Stickers
- + Rode on the canal bike path a couple weeks ago, had a great time, but could not find souvenir stickers for my bike! Any ideas?
Discussion started 09/29/23 11:57:49 PM by John - 0 repliesJohn from Pacifica, CA on 09/29/23 11:57:49 PM
Rode on the canal bike path a couple weeks ago, had a great time, but could not find souvenir stickers for my bike! Any ideas?
UR Medicine Urgent Care – Henrietta in Rochester
- + I went to this location for a medical issue. I arrived at 7:40pm and as I was coming to the door they locked me out and would not let me in for a doctor to look at my arm. Why does the hours of busine...
Discussion started 09/29/23 7:04:02 PM - 0 repliesanonymous on 09/29/23 7:04:02 PM
I went to this location for a medical issue. I arrived at 7:40pm and as I was coming to the door they locked me out and would not let me in for a doctor to look at my arm. Why does the hours of business say 9am -8 pm if they don’t let you in 20 minutes before closing. That’s just wrong and they should stay open until 8pm. They need caring people in there that work till closing.
Found Wallet at Smith St Bridge, Brockport, NY
- + My husband found a wallet with the drivers license and credit cards in it at the intersection of the Erie Canal Trail and the Smith St Bridge in Brockport, NY today. He turned it into the police depar...
Discussion started 09/20/23 8:55:54 PM by Cathy from Churchill - 0 repliesCathy from Churchill from Churchill, PA on 09/20/23 8:55:54 PM
My husband found a wallet with the drivers license and credit cards in it at the intersection of the Erie Canal Trail and the Smith St Bridge in Brockport, NY today. He turned it into the police department. If you lost your wallet, try calling the Brockport PD.
Amtrak
- + I've been planning a 4 day trip for months. Took
a lot of work to get the logistics right. Now
three days before we are scheduled to leave Amtrak
cancels our bike reservations. Ugh! We regrouped
b...
Discussion started 09/18/23 5:53:06 PM by Halra - 3 replies (last reply by Old at 09/20/23 3:41:09 PM)Halra from Yarmouth, ME on 09/18/23 5:53:06 PM
I've been planning a 4 day trip for months. Took
a lot of work to get the logistics right. Now
three days before we are scheduled to leave Amtrak
cancels our bike reservations. Ugh! We regrouped
by booking a campsite at Green Lake State Park.
Will do a couple of days bikes instead. Not
quite the same.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 09/19/23 7:58:47 AM
Sorry to hear that. Happened to us as well. We won't ever make plans to take bikes on Amtrak again, unless we are fully retired and plan to camp every night.
Old from Upstate on 09/20/23 2:10:40 AM
Did Amtrak give a reason for canceling your bike reservations?
My inclination would have been to fight it.
One think you can do is to track ... and get credible documentation of... the expenses that you incur by Amtrack canceling your reservations. Be fair, Do not exaggerated.
After your return, present your documents to Amtrak and request compensation for the damages you incurred.
If you have an attorey... or better yet... an attorney service that you pay for annually for, let them pursue Amtrak until you and Amtrack reach a settlement. They definately will not want to go to small claims court with you, and will either settle before the court date to avoid going to court (it will cost them alot of $ to do that), or they will not show up at court and the judge may award your damages, or reschedule for another court date... and award damages then.
Be polite and business-like, and you may get satisfaction.
Old from Upstate on 09/20/23 3:41:09 PM
Did you have a reservation specifically for your bikes???
My (limited) understanding is that this is essential.
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Amtrak
https://bikeeriecanal.com/talk.aspx?tid=617&tonly=1 Trail markings
- + Many thx to the pink tail marksman. I would still be out there if eastbound trail hadnt been marked by him. Again Thank u
Discussion started 09/19/23 9:36:13 AM by Bill - 0 repliesBill on 09/19/23 9:36:13 AM
Many thx to the pink tail marksman. I would still be out there if eastbound trail hadnt been marked by him. Again Thank u
West Wayne Restaurant in Macedon
- + My husband and I came in here on Friday for breakfast around 10am. We ordered two coffees and asked if they had flavored creamers. They said they did, but it would cost extra. The coffee arrived and ...
Discussion started 09/18/23 12:32:39 PM by DinaF - 1 reply (last reply by DK at 09/18/23 6:45:41 PM)DinaF on 09/18/23 12:32:39 PM
My husband and I came in here on Friday for breakfast around 10am. We ordered two coffees and asked if they had flavored creamers. They said they did, but it would cost extra. The coffee arrived and it tasted watered down. It was as if they again were trying to make extra money with subpar product. The food came and it was good. I really can't complain about that.
