The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Cyclists invited to tour towpath
3rd annual event Sept. 23-24
Celebrate the 200th year of the Erie Canal by bike and explore the longest intact portion of the historic Erie Canal at the third annual Tour the Towpath event Sept. 23-24.
Tour the Towpath is a 36-mile sup- ported, off-road recreational bike ride along the Towpath trail within the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park from Rome to DeWitt, with an option to bike to the Inner Harbor in Syracuse. The Old Erie Canal Towpath trail is offroad, mostly stone dust, and flat. Participants have two full days to explore the park and all the area has to offer. Special activities during the event include a scavenger hunt along the route.
Riders will receive a map and guide to several attractions, museums, restaurants, shops, and historic sites they can explore in the communities between Rome and Syracuse. All participants end at the World Canal Conference Kick-off Celebration at the Inner Harbor in Syracuse with live music, food trucks, and entertainment.
“The ride along the historic Erie Canal is tree lined and very scenic,” said Jamie Kowalczk, part of the Old Erie
Canal Community Working Group that puts on the event each year. “Participants literally ride on the towpath that mules once used to pull the canal boats. It is not a race, far from it. At last year’s event the youngest rider was 6 and the oldest rider 87. It is an organized event but you pick what you stop and see whether that’s the working blacksmiths at the Chittenango Landing Museum or stopping into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota or hitting all the ice cream shops along the way. It is a great opportunity for a last late summer adventure.”
Participants will overnight in the canal-side community of Canastota with music and entertainment scheduled.
Erie Canal Brewery will be doing a special pouring of their craft beers for participants over 21. Overnight riders may choose to either camp at the event’s designated campsite area, or purchase a room from a hotel in the village. Tour the Towpath also offers a one day ride option for those looking for a shorter experience.
The cost for Tour the Towpath is $20 if registered by Sept. 1.
After Sept. 1 the cost is $30. Kids are $15. Shuttle transportation is available for an additional cost; reserve space on shuttle during registration. Registration includes a detailed map and guide, T-shirt, luggage transport, bike support, and camping accommodations.
Many museums and attractions along the trail also offer free entry to Tour the Towpath riders. For questions, contact Jamie Kowalczk at 315-366-2378.
To register or for more information, visit www. TourtheTowpath.com