New Season of Free ‘On the Canals’ Excursions Along New York State’s Canal System

Cycling on the Erie Canalway, part of the Empire State Trail, in Medina.  A new season of free “On the Canals” excursions along the New York State Canal system is sponsored by the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation, offering opportunities to experience the waterways of the Canal system and the adjoining Empire State Trail. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

A new season of free “On the Canals” excursions along the New York State Canal system has launched. Now in its third year, this free recreational program, sponsored by the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation, offers opportunities to experience the waterways of the Canal system and the adjoining Empire State Trail. This summer’s “On the Canals” excursions include kayaking, cycling, cruising, painting, birding, and accessible activities such as adaptive paddling and biking.

This season’s “On the Canals” program builds upon the successful first two seasons by expanding the types of activities offered, increasing participation by offering more outings over a longer period, and growing the number of locations across the Canal system where excursions are held. “On the Canals” will also be on hand at various festivals this year, with adaptive equipment available to try out. Itineraries this season include:

• Paddle/Pedal in Brockport with adaptive equipment available
• Bike Safety Rodeo and Repair Workshops in Buffalo
• Black Rock Historic Bike Tour in Buffalo
• Hydrobike & Kayak the Canal Aqueduct in Medina
• Fish & Kayak at Medina Falls & Glenwood Lake in Medina
• Kids Paddlesports on the Canal in Oswego
• Introduction to Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Oswego
• Sunset Paddling and Urban Paddle in Oswego
• Montezuma Wetlands: In Search of the Bald Eagle in Montezuma
• Painting Alongside the Canal (En Plein Air) in Amsterdam and other canalside locations 
• STEAM Workshops for Kids & Teens in Schuylerville and Utica
• Bike & Boat Cruises in Schuylerville
• Cycling Tours in Schuylerville and surrounding areas
• Guided Kayak Tours in Buffalo, North Tonawanda, Waterloo and Macedon
• Historic Boat Tours in Schuylerville, Herkimer, Buffalo and on Seneca Lake
• Youth Kayak & Water Safety in Macedon
• Intro to Cycling & Bike Maintenance in Schuylerville
• Paddle/Pedal in Halfmoon

“I am thrilled this free program is returning for a third season and can think of no better way to spend the summer than ‘On the Canals,’ as these recreational activities bring New Yorkers and tourists alike to our waterways and trails and help support our local economies,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “As a frequent boater on the Canal and having kayaked and cycled during the first two seasons of ‘On the Canals,’ I know firsthand how spectacular these recreational opportunities are. I look forward to this new season offering unique experiences that allow for families and individuals of all abilities to enjoy our historic Canal system.”  

New York Power Authority Interim President & CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The ‘On the Canals’ excursions program is an innovative use for New York’s Canal system, and one that has enticed travelers to visit and experience it for what it really is – scenic water and trailways steeped in rich history offering boundless opportunities for exploration and recreation. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for continuing to invest in our canals and I am certain that these excursions will continue to make New York’s Canal system a force for economic growth and recreation.”

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “I am incredibly proud to join Governor Hochul and our colleagues at the New York Power Authority as we officially launch this year’s ‘On the Canals’ summer excursions with new offerings that make this program more accessible than ever. Our Canal system is a fundamental part of our state’s history and should be enjoyed to its fullest capacity by all New Yorkers and visitors who come looking for education, adventure, and fun, and I encourage everyone of all ages and skill levels to spend their summer experiencing New York’s most iconic waterways and trails ‘On the Canals.'” 

Those interested in learning more about the “On the Canals” program or to sign-up for an excursion may do so by visiting the “On the Canals” website. Additional excursions will be launched throughout the year.

Initially piloted in the summer of 2020 as “NY Canal Staycations,” the “On the Canals” program has expanded as a year-round recreation initiative in New York State after participation nearly tripled in 2021.

“On the Canals” is funded through the New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation’s Reimagine the Canals initiative – a $300 million effort to revitalize the Canal system as a tourism and recreation destination while simultaneously boosting economic development and improving the resiliency of canalside communities.

The New York State Canal system, which provides unique and unparalleled experiences, officially opened in May this year for its 198th consecutive season of navigation.

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Register for 6th Annual Cycle NY Long Island Ride, Oct. 10

Register by October 7 for the 6th Annual Cycle NY Long Island Ride, taking place Sunday, October 10 to benefit the NY Bicycling Coalition (NYBC.net).