The problem that we had with West Wayne restaurant was that we left the waitress a tip, and she added an extra digit to it. Obviously we didn't know until the next day. I felt very violated!! We called them and the waitress admitted that she stole from us! She said to call back at 9am to speak to the owner. We called back and he said that we could come back and get the money that was stolen off my debit card, but we don't live out that way and happened to be passing through.
DK from Fultonville on 09/18/23 6:45:41 PM
Report it to your credit card company. They will take it off your bill.
Canaltown Bed & Breakfast in Palmyra
- + Sorry to have to post this
Discussion started 09/15/23 2:01:08 PM by Bike Rider - 0 repliesBike Rider from USA on 09/15/23 2:01:08 PM
Sorry to have to post this
Canaltown Bed & Breakfast in Palmyra
- + Barb and Bob are lovely people, but they should no longer be in the business of hosting people in their home. Website, property description, and more are not accurately depicted. The home is filled w...
Discussion started 09/15/23 1:59:13 PM by Bike Rider - 0 repliesBike Rider from USA on 09/15/23 1:59:13 PM
Barb and Bob are lovely people, but they should no longer be in the business of hosting people in their home. Website, property description, and more are not accurately depicted. The home is filled with clutter, there are no common areas in which to sit, breakfast is presented outside on the porch because there is nowhere to sit inside the home. The home and the rooms have seen a better day.
Isleview County Park in Tonawanda
- + Would this be a good place to park for a three-day bike trip?
Discussion started 09/13/23 8:16:05 PM by Julia - 1 reply (last reply by John at 09/14/23 9:05:29 PM)Julia from IN on 09/13/23 8:16:05 PM
Would this be a good place to park for a three-day bike trip?
John from Pittsburgh, PA on 09/14/23 9:05:29 PM
I believe it’s an Erie County park so call their parks dept and also the Town of Tonawanda police dept., tell them your plans and if it’s ok to leave your car overnight and is there something to put in your car dashboard to avoid towing. If they refuse to let you park at Isle View, ask them if they could suggest somewhere you can park. You never know if someone might let you stay at a personal residence, school, church, etc. You never know what they will suggest. Good luck!
John
Dollinger's Motel in Albion
- + How is this motel?
Discussion started 09/13/23 1:10:08 PM by Boris - 0 repliesBoris from Rochester on 09/13/23 1:10:08 PM
How is this motel?
Lock 8 Park in Schenectady
- + Can we please .aintain the port a John on lock 8. It is overflowing with fieces and absolutely disgusting.
Discussion started 09/12/23 7:39:05 AM by Alisa Kupinski - 0 repliesAlisa Kupinski from Rotterdam on 09/12/23 7:39:05 AM
Can we please .aintain the port a John on lock 8. It is overflowing with fieces and absolutely disgusting.
Niskayuna Community Center in Schenectady
- + I'm doing a multi-day cycling trip on the Erie Canal Trail. Is it permissible to park overnight at this location?
Discussion started 09/11/23 9:57:35 AM by Rob - 0 repliesRob from VT on 09/11/23 9:57:35 AM
I'm doing a multi-day cycling trip on the Erie Canal Trail. Is it permissible to park overnight at this location?
Niskayuna Community Center in Schenectady
- + I'm doing a multi-day cycling trip on the Erie Canal Trail. Is it permissible to park overnight at this location?
Discussion started 09/11/23 9:57:13 AM by Rob - 0 repliesRob from VT on 09/11/23 9:57:13 AM
I'm doing a multi-day cycling trip on the Erie Canal Trail. Is it permissible to park overnight at this location?
Trail traffic
- + Starting from Buffalo 9 14 23 and wondering if I will see others riding this time of year? Any trail issues to be aware of?
Discussion started 09/10/23 9:49:44 PM by Wally Turvey - 3 replies (last reply by DK at 09/11/23 8:55:14 AM)Wally Turvey from Chicago on 09/10/23 9:49:44 PM
Starting from Buffalo 9 14 23 and wondering if I will see others riding this time of year? Any trail issues to be aware of?
Old from Upstate on 09/11/23 6:03:58 AM
I don't know about the portion between Tonawanda and Lockport.
However, in mid-August I biked between Lockport and Gasport and saw only 1 other couple on the towpath during my entire ride.
Old from Upstate on 09/11/23 7:14:36 AM
my experience with " vague fear of trail issues" is: its a boogey man that doesn't exist on the towpath. There are no gremlins, sticky bandits, or people waiting behind trees with a baseball bat, or bad road condiitons.
WHile there are parts that are paved, there are parts where it is just really nice hard flat dirt.
Also, if it rains, you may get wet unless you hole up on a nearby bar that you can find using this web site by clicking on the circle on the map above that is the place you want to investigate.
