This website
- + I came across this website from the link from the Katy Trail website why does this website have a different look or format then the Katy and the others you host.
Discussion started 09/13/2018 04:39 PM by Joe G - 4 replies (last reply by Bop at 02/21/2019 03:58 PM)Joe G from Wildwood Mo on 09/13/2018 04:39 PM
I came across this website from the link from the Katy Trail website why does this website have a different look or format then the Katy and the others you host.
Ray (webmaster) on 09/13/2018 08:47 PM
Thanks for visiting the site, Joe.
I built the Katy Trail site 15 years ago, and used that framework to build other websites for the C&O Canal/GAP in MD/PA, Cowboy Trail in Nebraska, Silver Comet in GA, and Mickelson in SD.
When it came time to create a website for the Erie Canal, I decided to build a new site from scratch rather than copying the old Katy Trail framework. This new design could take advantage of the latest web technologies like "responsive design" (looking good and working well on any size screen), location awareness, better personalization, more extensive use of mapping... and just a fresher, more current look.
Having developed this new concept, next I will take these improvements and apply them to the other existing trail websites. So you can look forward to the Katy Trail site (and others) getting a face lift and improved trip planning tools sometime over the next year.
To make this new website framework the best it can be, I appreciate any feedback, ideas, critiques, or suggestions.
Thanks again, and happy trails!
Steven Gaub from LAKEWOOD on 02/19/2019 04:12 PM
The form search tool directs you to the Cowboy Trail. How do you search the Earie Canal form for specific subjects?
Ray S (webmaster) on 02/19/2019 04:23 PM
Sorry about that issue with the search - it is fixed now to search the Erie Canal site.
I built the search feature on the Cowboy Trail site, and forgot to change the code when I copied it over to here.
Thanks for pointing out the problem so I could fix it!
Bop from Rochester on 02/21/2019 03:58 PM
Any idea how messed up the canal path is heading east to spencerport? Was on E canal road today and it looks like a mess. Same heading west to Holley?
Biking season is upcoming and I like to ride to hulberton and back.
Amtrak Station in Buffalo
- + Are unboxed bicycles allowed on Empire service?
Discussion started 02/19/2019 04:08 PM by Steven Gaub - 0 repliesSteven Gaub from LAKEWOOD on 02/19/2019 04:08 PM
Are unboxed bicycles allowed on Empire service?
Summer Trip for Familes on Erie Canal Trail
- + Hi All,
I am planning a summer trip for two families on the trail. We did the GAP two years ago so some experience there. I am seeing that Cayuga State Park is kind of near the trail and would like...
Discussion started 01/04/2019 02:04 PM by Margaret - 1 reply (last reply by Steven Gaub at 02/19/2019 01:08 PM)Margaret from Amherst, OH on 01/04/2019 02:04 PM
Hi All,
I am planning a summer trip for two families on the trail. We did the GAP two years ago so some experience there. I am seeing that Cayuga State Park is kind of near the trail and would like to utilize it for camping possibly- but how far away is it actually from the trail and where exactly and would this be bikable from the trail- we would need the less traveled roads as we have kids with us the youngest being 12 years. Thanks for any tips you can offer.
Steven Gaub from LAKEWOOD on 02/19/2019 01:08 PM
I somewhat heat intolerant. I also prefer storm free as possible bicycle travel. What time of the year would people from the area recommend as the best time to travel on the Erie?
Erie Canalway side trips
- + After riding the C&O / GAP last summer we're planning a leisurely ride on the Erie in July. Are there any recommended side trips to take besides the Genesee Riverway Trail?
Discussion started 01/21/2019 08:38 PM by BobTheBuilder - 1 reply (last reply by mdadams1 at 01/30/2019 02:32 PM)BobTheBuilder from Cleveland, Ohio on 01/21/2019 08:38 PM
After riding the C&O / GAP last summer we're planning a leisurely ride on the Erie in July. Are there any recommended side trips to take besides the Genesee Riverway Trail?
mdadams1 from York PA on 01/30/2019 02:32 PM
When in Lockport it is so much fun to ride one of the boats that go thru the locks....Walking along the waterway in Fairport at dusk is amazing.
21st annual Cycle the Erie Canal
- + "Registration is open for Parks & Trails New York’s 21st annual Cycle the Erie Canal, a 400-mile recreational bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany on July 7-14..."
Source: MPNNOW
Full article: https:/...
Discussion started 01/26/2019 02:26 PM by Ray S (webmasyer) - 0 repliesRay S (webmasyer) on 01/26/2019 02:26 PM
"Registration is open for Parks & Trails New York’s 21st annual Cycle the Erie Canal, a 400-mile recreational bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany on July 7-14..."