The ride begins at The Stony Brookside Bed and Bike Inn, with 25-mile and 50-mile route options. Both routes boast scenic water views and the area’s beautiful mostly lightly traveled back roads. The longer route option includes some more challenging hills.

The Stony Brookside Bed and Ride Inn will provide a place to launch the ride and return for refueling with food, rehydrating with local brews and beverages, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cyclists (with COVID safety precautions).

The Stony Brookside bills itself as Long Island’s first bed & bike inn. It is set in the historic Three Village area, which dates back to the 17th century. Located about 90 minutes from New York City, you can enjoy the beaches, wineries, museums, nature reserves, shops and restaurants that are in the Three Village area or venture out for an all day tour to the North Fork or the Hamptons, all are within easy access by bicycle from The Stony Brookside Bed & Bike Inn.

There are a limited number of participant positions that are still available until Thursday, October 7th when registration will be closed; registration is limited to 150. There are no last minute registrations or walk-ups. Register NOW. 

Location address: 48 Main Street , Stony Brook, NY  11790;  Event Phone Number: (631) 675-0393; Event Website: https://www.thestonybrookside.com.

For more information, contact info@stonybrookside.com or nybc@nybc.net.

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Registration for Sunday’s NYC TD 5 Boro Bike Tour Extended to Friday, Aug 27

Registration for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour through New York City taking place on the new date of Sunday, August 29 has been extended AGAIN and will now close at noon on Friday, August 27 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Registration for New York City’s TD Five Boro Bike Tour taking place on the new date of Sunday, August 29 has been extended AGAIN and will now close at noon on Friday, August 27.

Out of towners, new #TDFBBT registrants, and others have another opportunity to pick up their rider packet at Packet Pickup this Saturday from 12 to 5 PM. Bike New York will be conveniently located on the north side of Battery Park near Battery Place and Greenwich St.

Can’t make it on Saturday or assign a Proxy to pickup your packet for you? You can stop by Packet Pickup before you head to the start line on the morning of the Tour between 6 and 9 AM.

Note: You should plan to attend Packet Pickup on Saturday if you have an issue regarding your registration. #TDFBBT Solutions staff will not be able to troubleshoot registration issues at Sunday Packet Pickup. All riders that need to attend Packet Pickup on Sunday are responsible for picking up their packet before their assigned start wave. Plan for long lines and the possibility that you will miss your start wave time. If you miss your assigned start wave you may start in the following start wave.

This popular event offers an unmatched opportunity to ride 40 miles through New York City’s five boroughs car free, in a festival atmosphere. Though typically the event hosts 32,000 riders, this year, registration is capped at 20,000 (more room to ride).

Here’s a sneak peek 👀 at what you can expect on event day this year:

Fully supported rest areas with bike maintenance and medical care ⚕️

Snow cone trucks at three rest areas: FDR, ConEd, and Commodore Barry 🍧

Numerous cooling stations to help you beat the August heat ☀️

Entertainment stops with local musicians and performers. )Check out one of the performers, Music With a Message, here) 🎤

Brand new Finish Festival location at Empire Outlets in Staten Island, conveniently located next to the ferry (don’t forget to bring your cycling shoe covers with you to the Finish Fest!) 🎉

Stress-free bike parking located at the Finish Fest 🚲

Celebrate your achievement with an ice-cold beer! Food and New Belgium beer will be sold at the Clinton Hall Beer Garden on Level 4 at the Finish Fest. Make sure to bring your ID and cash or card! 🍺

10-minute post-Tour Guided Stretching Sessions led by Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Sports Health experts at NYU Langone Health, from 11am-3:30pm 🤸

Frozen treats courtesy of our partners at TD Bank 🍨

Fix-a-Flat competition with Trek Bicycle 🔧

Plus activities with partners at Primal Wear, Nesquik, Chameleon Coffee🤩

REGISTER NOW »

If you have already registered you can visit the Tour website for updates on how the tour is responding to NYC’s COVID-19 mandates, details on Packet Pickup, the 2021 Tour Route map

#TDFBBT

See past coverage:

32,000 CYCLISTS TAKE OVER NYC STREETS FOR 41ST TD FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR

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New Camping Opportunities on New York’s Canals

The Erie Canal at Macedon. Tentrr now has a camping site at the Palmyra-Macedon Lock E-29 (Palmyra-Macedon which offers picturesque views of the Erie Canal and easy access to a whole lot of outdoor fun – especially biking on the Canalway © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Through a new partnership between the New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation and Tentrr, the state is opening more hassle-free campsites alongside New York’s Canals this summer. As part of Governor Cuomo’s Reimagine the Canals initiative and the recently announced “On the Canals” excursions program, Tentrr created four fully-outfitted campsites for visitors to reserve, most within a short distance of a free “On the Canals” excursion opportunity.