The way to think of the towpath is: it is not unlike the road of life... if you peddle, you'll certainly get thru it, and if you are not so deterined to race thru it, you'll find that it is a beautiful ride and the road will be the least of your problems.... and will be one of the most memorable experiences you've ever had.... and you'll think back on it when you become an old man, get an e-bike, and try to do it again.
However, it might be a good idea to take a tire repair kit, just in case. Always have a Plan B in life, and a tire patch kit will be your Plan B on the towpath.
You will never forget your ride on along the canal. Stop every few miles, just to see what's arround you.
The Road bekons you. Answer its call.
DK from Fultonville on 09/11/23 8:55:14 AM
I ride the trail between Canajoharie and Amsterdam a couple times a week. (Old man on a Ebike).
Very few other riders between none and a dozen depending on the weather forecast.
Watch out for horseback riders, Amish wagons and the exhaust that comes out of the horses.
In my opinion it is the best thing New York State has ever done.
Schoharie crossing visitor center has nice clean bathrooms and welcome trail riders.
Karens Produce and Ice Cream has good burgers.
Parking
- + Where can I park in Buffalo for a week. Riding to Syracuse
Discussion started 09/06/23 9:04:59 PM by Mick from tinley - 1 reply (last reply by Old Jimma at 09/07/23 3:00:14 AM)Mick from tinley from Tinley park on 09/06/23 9:04:59 PM
Where can I park in Buffalo for a week. Riding to Syracuse
Old Jimma from Everywhere Upstate on 09/07/23 3:00:14 AM
Run a personal ad in the Buffalo Evening News for a few weeks, requesting to rent a garage for the duration.
If you are cheap and just park it someplace, there is strong possibility that your car will get towed to who knows where? City ordinances often prevent this sort of thing. If the City impounds your car, you'll have a hard time locating it, and then will have to pay cash to get it back from the secure lot where the City impounded it.
Or if leave it in a shopping lot: they are private lots and your car will get towed.
Run and ad, make a clean deal, and pay the $: half when you leave (get a receipt) and half when you return. You're car will be there when you return.
That's your cheapest and most secure option.
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Parking
https://bikeeriecanal.com/talk.aspx?tid=606&tonly=1 Buffalo to Rochester OR Syracuse?
- + My brother & I are planning a bike trip along the Erie Canal. He wants to bike Tonawanda to Youngstown along the lake to Rochester & back the Erie Canal to Buffalo. I want to bike the Erie canal Buffa...
Discussion started 09/04/23 8:04:47 PM by Richard H - 5 replies (last reply by Old Jimma at 09/07/23 1:28:43 AM)Richard H from Norfolk, VA on 09/04/23 8:04:47 PM
My brother & I are planning a bike trip along the Erie Canal. He wants to bike Tonawanda to Youngstown along the lake to Rochester & back the Erie Canal to Buffalo. I want to bike the Erie canal Buffalo to Syracuse leave our bike then come back & get them. Sept 23-28th. What do you think?
Old Jimma from Everywhere Upstate on 09/05/23 4:48:50 AM
Both options are good. You'll see the lake... they way your brother wants to go. However, with that route, you'll run side by side with more car traffic... between Tonowanda, the US Falls, where you connect with Lake Erie. Heading east from there, it should be peaceful with great views of the Lake.
However, the Canal is a bothmarvel of man's handiwork and nature. Its a definitive famous ride. As you get way from he Buf metro area it becomes a dreams ride: don't forget to look around t the farm and field surrounding you and not just at the towpath ahead of you.
I did a chunk of it this summer. You'll love the bars and pizza places in that are just a stone's throw front he canal in tiny towns along the way. It is so gorgeous!
With either option, make sure you are in very good shape, riding daily for a few months before you go, and have your doctor check you out and ok you for the ride.
On the ride I did I came a couple from NYC who had taken the train to the western part of the tow path: he was having cardiac issues, and she had to deal with that. Not a happy situation.
Please be prepared and get cleared for it from your DR before you go.
You could compromise and head east out the tow path to someplace between Lockport and Rochester, head north from there, and then head west along the lake. That would be very, very nice.
Marty H from Pittsburgh on 09/05/23 7:17:18 PM
Old Jimma, thanks for the info. You mentioned pizza and pubs. Do you or anyone else know if there are hotels along the canal also. I could not find a lot on airbnb
Old Jimma from Everywhere Upstate on 09/05/23 9:09:22 PM
You know what? This web site is pretty good for figuring out things about the resources that may avlail themselve so to you along the way.
For exammple,click on "Towns and Sevices." Also, look on "Interactive Map."
Start there. And look for books, too.
