"Cycling the Erie Canal" Tour Begins July 10

More than 500 cyclists are expected to participate in the 13th Annual Cycling the Erie Canal, a 400-mile bicycling tour scheduled for July 10-17, 2011, it was announced by the New York State Canal Corporation and Parks & Trails New York.

The eight-day recreational bicycling tour from Buffalo to Albany will highlight the beauty, history, culture and recreational appeal of the Canal system and the Canalway Trail as a prime tourism destination in New York State.

Brian U. Stratton, director of the New York State Canal Corporation said, "The Canalway Trail provides numerous recreational, tourism and economic development opportunities throughout New York State, demonstrated by 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 first-hand 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 New York to sponsor the 13th Annual Cycling the Erie Canal bike tour."

Director Stratton is scheduled to join the ride Saturday, July 16, from Canajoharie to Scotia, and Sunday, July 17, from Scotia to Albany.

Robin Dropkin, executive director of Parks & Trails New York, said, "The 13th 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 tour, Cycling the Erie Canal participants will have the opportunity to participate in guided tours of the Canal, historic sites, museums, and attractions such as the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in the Finger Lakes, Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome, and the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse.

Participants are scheduled to arrive in Buffalo on Saturday, July 9, to register and participate in optional bike rides and an opening reception. The complete schedule for the 2011 Cycling the Erie Canal Tour is attached. (Arrival/departure times are approximate and are subject to change without notice):

Some Cycling the Erie Canal events are open to the public. For more information on Cycling the Erie Canal, contact Parks & Trails New York at (518) 434-1583 or visit www.ptny.org.

The Erie Canalway Trail is a multi-use trail, designed to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and cross-country skiers. More than three-quarters of the 348-mile Erie Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany is now completed. For more information, please visit www.ptny.org/canalway .

Parks and Trails New York is the only statewide nonprofit organization working to expand, protect and promote a network of parks, trails and open space across New York State for all to enjoy. Its work includes advocacy, outreach, and technical assistance to communities, bicycle tourism promotion, and bicycle tours such as Cycling the Erie Canal. For more information on the programs administered by Parks and Trails New York, please visit www.ptny.org .

For more information regarding events, recreation and vacation opportunities along the Canal system, please visit www.canals.ny.gov or call 1-800-4CANAL4.