Each of the Canalside camping locations offers turnkey, outfitted camping facilities, allowing guests to camp in style amongst the Canals. Each site is fully equipped with all the amenities for comfortable camping including spacious canvas tents atop a raised platform, queen size memory foam mattress, solar-powered showers, picnic tables and Adirondack chairs, set up in advance of arrival.

The campsites available this summer within 15 minutes of an “On the Canals” excursion include:

Yankee Hill Getaway (Amsterdam, Town of Florida) Wedged between the Adirondack and Catskills parks in the Mohawk Valley, the Yankee Hill Getaway site lies on a thin strip of land between the original Erie Canal and the current Canal system. Three sites available.

Oak Island Vista (Waterloo) Nestled between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, the beautiful Oak Island site offers easy access to the best of the Finger Lakes Region. Five sites available.

Montezuma Canal View at Lock E-26 (Galen) Campers at Lock E-26 will wake to views of the tranquil Erie Canal and have easy access to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and Northern Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Six sites available.

Palmyra-Macedon Getaway at Lock E-29 (Palmyra-Macedon) The Palmyra-Macedon site offers picturesque views of the Erie Canal and easy access to a whole lot of outdoor fun. Five sites available.

To book, go to https://www.tentrr.com/pages/new-york-canals.

In addition to these new campsites, Camp Rockaway is managing a glamping site at Lock C-5 on the Champlain Canal in Schuylerville through September 8th.

Through the Reimagine the Canals initiative, Governor Cuomo and the New York Power Authority committed $300 million over five years to revitalize the Erie Canal corridor as a tourism and recreation destination while simultaneously boosting economic development and improving the resiliency of Canalside communities.

Registration Opens for TD Five Boro Bike Tour Taking Place August 22

Registration has just opened for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, taking place on August 22, 2021. Only 20,000 spots are available, compared to the 32,000 pre-pandemic © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Registration has just opened for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour taking place on its new date of Sunday, August 22, 2021, when 20,000 cyclists ride through New York City on 40 car-free miles.

Bike New York and its city government partners announce that the popular ride will once again welcome bike lovers from across New York and around the country.The event, which typically draws 32,000 riders, still affords the headiest experience of biking 40 car-free miles of New York City’s busiest roadways, seeing all the spirit and diversity of the five boroughs’ neighborhood.

Bike rentals and lodging blocks with special discounted rates at select hotels are available for riders coming from out of town. The New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge is offering special rates for bookings through July 20.

Standard registration is $112; VIP registration is $350.

With only 20,000 spots, register as soon as possible.

More information about the tour at the FAQ page, https://www.bike.nyc/events/td-five-boro-bike-tour/faq-2021/ or contact info@bike.nyc. To register, go to https://bikenewyork.enmotive.com/events/register/2021-td-five-boro-bike-tour.

Bike Expo New York (May 4-5) Relocated to Pier 12, Brooklyn; Venue to Pick up Packets for TD 5 Boro Bike Tour

Some 32,000 riders line up for the start of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour Presented by REI, the largest noncompetitive bike tour in North America, a 40-mile route that gives an incomparable view of New York City’s neighborhoods. This year’s Bike Expo New York, where participants pick up their packets, takes place on May 4 and 5 at Pier 12 in Brooklyn; the bike tour takes place on Sunday, May 6. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

After six years at Basketball City, Bike Expo New York, the largest bike show on the East Coast, is moving to Pier 12 in Brooklyn New York, on May 4 and 5.

Less than a month before the event, Bike New York announced it had to move the Bike Expo New York due to unexpected maintenance at Pier 36 which prevented the nonprofit from obtaining a permit to hold the event at Basketball City, where the event has taken place for six years.