Cathy from Churchill from Churchill, PA on 09/07/23 12:11:14 AM
I agree with Old Jimma, this website is great for finding places to stay along the trail. It will show hotels and B&Bs. I don't know about Air B & Bs and VRBOs. I'll be doing a ride 9-17-23 - 9-21-23 from Tonawanda to Rockport and found the hotels and B&Bs on this site. You can just click on the town you will be staying in, and a list of all of the services (food, lodging, etc) will come up. You can also see how close they are to the trail.
Old Jimma from Everywhere Upstate on 09/07/23 1:28:43 AM
Thanks, Cathy from Churchill.
Because of the capability of this web site, I gave thought to having a cell phone mount of my bike.
However, having been out in rural Western NY again this summer, rural cell phone coverage is not always there.
I wondered more about having a GPS since GPS coverage is quite good in my experience.
i don't like gadgets, but I like getting lost even less.
Train station in Syracuse
- + Is it possible to ride a bike from the Train Station in Syracuse to the trail? We plan to take the train from Amsterdam to Syracuse then bike back.
Discussion started 09/06/23 10:58:00 AM by Halra - 1 reply (last reply by Old Jimma at 09/06/23 11:52:08 AM)Halra from Yarmouth, ME on 09/06/23 10:58:00 AM
Is it possible to ride a bike from the Train Station in Syracuse to the trail? We plan to take the train from Amsterdam to Syracuse then bike back.
Old Jimma from Everywhere Upstate on 09/06/23 11:52:08 AM
Its easy as ice cream.
From the train station (called the Walsh Regional Transporation Center):
* head SW on Harborside Dr
* turn rt on Hiawatha Blvd
* turn rt on Empire state trail... that's the towpath
Most importantly:
On the bikeeriecanal.com discussion page"
* click on the dot on the map that corresponds to Syracuse
* move the map around so that you can see the lake and look for the blue pin marker 51. thats the train station.
Use the directions above to see the map route I've suggested.
Consider getting a phone mount for you bike and use this map to guide you.
My guess is that you'll have to be cautious on the Empire State Trail while you are in the city of Syracuse.
Lock 30 State Campsite in Macedon
- + Stayed car camping on the night of August 17th. Also had the Cops come and shine their flashlights in my car. I never woke up, caught it on my cars security camera. Not sure they want people camping h...
Discussion started 08/27/23 6:00:12 PM - 0 repliesanonymous on 08/27/23 6:00:12 PM
Stayed car camping on the night of August 17th. Also had the Cops come and shine their flashlights in my car. I never woke up, caught it on my cars security camera. Not sure they want people camping here.
Lock 30 State Campsite in Macedon
- + There is no water, no electricity, and no camping allowed here. We had the police shining us just after midnight. Don't do it!
Discussion started 08/18/23 6:41:02 PM by JL - 0 repliesJL on 08/18/23 6:41:02 PM
There is no water, no electricity, and no camping allowed here. We had the police shining us just after midnight. Don't do it!
Riding the Erie Canal in Oct
- + Hi - We are planning our bike ride in early Oct, starting from Buffalo to Albany. Any tips regarding Oct weather and things to consider?
Many thanks in advance.
Zivit
Discussion started 07/16/23 10:23:03 PM by Zivit - 2 replies (last reply by Bill in Houston at 08/11/23 7:31:43 AM)Zivit from Phoenix, AZ on 07/16/23 10:23:03 PM
Hi - We are planning our bike ride in early Oct, starting from Buffalo to Albany. Any tips regarding Oct weather and things to consider?
Many thanks in advance.
Zivit
Curly from here on 08/10/23 5:04:20 PM
August is nice riding in upstate NY. September is cool. October will be COLD, with frosts and maybe even snow flurries.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 08/11/23 7:31:43 AM
Many seasonal businesses will be closed.
Ilion Marina in Ilion
- + Is there space here for our *small* camper?
Discussion started 08/09/23 9:39:41 AM by JL - 0 repliesJL on 08/09/23 9:39:41 AM
Is there space here for our *small* camper?
Old Erie Canal State Park Parking Area in Syracuse
- + If we want to ride from Syracuse to Camillus which says 10 miles on the mileage chart, what is the address of the starting point? There seems to be many locations in Syracuse.
Discussion started 08/05/23 10:11:01 AM by Bonnie - 1 reply (last reply by Bill in Houston at 08/07/23 10:21:55 AM)Bonnie on 08/05/23 10:11:01 AM
If we want to ride from Syracuse to Camillus which says 10 miles on the mileage chart, what is the address of the starting point? There seems to be many locations in Syracuse.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 08/07/23 10:21:55 AM
When you click on Syracuse on the map above, you will see a 0 on the map. That's where the trail miles are measured from.
Parking at Buffalo Train Station
- + How much parking is available at train station in Buffalo and can you long term park there while you ride back to Buffalo from Albany.
