Ultimate Bicycle & AAA Erie Canal Bike Adventure!

Join us for an exciting expedition of the Erie Canalway Trail! We’re going to be biking 400 miles in 8 days across New York State along the scenic and historic Erie Canal, named a National Heritage Corridor, and enjoy great scenery, interesting history, and unparalleled cycling.

The Ride

You’ll cover 40 to 60 miles per day, about half on asphalt or compact stone dust on completed portions of the Canalway Trail, the rest along public roadways with good shoulders. This is a great tour for riders of all abilities. let us take care of the transportation and all of the arrangements,  you just bring your bike and a sense of adventure! Most days, the route follows the canal along level ground. There are a few rolling hills and two long, gradual climbs in the Mohawk Valley. Starting with a reception at a local Buffalo winery and finishing with a beautiful fireworks display in Albany, this is shaping up to be an incredible adventure!

The Erie Canal

In 1825 it was called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” a man-made waterway that stretched into the western wilderness to touch the Great Lakes. This tour will follow the towpath along sections of the original Erie Canal and the “canalized” Seneca and Mohawk Rivers through historic villages, rural pastures, old locks and abandoned aqueducts. Today, the Erie Canal and the villages along it are being rediscovered as a unique and easily accessible corridor with a rich role in the history of Colonial America, the American Revolution, commerce, and women’s rights.

Cost: $1099 AAA members save $30

Trip Cost Includes:

Roundtrip transportation from Charlotte, NC

Fully supported bike trip Buffalo to Albany, NY

9 Nights of hotel accommodations

Reception Dinner on June 26^th and 9 Breakfasts

Dates: June 26, 2010-July 5, 2010

Day 1: Drive Charlotte to PA (Lake Erie Wine Country) for a reception dinner at local winery. Stay night in local hotel.

Day 2: Start Erie Canalway Trail in Buffalo bike to Lockport

Day 3: Bike to Rochester

Day 4: Bike to Seneca Falls

Day 5: Bike to DeWitt

Day 6: Bike to Rome

Day 7: Bike to Palatine Bridge

Day 8: Bike to Schenectady

Day 9: Bike to Albany (July 4^th fireworks downtown)

Day 10: Drive Albany to Charlotte

This trip is still being finalized, so all info is subject to change.  Please contact Michael with any questions or to reserve a spot on this trip, as space is limited and THIS TRIP WILL SELL OUT.

Here is a link to a video documentary that follows alot of the route we will be taking!  Stray Compass