“It’s no small undertaking to move an event that draws more than 60,000 people from all over the world, especially in this short a timeframe,” said Ken Podziba, President & CEO of Bike New York. “However, we are encouraged by all that Pier 12 has to offer and we will make every effort to ensure that the quality and experience of Bike Expo New York will be what our attendees and exhibitors have come to expect over the past six years.”

The venue is accessible by public transportation, including subway, bus, and ferry; the ferry docks on site. Bike valet and car parking will be available, and there are several Citi Bike docking stations nearby.

The Expo, which is free and open to the public, also serves as the rider packet pick-up location for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour Presented by REI, which takes place on Sunday, May 6; like the Tour, the event benefits Bike New York, New York City’s leading bike education nonprofit.

Among the 100-plus exhibitors are top bike, gear, and apparel brands, tourism companies, bike event organizers, advocacy groups, and many others dedicated to active lifestyles.

In addition to exhibitor booths, Bike Expo New York is packed with programming for casual and serious cyclists alike, including a fashion show, how-to demonstrations, and competitions. The Expo will also feature a beer garden, beer samples from New Belgium Brewing, food trucks, and amazing views of Manhattan, Governors Island, and the Statue of Liberty.

The TD Five Boro Bike Tour – which caps participation at 32,000 – is the largest noncompetitive bike tour in North America. It is remarkable to consider that the first ride in 1977 had just 250 participants.

The annual event raises money for bike education – 17,000 people a year learn how to ride, the largest free biking education program in the country. Bike New York operates bike education centers, after school programs, summer camps, and last year launched a Women’s Initiative, as well as a membership program. Individual slots are taken, but there is still a way to participate in the 5 Boro Tour, by signing on to one of the many charities, such as Doctors Without Borders, which also use the event for fundraising, purchasing registrations which participants then raise money against.

The ride is designed to be a family friendly tour, not a competition, appealing to cyclists of all abilities and ages – indeed, you see all manners of cycles. A pace car keeps the speed down, and keep it safe, and there are support vehicles to assist.

“Diversity is what makes the ride,” says Sam Polcer, who handles communications for Bike New York.

The 40-mile route embraces all five boroughs – and each shows off its pride and character with street entertainment. There are also well-positioned rest stops along the way which have a festive atmosphere.

About Bike New York Bike New York is 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to transform lives and communities through bicycling. In 2017, they taught bike skills to more than 25,000 kids and adults. Funding for these programs comes from numerous annual events, including the TD Five Boro Bike Tour Presented by REI, Bike Expo New York, and regional events. http://www.bike.nyc

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Spots Still Open to Join Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s 2017 Sojourn Cycling Great Allegheny Passage

Biking the Great Allegheny Passage rail-trail, Confluence to Adelaide, PA on Rails-to-Trails’ Sojourn © 2017 Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

by Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

There’s still availability to join the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s 2017 Pennsylvania Sojourn, June 18-23, a six-day cycling trip exploring two dedicated trails—the legendary Great Allegheny Passage and beautiful Montour Trail – a total of some 150 miles of biking.

The organization’s main fund-raiser of the year, you get to experience Pennsylvania’s famous scenic wilderness, charming towns, beautiful tunnels, iconic sites and can’t-miss destinations.

The fully supported rail-trail adventure vacation, operated by Wilderness Voyageurs, offers great food (breakfast and dinner), hot showers, flexible scheduling (you ride at your own pace), fun evening activities, optional trips and experiences—and the added benefit of supporting America’s trails.

The trip is June 18-23, and costs $720/adult, $620/child. You have the option of bringing your own tent, renting tent service through Comfy Campers (extremely handy), or booking nearby bed-and-breakfast accommodations.

The tour highlights include optional climbs to the highest mountain in the state, Mt. Davis and the Eastern Continental Divide, the Mason-Dixon Line and Big Savage Tunnel.

The third-day is a layover with an opportunity to choose an excursion – visiting Fallingwater  (a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright); visiting Kentuck Knob (also designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) or taking a rafting trip, either Lower Yough Class 3 rafting trip or Middle Yough Class 1-2 rafting trip 

Get more information and the day-by-day itinerary https://www.railstotrails.org/experience-trails/sojourns/2017-ride/

The annual RTC Sojourn is not just a great way to experience these trails, but also are powerful “trail-building tools” that highlight the significant impact of long-distance trail routes on America’s communities. Participants explore communities and attractions along the way (from the picturesque to the historic), take advantage of open trails and draw attention to gaps in would-be trail systems that, if completed, could result in substantial benefits (economic, health, social, environmental and much more) for their local regions.