Discussion started 08/04/23 12:26:26 PM by Traildust - 0 repliesTraildust from Erlanger, KY on 08/04/23 12:26:26 PM
How much parking is available at train station in Buffalo and can you long term park there while you ride back to Buffalo from Albany.
- + Out for a ride east from Fairport to about as far as Macedon. At Yellow Mills Road there's a detour to Rt. 31. This is a busy road with big trucks. The detour seems to have been in place for years....
Discussion started 08/03/23 8:55:03 PM by SES - 1 reply (last reply by Bill in Houston at 08/04/23 12:22:08 PM)SES from Penfield, NY on 08/03/23 8:55:03 PM
Out for a ride east from Fairport to about as far as Macedon. At Yellow Mills Road there's a detour to Rt. 31. This is a busy road with big trucks. The detour seems to have been in place for years. Why? When will that part of the trail reopen? How long is the detour?
As a side note, we turned around at that point after having lunch at the Yellow Mills Diner, very close to the trail. It's standard diner fare and did the job. It ought to be included in the web site's listing of businesses. Here's the phone number (315) 597-4613. The address is 2534 NY Rt 31, Palmyra, NY 14522.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 08/04/23 12:22:08 PM
Looks like it was like that in 2021 when we rode it. The PTNY map shows a detour there.
The distance on Yellow Mills and 31 is about 0.6 miles. You get back on the trail at Pal-Mac Aqueduct County Park.
We rode on the highway so much that day that I don't even remember that little stretch.
Camping
- + I was wondering can I put a tent up at the camp site at the fort plain NY locks and stay for a extended stay because I would be living out of my tent till I could find a apartment to move into
Discussion started 07/29/23 2:43:02 PM by April Bates - 0 repliesApril Bates from Fort Plain on 07/29/23 2:43:02 PM
I was wondering can I put a tent up at the camp site at the fort plain NY locks and stay for a extended stay because I would be living out of my tent till I could find a apartment to move into
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Camping
https://bikeeriecanal.com/talk.aspx?tid=593&tonly=1 Camping
- + I was wondering can I put a tent up at the camp site at the fort plain NY locks and stay for a extended stay because I would be living out of my tent till I could find a apartment to move into
Discussion started 07/29/23 2:42:44 PM by April Bates - 0 repliesApril Bates from Fort Plain on 07/29/23 2:42:44 PM
I was wondering can I put a tent up at the camp site at the fort plain NY locks and stay for a extended stay because I would be living out of my tent till I could find a apartment to move into
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Camping
https://bikeeriecanal.com/talk.aspx?tid=592&tonly=1 Camping
- + I was wondering can I put a tent up at the camp site at the fort plain NY locks and stay for a extended stay because I would be living out of my tent till I could find a apartment to move into
Discussion started 07/29/23 2:42:31 PM by April Bates - 0 repliesApril Bates from Fort Plain on 07/29/23 2:42:31 PM
I was wondering can I put a tent up at the camp site at the fort plain NY locks and stay for a extended stay because I would be living out of my tent till I could find a apartment to move into
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Camping
https://bikeeriecanal.com/talk.aspx?tid=591&tonly=1 Dollar General in Clyde
- + FYI, this store has been closed since mid-July because of an electrical fire and is not slated to reooen (so I've heard) until mid-August.
Discussion started 07/26/23 7:32:18 AM by Clyde resident - 0 repliesClyde resident from Clyde on 07/26/23 7:32:18 AM
FYI, this store has been closed since mid-July because of an electrical fire and is not slated to reooen (so I've heard) until mid-August.
Durhamvile construction
- + How to get around route 46 near durhamvile?
Discussion started 07/19/23 12:03:56 PM by JR - 0 repliesJR from New Hartford on 07/19/23 12:03:56 PM
How to get around route 46 near durhamvile?
A place to park a 30 foot boat trailer and truck for a week
- + Is there a place to park a 30 foot boat trailer and truck for a week while we cruise the Erie Canal on our boat. We would like a safe place to leave our truck and trailer.thank you
Discussion started 07/19/23 10:42:09 AM by Jbpcjr - 0 repliesJbpcjr from Pa on 07/19/23 10:42:09 AM
Is there a place to park a 30 foot boat trailer and truck for a week while we cruise the Erie Canal on our boat. We would like a safe place to leave our truck and trailer.thank you
trains
- + I am in the planning stages for a trip. I am looking at taking a train from Erie, Pa to Albany, Ny. Any experiences with what happens to your bike? Can you take your Orlieb panniers as a carry on? W...