Source: MPNNOW
Full article: https://www.mpnnow.com/news/20190124/registration-open-for-cycle-erie-canal-2019/1
Rochester bike projects roll on
- + [ City Newspaper, Jan 16, 2019 ]
For close to a decade, the City of Rochester has methodically worked to become more bike friendly. Officials have tried to incorporate bike lanes and cycle tracks int...
Discussion started 01/20/2019 12:05 PM by Ray S (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay S (webmaster) on 01/20/2019 12:05 PM
[ City Newspaper, Jan 16, 2019 ]
For close to a decade, the City of Rochester has methodically worked to become more bike friendly. Officials have tried to incorporate bike lanes and cycle tracks into road resurfacing and reconstruction projects whenever possible. They designed a series of alternate routes that cyclists can take instead of car-packed main roads. They launched a bike-share program. And they've tried to make sure that people have a place to lock up or securely store their bikes when they get to their destination.
That work will continue this year. Construction is set to begin on several key projects, and design work will start on other important bike infrastructure, including some trail work and connections that will be part of Roc the Riverway.
....
Full article: https://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/rochester/rochester-bike-projects-roll-on/Content?oid=9332071
riding with 2 10 year olds - looking for no/little road sections
- + Hi
We want to ride ~120 mile segment over 5 days. We'd prefer to have little to no roads.
Is there a section you could recommend
thanks
Discussion started 11/28/2018 10:26 PM by Manisha - 0 repliesManisha from florida on 11/28/2018 10:26 PM
Hi
We want to ride ~120 mile segment over 5 days. We'd prefer to have little to no roads.
Is there a section you could recommend
thanks
Weekend Scout Biking Trip
- + Looking for a weekend bike trip for a group of Boy Scouts. Looking to finish in Albany. 40(ish) miles on Saturday. 10(ish) miles on Sunday. Looking for places to CAMP on Friday night and Saturday ...
Discussion started 11/24/2018 01:33 PM by JFro - 0 repliesJFro from Warwick, NY on 11/24/2018 01:33 PM
Looking for a weekend bike trip for a group of Boy Scouts. Looking to finish in Albany. 40(ish) miles on Saturday. 10(ish) miles on Sunday. Looking for places to CAMP on Friday night and Saturday night.
TIA,
jafrommeyer@gmail.com
present towpath condition
- + I'll be pedaling the eastern half of the Erie Canal very soon. We've had lots of precipitation (i.e. flooding) so don't know the effect of it on the pathway.
I've looked for "current conditions on th...
Discussion started 10/05/2018 03:25 PM by ctbiker - 0 repliesctbiker from Norwich, CT on 10/05/2018 03:25 PM
I'll be pedaling the eastern half of the Erie Canal very soon. We've had lots of precipitation (i.e. flooding) so don't know the effect of it on the pathway.
I've looked for "current conditions on the Erie Canal but have seen nothing definitive.
Anyone know or have a source?
TIA,
Ray
ctbiker
best rides near Skaneateles
- + We are staying in Skaneateles and want to know the most interesting ride near by between 20 and 30 miles on the canal trail
Discussion started 09/24/2018 08:29 PM by Andy - 0 repliesAndy on 09/24/2018 08:29 PM
We are staying in Skaneateles and want to know the most interesting ride near by between 20 and 30 miles on the canal trail
Tribes Hill Park and Boat Launch in Fort Hunter
- + There is no camping here
Discussion started 09/21/2018 03:49 PM by Jj - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 09/21/2018 05:41 PM)Jj on 09/21/2018 03:49 PM
There is no camping here
Ray (webmaster) on 09/21/2018 05:41 PM
Thank you for catching that - I have updated the listings.
Happy trails!
Paved Erie Canal Trail Parking in Utica
- + Can we park overnight?
Discussion started 09/19/2018 05:58 PM by Jj - 0 repliesJj on 09/19/2018 05:58 PM
Can we park overnight?
Durhamville
- + I just traveled it today and rode this section. In Rome you will ride on a few roads after coming off the trail from Utica direction and will go over a bridge on Mill street. Then turn left into the p...
Discussion started 09/18/2018 09:22 PM by KB - 0 repliesKB from Cazenovia on 09/18/2018 09:22 PM
I just traveled it today and rode this section. In Rome you will ride on a few roads after coming off the trail from Utica direction and will go over a bridge on Mill street. Then turn left into the park next to the canal and it will take you over the Mohawk river. But take your time because it's fantastic and very historic. It will take you to S. James street and I highly suggest going into visitors center and Fort Stanwix. This map is not correct on this page !!!! Go up a block from visitor center and turn left on Liberty and go to the end and turn left again on Gifford and then a right next to the bank (yes, on the very busy highway) and then a quick left at the light (Rt 46,49) and this will get you back on the main trail again. the rest is a mix of very smooth gravel and pavement and a couple road sections into Durhamville on the Canal road. I hope this helps.