For example, the Pennsylvania Sojourn will call attention to a major project, the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition. A collaboration of more than 100 organizations, and led by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the National Park Service and RTC, the project would link 1,400 miles of multiuse trails, stretching across 48 counties in four states – Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and New York. It would stimulate the regional economy through outdoor tourism and small business investment, and create social equity and new health connections for underserved communities across the project footprint.

The sojourns serve to unite a selection of trails for a short period of time, serving as “dry runs” designed to benchmark—through real-world examples and user surveys how trail-system improvements could increase local bikeability and walkability.

Over the past 15 years, Sojourns have helped influence the creation and/or growth of multiple regional trail alliances through demonstrating the significant boost to local economies generated by the sojourn participants in just a few days – a small reflection over what can be achieved when programs are established.

RTC compiles economic impact data on the combined spending on food, supplies, rentals, equipment and other sojourn-related services, which is shared with local hosts to inspire future trail building and enhancements.

The 2014 sojourn’s positive economic impact to the region was $211,000.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy helps communities meet their own challenges toward trail development, with expertise and assistance obtaining funding and design; and advocates with lawmakers at local, state and federal levels for policies and funding programs that make trail development and walking/biking infrastructure possible. The organizations promotes trails – awarding Trail of the Year, for example – forges partnerships, and is the nation’s foremost nonprofit advocate for rail-trails, working to create and protect the legal structures that make them possible.

The sojourns are designed for all ages and skill levels—from the young to the young-at-heart, aficionados to first-timers, families to freewheelers!

To book the 2017 Sojourn, https://wilderness-voyageurs.com/bike-tours/rails-to-trails-conservancy-sojourn.

Learn more about Rails-to-Trails Conservancy at www.railstotrails.org.

See:

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Takes Cyclists on Sojourn on Great Allegheny Passage

Rails-to-Trails’ Great Allegheny Passage Bike Tour Side Trip into Dunbar Brings Surprise Encounter with TrumpWorld

Pennsylvania’s Industrial Past Highlights Day 3 on Rails-to-Trails Sojourn on Great Allegheny Passage

 

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Booking a Romantic Biking Adventure Shows You Care for Valentine’s Day

A romantic biking/boat trip through the Greek Islands with BikeTours © 2016 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate the love in your life by booking a romantic adventure for two.

From leisurely cycling on romantic country roads to wine tastings in charming vineyards to slow strolls exploring a new city, there are many ways to embrace adventure with the one you love.

“A romantic trip or honeymoon doesn’t have to mean sitting in a beach lounger all day,” says Vice President of BikeTours.com, Natalie Cook. “Explorer-type couples look beyond the all-inclusive to active vacations that immerse them in the culture and beauty of a destination.

Leisurely cycling, plenty of scenic selfie-opps, and plenty of off-bike time to relax and relish the day — these are the experiences that make memories for a lifetime.”

BikeTours.com highlights its top suggestions (and some limited-time special offers) for dreamy escapes with your significant other.

Tuscan Wine Classic: Popular for honeymooners, this tour features charming inns, incredible landscapes, candlelit dinners, visits to vineyards and breathtaking scenery. Learn more.

Bali Paradise Ride: With its verdant rice paddies, white-sand beaches, ancient temples, and colorful culture, Bali is a place where every day is a celebration and where love and family are heralded above all else. Learn more.

The Aeolian Islands by Bike and Boat: Cycle among the charming islands in Sicily by day and sleep on a romantic Turkish gulet by night. This tour features delicious dinners with wine on deck each evening and beautiful Italian islands perfect for exploring on two wheels. Learn more.

Atlantic West Coast and Sintra: Portugal’s bluebird skies, charming inns, gorgeous coastlines, and sunny disposition all make for a perfect week of wine, romance, and adventure. Learn more.

Connemara Lazy Days: This is a relaxing and enjoyable cycling trip that leaves plenty of time for picnic lunches, a visit to the romantic and storied Kylemore Abbey, walks on the beach, and more.

PLUS! All bookings made in February for any date in 2016 will get a free bottle of bubbly on arrival! Learn more.

Castles and Wine of Portugal: Charming hotels, beautiful castles, and delicious wine make this tour a real treat.

Plus! For all tours booked in February 2016, they’ll throw in a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride in Évora for free!

