Roughly six hundred bicyclists navigate their way through the city of Syracuse, embarking on a lengthy four-hundred-mile journey along the Erie Canal.
In the heart of summer, under the bright sun, the 27th annual Cycle the Erie Canal event brought together an impressive 600 cyclists, who embarked on a multi-day bike tour from Buffalo to Albany. This year's event, held from July 12 to July 20, 2025, was a special celebration marking the Erie Canal's 200th anniversary [1].
By noon on the first day, the cyclists had already made their way from Erie Canal Park in Camillus, and their determination was evident. The pace of the cyclists had increased from a trickle to a steady stream, and their spandex-clad bodies, glistening in the sun, were a testament to their endurance [2]. As the day progressed, the cyclists could be seen steering their bikes into the shade, seeking respite from the warm rays.
The route for this scenic journey takes participants along the historic Erie Canalway Trail, covering approximately 400 miles. Each day, the cyclists cover between 40-60 miles, immersing themselves in the rich history, natural beauty, and community events that characterise the route [3].
Day one of the tour started in Buffalo, with cyclists riding along the Niagara River. The day included a unique boat ride through canal locks and an exploration of Lockport’s underground sluiceways, caves, and the "Upsidedown Bridge." The cyclists spent the night at Medina Central Schools, Medina, NY [4].
The tour continues daily, with the second day taking the cyclists through port villages like Holley, Brockport, and Spencerport, featuring a unique “lift bridge.” The excursion via the Genesee River bike path into downtown Rochester with waterfalls was a highlight, and the cyclists stopped at Pittsford for some leisurely shopping and café breaks [4].
The event, organised by Parks & Trails New York, is renowned as one of the best-supported long-distance bike tours in the country, providing riders with a unique mix of recreation, history, and culture [2]. The finish line festival in Albany at Quackenbush Square awaits the weary but triumphant cyclists, marking the end of this memorable journey.
As the cyclists pedal through the picturesque landscapes of New York, their arms, exposed and visible by noon, glisten in the sun, a symbol of their determination and the spirit of camaraderie that this event fosters.
[1] [Parks & Trails New York](http://www.ptny.org/erie-canal-bike-tour/) [2] [Cycle the Erie Canal](https://www.cycletheeriecanal.com/) [3] [Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor](https://www.eriecanalway.org/) [4] [Cycle the Erie Canal 2025 Itinerary](https://www.cycletheeriecanal.com/itinerary)
Cyclists pedaled through the scenic landscapes of New York, their arms glistening in the sun as they continued their multi-day bike tour, showcasing their determination. The route for this tour, organized by Parks & Trails New York, was filled with recreation, history, and culture, making it one of the best-supported long-distance bike tours in the country.
