ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — You’ve probably heard of marathons, triathlons, even taking road trips from state to state. But how about biking nearly 400 miles across New York State? Over the span of eight days, 600 cyclists have been pedaling from Buffalo to Albany and today was their last day on their journey before the finish line.
This is the 27th annual cycle for the Erie Canal and the 200th anniversary of the opening of the canal. Riders have a chance to experience the beauty of upstate New York and to learn about the history along the way.
“It also goes to support Parks and Trails New York, a nonprofit organization based in Albany here and supporting our mission to make sure that our parks, our trails and all of our public lands have the resources they need to thrive and be able to welcome people both during our ride but all year round,” said Dylan Carey, Director of policy and planning for Parks and Trails, New York.
This event also had organizations join in on the adventure! Jean McKay, the Erie Canal Way National Heritage Corridor says, “It’s a huge accomplishment for everybody and it’s really fun to be on that last day and a little bit bittersweet because you’re like, oh, you know, we’re almost done, but also really exciting.”
As many were wondering: Where were these participants sleeping on this eight-day journey? Well according to McKay, they slept in tents and sometimes in schools. Fully immersing themselves into this journey and taking it head on.
Peddling for so long will defiantly have you beat, so it was important for the riders to take a break as needed and catch their breath. Many stopped at Peebles Island State Park along the way to grab some water and snacks just before they headed out to do their last few miles back to Quackenbush Square in Albany.
These riders were peddling at least 40-60 miles a day it which can take a toll on your bike. Instances like flat tires, gears clogged with dirt, and more had occurred, but the riders didn’t have to worry because they had a mobile bike mechanic along for the ride!
“We start as soon as they come off the bus and they’re looking wide eyed thinking what did they get themselves into all the way to the end when they’re all so proud of themselves. It’s wonderful,” said Jason Warren, Erie Canal bike mechanic.
Warren mentioned he saw about 50 flat tires a day!
Many riders were filled with a sense of accomplishment and excitement as soon as they reached that finish line! Two local riders from Albany who finished their journey told me, “I feel stronger than we did at the beginning of the week and I guess proud and like lucky…thankful.”
Not only that, but a family from Italy had come down to join the fun!
If you or someone you know is interested in this kind of adventure the next Erie Canal bike tour is July 11th to July 19th, 2026. Click link for more information: Cycle the Erie Canal
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