Treasures of the Donegal Coast (Ireland): Peaceful, hidden beaches, charming Irish pubs and restaurants, vibrant traditional music – this tour along the coast offers relaxation, culture, and adventure.

Mosel Bike Path (Germany): This popular tour offers a leisurely ride along a popular wine route.

Plus! Add a special wine tasting (6 wines) in Trittenheim for €15 per person.

The Cotswolds and Stonehenge (England): Experience Shakespeare, country charm, and loads of romance bottled up in a 9-night self-guided tour perfect for a romantic holiday.

Prague to Venice (Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, and Italy): A 21-night self-guided tour along a romantic route, featuring beautiful landmarks of UNESCO heritage and some of the most charming cities in Europe.

Bruges and the Belgian Coast (Belgium): Experience this country’s culture, nature, and history on this 7-night self-guided tour full of romance and charm.

Hudson Valley National Heritage Area: Explore the Hudson Valley’s romantic country roads, award-winning wineries, historic inns, and lovely scenic vistas, all great recipes for romance in New England. Learn more.

BikeTours serves as a central resource for bicycle tours worldwide, representing 125 tour companies with over 500 tours in 71 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas (the newest program is in Namibia).

Bike Tours, 1222 Tremont St., Suite 100, Chattanooga, TN 37405, 877-462-2423, 423-756-8907, info@biketours.com, www.biketours.com.

See

A biking/boating odyssey amid the Greek Isles and slideshow

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Registration Opens for Parks & Trails New York’s 18th Annual 400-Mile Cycle the Erie Canal Bike Tour

Cycle the Erie riders bike on the Medina section of the trail built over a rushing creek that drops into waterfalls, with an extraordinary angled turn that displays the engineering genius of the builders © 2016 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Registration is now open for Parks & Trails New York’s 18th annual Cycle the Erie Canal 400-mile, eight-day bike tour, an unparalleled opportunity to experience great cycling while taking in the rich history of the legendary canal that helped transform America.

The 2016 tour kicks off in Buffalo on July 10 and arrives in Albany on July 17. This year, the Cycle the Erie Canal tour offers:

2-day and 4-day Options: If you can’t take off a full week, consider joining us for half the tour or for a weekend. With 4-day options from Buffalo to Syracuse and Syracuse to Albany, you’re halfway to becoming an Erie Canalway Trail End-to-Ender. These shorter options are great for children, too.

Return Shuttle: Riders from Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Toronto, and points west will be happy to hear we’ll once again be offering our return shuttle from Albany to Buffalo at the end of the ride. Less driving means more time to discover the Erie Canal, and there is so much to discover.

Erie Canal Trailblazers: Interested in cycling the whole tour for only $100? Become a Cycle the Erie Canal Trailblazer and help PTNY promote the Erie Canalway Trail and bicycle tourism! Registration includes a free Cycle the Erie Canal Trailblazer jersey and guidebook and special recognition on the tour. Learn more.

Last year’s ride had more than 600 riders and was frankly amazing, with all the sights to see and special activities arranged, not to mention to comradery and the adventure of camping out. The trip – superbly organized – really touches on all pistons.

For more information about Cycle the Erie Canal, call Parks & Trails New York at 518-434-1583 or email eriecanaltour@ptny.org. Also, check out the new Cycle the Erie Canal website to learn more about all the Erie Canalway Trail has to offer.

See our series:

Cycle the Erie Canal 400-mile tour affords extraordinary view of ‘Real America’ and slideshow

Cycle the Erie 400-Mile Bike Tour: Lockport, a Town Birthed by the Erie Canal and slideshow

Cycle the Erie ride reaches Seneca Falls, Birthplace of Women’s Rights Movement and slideshow

Cycle the Erie: National Women’s Hall of Fame personifies struggle, achievement and slideshow

Cycle the Erie: Seneca Falls to Syracuse crossing half-way mark of 400-mile tour and slideshow

Syracuse’s Erie Canal Museum Highlights Day 5 on 400-Mile Cycle the Erie Tour and slideshow

Cycle the Erie: Fort Stanwix, Rome, Brings Revolutionary War Era to Life and slideshow

Cycle the Erie: Remington Gun Museum links history to current issues and slideshow

400 miles and 400 years of history, Cycle the Erie tour crosses finish at Albany and slideshow

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TerraVelo Tours Announces High-End Luxury Camping, Cycling Trips in Utah, Wyoming, California; Families Too

For 2015, TerraVelo Tours is offering dedicated family tours in Wyoming and in California, welcoming children as young as 8.