Discussion started 07/11/23 1:51:48 PM by Rob - 1 reply (last reply by Bill in Houston at 07/17/23 12:08:02 PM)Rob from Albion, Pa on 07/11/23 1:51:48 PM
I am in the planning stages for a trip. I am looking at taking a train from Erie, Pa to Albany, Ny. Any experiences with what happens to your bike? Can you take your Orlieb panniers as a carry on? Where can you buy canister gas for my rocket stove when in Albany? I was thinking of Ubering to Walmart in Albany to get food and other supplies.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 07/17/23 12:08:02 PM
The train question gets answered a lot. Search the group for Amtrak, and you will find soooo much info.
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trains
https://bikeeriecanal.com/talk.aspx?tid=583&tonly=1 August 1st Erie bike Trip
- + I am planning a bike ride from Buffalo to Albany on Erie Canal bike path. Are any of the trails closed from the current weather? Also what do you do with your bike when getting supplies , do you hav...
Discussion started 07/17/23 7:05:40 AM by Usmountainrunner - 1 reply (last reply by Bill in Houston at 07/17/23 12:06:10 PM)Usmountainrunner on 07/17/23 7:05:40 AM
I am planning a bike ride from Buffalo to Albany on Erie Canal bike path. Are any of the trails closed from the current weather? Also what do you do with your bike when getting supplies , do you have to lock up your bike.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 07/17/23 12:06:10 PM
I am planning a bike ride from Buffalo to Albany on Erie Canal bike path.
**Great idea!
Are any of the trails closed from the current weather?
**Nope.
Also what do you do with your bike when getting supplies , do you have to lock up your bike.
**We lock ours.
Shuttle
- + Looking for a one way shuttle. Would like to park in Lyons and shuttle back to Lockport.
Discussion started 07/17/23 8:14:05 AM by Chic - 0 repliesChic from Pittsburgh on 07/17/23 8:14:05 AM
Looking for a one way shuttle. Would like to park in Lyons and shuttle back to Lockport.
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Shuttle
https://bikeeriecanal.com/talk.aspx?tid=587&tonly=1 Looking for a map that shows where you have to share the road with cars
- + Does anyone know where I can find a map that shows where you have to share the road with motorized vehicles? The maps from back home are color coded for the type of road to show paved paths, gravel, s...
Discussion started 06/27/23 3:33:43 AM by Mama Wolfe - 2 replies (last reply by Barb H at 07/12/23 4:42:56 PM)Mama Wolfe from Buffalo on 06/27/23 3:33:43 AM
Does anyone know where I can find a map that shows where you have to share the road with motorized vehicles? The maps from back home are color coded for the type of road to show paved paths, gravel, shared with vehicles, etc. The website says 13%, but I’d like to know where that is so I can check it out ahead of time. I’m from Portland, Oregon, where cars seem friendlier to cyclists. Here it feels like every road ride is a ride for my life. Thanks!
Bill in Houston from Houston on 06/28/23 1:56:39 PM
Google PTNY Erie Map and then open their interactive map. Gray is road.
Barb H from Niagara Falls on 07/12/23 4:42:56 PM
Can anyone comment on the safety of riding along Hwy 31 between Port Byron and Brown Rd near Lock 26. Seems a long way to be a road and that is the Empire Trail.
thanks
Camping
- + I’ve heard that camping is permitted on any canal corporation property though I haven’t found that information on any of the websites. Is that true that I can pitch a tent anywhere alongside the canal...
Discussion started 07/12/23 5:38:54 AM by Bill - 0 repliesBill from Brooklyn on 07/12/23 5:38:54 AM
I’ve heard that camping is permitted on any canal corporation property though I haven’t found that information on any of the websites. Is that true that I can pitch a tent anywhere alongside the canal ?
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https://bikeeriecanal.com/talk.aspx?tid=584&tonly=1 Any one on the ride now?
- + How's it going?
Discussion started 07/11/23 7:06:23 AM by Bop - 0 repliesBop from Rochester on 07/11/23 7:06:23 AM
How's it going?
bike trail
- + Hi,
Is the bike path between Lockport and Medina paved?
In general, are all bike paths paved along the Erie Canal?
Thank you in advance,
-Karen
Discussion started 06/26/23 10:28:13 AM by Karen - 2 replies (last reply by Joseph Pafundi at 06/29/23 8:34:19 AM)Karen on 06/26/23 10:28:13 AM
Hi,
Is the bike path between Lockport and Medina paved?
In general, are all bike paths paved along the Erie Canal?
Thank you in advance,
-Karen
Bill in Houston from Houston on 06/28/23 1:57:57 PM
Google PTNY Erie Map and then open their interactive map. The different colors show the path material.
Joseph Pafundi from Saratoga on 06/29/23 8:34:19 AM
Was just out there in May and the surface for the most part was hard dirt. Very rideable. I had no problems. Enjoy your trip that is a section that I enjoy very much.
