. Supporting sponsors include CSEA, Brookfield, Currin Compliance Services, CDPHP, Wegmans, Hodgson Russ, Taste of NY, Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village, and Nalgene. Eleven regional tourism agencies also sponsor the ride.
Photos: Parks and Trails New York – Facebook