TerraVelo Tours, offering fully-inclusive luxury mobile tent camping travel for both avid and casual cyclists has just announced 2015 seven-day itineraries, which expand beyond their initial Utah tours to add journeys through Wyoming and Northern California.

• Wyoming Mountains, Geysers and Bison cycling tours include stops at Grand Teton National Park , Jackson, Yellowstone National Park including Old Faithful, Norris Geyser Basin, the Hot Springs Loop, the unique landscape of Mammoth Hot Springs and the Lamar River Valley. Tours depart late June-July, and early-mid September.

• The California Oceans, Vineyards and Redwoods tours encompass stops at Point Reyes National Seashore, Santa Rosa, Sonoma , Napa, Armstrong National Redwoods Preserve, Salt Point State Park, sunrise yoga followed by a cycle through the Avenue of the (Redwood) Giants, and an optional ride up the “Lost Coast.” Departures are late May-June and August.

“TerraVelo Tours combines moveable luxury camping with an exhilarating cycling itinerary, suitable for cyclists of all levels,” states David Levine, co-founder of the luxury cycling tour company. “Our bicycle tours bring together a maximum of 12 guests for intimate dinners, amazing food and enlightening conversation, complemented by luxurious camping and amenities. Our guests are cared for by ten staff members, the highest ratio among bicycle tours.”

“Just get yourself to the airport, and we’ll take care of the rest,” adds Rebecca Martin, Levine’s partner and co-founder. “Airfare, excursions, a masseuse, even the toothpaste are included in the experience. A private chef and sous chef will accompany us, preparing all our meals and snacks during each seven-day adventure. Our accommodations every night will be in luxurious, elegant tents, adding to the beauty of the scenery while providing supremely comfortable shelter. This is unheard of in our cycling world!”

• Guests will be outfitted with a rental carbon fiber specialized Roubaix Expert Ultegra or similar high-end carbon fiber road bike and helmet; those preferring to ride their own bike can simply bring it to their local bike shop where TerraVelo will have it shipped, delivered and assembled, ready to ride when the guest arrives, and shipped back to the bike shop upon departure.

• Each of the luxury tents simulates an upscale hotel guestroom, outfitted with Tempur-Pedic mattresses; Frette linens; down comforters; rugs; furnishings from ABC Home & Carpet and Mitchell Gold +Bob Williams; Turkish bath towels; and Molton Brown toiletries and sundries.

• Each night’s Camp will include: a full-time personal chef and sous chef who will prepare all meals; a dining tent; sunrise yoga; laundry service; evening entertainment including live music and campfire. On two evenings, a masseuse will provide 30-minute massages; on other nights, guests will enjoy educational sessions from a visiting astronomer and/or geologist who will share insights on the gorgeous night sky, landscape and vegetation.

• A Lounge tent with a sofa, club chairs, board games including chess, backgammon, playing cards; books and a fully-stocked bar; shower and restroom facilities complete the mobile accommodations.

The 7-day tour packages include all food, beverage, accommodations, and roundtrip airfare from the Continental United States. These exhilarating itineraries are $7,850 per person, double occupancy, with guests’ choice of one King bed or two singles.

Family-Friendly Tours Attract All Generations

For 2015, TerraVelo Tours will host dedicated Family Tours in Wyoming and in California, welcoming children as young as 8.

“As a mother of two active children, I know what a joy it will be for parents – and grandparents – to watch their children explore the splendor of our national parks,” said Martin. “We will tailor activities to suit them, to assure a memorable experience for all ages.”

Parents and grandparents are encouraged to visit the TerraVelo Tours website and note the Family Focused tours scheduled in 2015, which feature designated children’s counselors; activities including movie night, cooking demonstrations and archery lessons for children and youngsters 8 to 15. Children’s rates are $5,850 with single bed accommodations in parents tents; youngsters 16 and over pay the adult rate.

TerraVelo Tours provides the busy professional, avid cyclist, and lover of breathtaking scenery, with an all-inclusive luxury camping escape with bicycling, horseback riding, massages and other amenities available to create life-long memorable experiences.

For more information or reservations visit www.TerraVeloTours.com or call 888-801-1446.

For more information, visit www.terravelotours.com.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

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