Skobby’s Southside Grille BBQ and Soft Ice Cream
- + Hi bikers,
If you are traveling through Little Falls give us a try. We are right on the bike trail. We serve a full Grille menu, bbq and soft ice cream. We have restrooms to accommodate you personal ...
Discussion started 06/26/23 1:37:32 PM by Uncle Joe - 0 repliesUncle Joe from Little Falls, NY on 06/26/23 1:37:32 PM
Hi bikers,
If you are traveling through Little Falls give us a try. We are right on the bike trail. We serve a full Grille menu, bbq and soft ice cream. We have restrooms to accommodate you personal needs. Stop by and have a great meal right on the trail. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Happy trails!
Middleport Park and Marina camping
- + Hello, Does anyone have experience camping at the Middleport Park and Marina? I'm having trouble contacting someone there to see if it's a viable option. Thanks!
Discussion started 05/10/23 11:13:20 AM by Sonny - 2 replies (last reply by Biking Brian at 06/25/23 7:32:07 AM)Sonny on 05/10/23 11:13:20 AM
Hello, Does anyone have experience camping at the Middleport Park and Marina? I'm having trouble contacting someone there to see if it's a viable option. Thanks!
Bop from Rochester on 05/17/23 2:24:43 PM
Have you looked this over? https://middleport-newyork.com/village-parks?
Biking Brian on 06/25/23 7:32:07 AM
Middleport is a great option. They allow camping, you have power as well as bathrooms and showers available. They just ask for a $20 donation. I even asked the lock keeper to be sure. Very nice place.
Albany Storage
- + I am flying into Albany and hope to store my bike carrier bags in Albany. Does anyone have any suggestions on services or locations? Willing to pay but it is a bit of an odd request to just leave the ...
Discussion started 06/22/23 5:03:07 PM by HZ - 1 reply (last reply by Bill in Houston at 06/23/23 8:38:06 AM)HZ on 06/22/23 5:03:07 PM
I am flying into Albany and hope to store my bike carrier bags in Albany. Does anyone have any suggestions on services or locations? Willing to pay but it is a bit of an odd request to just leave the carriers for a week. We also would love to hear about any 'can't miss' eateries or places to see. Thx
Bill in Houston from Houston on 06/23/23 8:38:06 AM
If you spend the night in a place at the beginning, and at the end, they can probably hold them for you while you are gone.
Bike type
- + My friend and I are planning to ride the trail in September. She thinks a road bike would be best but reading here that the trail is mostly gravel I'm wondering if a mountain bike would be better - I...
Discussion started 06/04/23 9:36:32 PM by Frank M - 3 replies (last reply by FRed at 06/17/23 2:10:20 PM)Frank M from Plainview on 06/04/23 9:36:32 PM
My friend and I are planning to ride the trail in September. She thinks a road bike would be best but reading here that the trail is mostly gravel I'm wondering if a mountain bike would be better - I don't have a gravel bike. Please give me your thoughts. Thanks.
Bop from Rochester on 06/05/23 10:05:23 AM
I've ridden a Trek Domane 4.3 25mm road bike between Medina and Fairport for thousands of miles over the years and had little trouble.
There are spots were the path washes out after a heavy rain that can be a pain depending on how many bikes have gone thru before hand. I can't speak for the enter length of the canal, haven't road the entire length.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 06/05/23 4:32:55 PM
Found this - "Surface. Mostly flat and off-road, the Erie Canalway Trail includes various surfaces. About 45 percent of the trail is paved, while 41 percent of the trail is stone dust, and 14 percent of the trail is on road. Very few natural stretches of trail remain."
My wife and I ride a MTB and town bike on our long trips. We find them comfortable and reliable.
We saw lots of people on road bikes. You and your friend should probably ride the same type of bike so that you can hold similar speeds and share inner tubes.
We did encounter some softer spots that would have been a little sketchier on a road bike, but they would be doable.
FRed from Cato NY on 06/17/23 2:10:20 PM
I too have ridden a Domane on the Canal. Just parts of it are good with that bike. The rest I used a Hybrid with 42mm tires and a Touring Bike with 38's. I find I don't care for straight handlebars much. You could just put a wider tire on your raod bike and be good to go.
- + Hi there,
I'm trying to plan a solo ride on the Canal, for later this summer. I'll be getting a car ride to Buffalo, getting dropped off, and riding to Albany, hopefully.
I don't know how to reserv...
Discussion started 06/13/23 4:59:02 PM by Dan - 0 repliesDan from Fayetteville on 06/13/23 4:59:02 PM
Hi there,
I'm trying to plan a solo ride on the Canal, for later this summer. I'll be getting a car ride to Buffalo, getting dropped off, and riding to Albany, hopefully.
I don't know how to reserve a seat on Amtrak, in a bike car. I don't know if I can get myself to Albany on a specific date, and time.
Any voices of experience welcome.
Thanks
Suggestions for section to ride while transiting erie canal on our boat
- + We will be taking our boat from the Great Lakes to the east coast via the Erie Canal and will have bikes aboard. It would be nice to make several different day trips to get off the boat for a bit an...
Discussion started 06/07/23 10:42:24 PM by Dagny - 3 replies (last reply by Bop at 06/12/23 5:36:58 PM)Dagny from Wisconsin on 06/07/23 10:42:24 PM
We will be taking our boat from the Great Lakes to the east coast via the Erie Canal and will have bikes aboard. It would be nice to make several different day trips to get off the boat for a bit and get some exercise. Any suggestions for good places to stop and leave the boat for the day and get a nice ride in? Will be traveling in September of 23.
DK from Fultonville on 06/08/23 11:25:31 AM
Amsterdam.
Dock at Riverlink park. Ride over the Overlook bridge, one block more and you are on the trail. East or West is a nice ride.
Get the Map.
https://empiretrail.ny.gov/request-map
Bill in Houston from Houston on 06/12/23 2:43:45 PM
Brockport, so you can go to Barber's.
You can use Google maps, look at each town, and see if it looks like there's good stuff there. Looking back, I don't think that there are any wrong places to stop.
Pittsford has a nice waterfront. Little Falls was kind of cool.
Bop from Rochester on 06/12/23 5:36:58 PM
Keep in mind the Main Street bridge is closed in Brockport for cars. Dock at the south area between the two lift bridges for Barbers. You won't need a bike.
- + The Albany EC trail marker is missed by many. Go to www.hmdb.org search Albany basin you’ll get image location and gps. Search wedding of the waters and you’ll get Buffalo info. While riding the trail...
Discussion started 06/11/23 6:23:29 AM by Bob - 0 repliesBob from Albany NY on 06/11/23 6:23:29 AM
The Albany EC trail marker is missed by many. Go to www.hmdb.org search Albany basin you’ll get image location and gps. Search wedding of the waters and you’ll get Buffalo info. While riding the trail or night before you can search for local historical markers. hmdb is an historical marker database
Transportation
- + Hi folks,
My boyfriend and I are planning a four day bike ride on the trail in June. We are looking for transportation with our bikes from Pittsford to Tonawanda or somewhere close by to these towns....
Discussion started 03/07/23 8:13:12 AM by Gail B - 4 replies (last reply at 06/05/23 8:21:42 PM)Gail B from Bennington VT on 03/07/23 8:13:12 AM
Hi folks,
My boyfriend and I are planning a four day bike ride on the trail in June. We are looking for transportation with our bikes from Pittsford to Tonawanda or somewhere close by to these towns. Is there a bus, train, shuttle service, that anyone knows of? Also, we would love to find a service that could shuttle our luggage from place to place. Thanks for your input. ??
Bob from Albany NY on 03/07/23 3:55:03 PM
Train stops near your points would be Rochester (near Pittsford) and Buffalo (near Tonawanda) shuttle for gear will be hard to find and probably costly. I’m not sure about bus service.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 03/07/23 5:22:05 PM
Getting bikes onto a train when and where you want is a crapshoot. If I lived in Rochester near the train station and was planning to camp or sleep under a bridge, then I might try to take the train. But I don't, and wifey likes to sleep on a bed, so we need reservations, so I can't take the risk on the train.
So, I've been around here a bit, and I even looked to see where Bennington is, and here's what I'd suggest.
*Park at the Amtrak parking in Buffalo, which is supposed to be nice and safe and reasonably priced.
*Ride 4 days to Rochester. Get a hotel in Rochester, get some sleep.
*In the morning, pack all your stuff and your bikes and ask the hotel to hang onto it for you. (make sure they are cool with this ahead of time, of course). Check out of the hotel.
*Take Amtrak to Buffalo, jump in your car, drive back to Rochester, collect your stuff from the hotel, and then drive a little further and spend the night somewhere cool in the finger lakes area.
*Next day, drive the rest of the way home.
This saves you from trying to get your bikes and luggage on the train, but lets you have a train ride as a shuttle. Your car is parked somewhere safe. Your driving distances are easy.
Yankee John from Braintree VT on 03/08/23 11:21:31 AM
Take the Amtrak from Rochester to Buffalo. You need to make a reservation for the bicycles, which locks in your dates, but it's reliable and inexpensive. The ride from Pittsford to downtown Rochester is pleasant. The bike trails around downtown Rochester have been improved over the years, with some information kiosks and overlooks on the Genessee River, etc.
anonymous on 06/05/23 8:21:42 PM
Wilderness Voyagers may offer some sort of shuttle service. I know that they do for the GAP.