Hometown Meats & Deli in Clyde
- + Homemade soup and sandwich.... delicious.
Discussion started 09/18/2018 02:05 PM by Jj - 0 repliesJj on 09/18/2018 02:05 PM
Homemade soup and sandwich.... delicious.
McColley's in Spencerport
- + Excellent..we had a great meal. Wings and cob salad.
Discussion started 09/17/2018 10:27 PM by Jj - 0 repliesJj on 09/17/2018 10:27 PM
Excellent..we had a great meal. Wings and cob salad.
Rome to Durhamville - Paved or Gravel
- + Just curious. Is the section from Rome to Durhamville paved or gravel? I'll be riding it next week and trying to decide which bike to bring. Thanks!
Discussion started 09/15/2018 08:08 PM by Rich D - 1 reply (last reply by Psychlist at 09/16/2018 11:12 AM)Rich D from Scotch Plains, NJ on 09/15/2018 08:08 PM
Just curious. Is the section from Rome to Durhamville paved or gravel? I'll be riding it next week and trying to decide which bike to bring. Thanks!
Rich D from Scotch Plains, NJ on 09/15/2018 08:08 PM
Just curious. Is the section from Rome to Durhamville paved or gravel? I'll be riding it next week and trying to decide which bike to bring. Thanks!
Psychlist on 09/16/2018 11:12 AM
If my memory serves, you'll be on the paved streets while in Rome and in Durhamville. And you'll be on a street for a few miles outside of Durhamville. But other than that, you are on the gravel trail.
Psychlist on 09/16/2018 11:12 AM
If my memory serves, you'll be on the paved streets while in Rome and in Durhamville. And you'll be on a street for a few miles outside of Durhamville. But other than that, you are on the gravel trail.
Rails to Trails pathway in Tonawandas will extend to Erie Canal
- + A $2 million project to extend the Rails to Trails pathway from the Buffalo-Town of Tonawanda border out to the Erie Canal should begin construction in the spring.
Tonawanda city officials recently a...
Discussion started 09/12/2018 09:47 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 09/12/2018 09:47 AM
A $2 million project to extend the Rails to Trails pathway from the Buffalo-Town of Tonawanda border out to the Erie Canal should begin construction in the spring.
Tonawanda city officials recently approved a 0.85-mile extension of the 4-mile pathway that starts at Kenmore Avenue and runs north before ending near Young and State streets.
Source: The Buffalo News
Full article:
https://buffalonews.com/2018/09/10/rails-to-trails-pathway-in-tonawandas-will-extend-to-erie-canal/
luggage shuttle services
- + We planning a fall colors bike tour along some or all of the Erie Canal. We are not interested in group guided tours. One major impediment to do it yourself is a seeming lack of shuttle services for...
Discussion started 09/03/2018 11:39 AM by Gringo Bill - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 09/03/2018 12:22 PM)Gringo Bill from arvada on 09/03/2018 11:39 AM
We planning a fall colors bike tour along some or all of the Erie Canal. We are not interested in group guided tours. One major impediment to do it yourself is a seeming lack of shuttle services for luggage. All suggestions are most appreciated.
Ray (webmaster) on 09/03/2018 12:22 PM
I'm aware of a couple shuttle services operating along the Erie Canal, which are listed here:
https://bikeeriecanal.com/planner.aspx?scid=4&ecid=51&svcs=|17|
Typically the shuttles haul people and bikes, but I expect they would be happy to haul luggage too. You'll probably want to pre-arrange drop-off of your bags at wherever you plan to spend the night, because the shuttle driver won't want to wait around for your arrival at the end of the day.
If you come across any services that are not listed, please let me know so I can get them added. Good luck and have fun!
Happy trails
Pittsford Farms Dairy
- + This place has an oatmeal butterscotch ice cream that's amazing. Ride a couple extra miles so you don't feel guilty for eating the ice cream, and give it a try. Wow.
Discussion started 08/28/2018 08:27 PM by RLS - 0 repliesRLS on 08/28/2018 04:27 PM
This place has an oatmeal butterscotch ice cream that's amazing. Ride a couple extra miles so you don't feel guilty for eating the ice cream, and give it a try. Wow.
Rochester sightseeing
- + I’d highly recommend a side trip to High Falls in Rochester. It’s a magnificent sight and that part of Rochester has some great restaurants.
There’s a trail along the Genesee River. Follow that tr...
Discussion started 08/11/2018 12:39 PM by The Psychlist - 0 repliesThe Psychlist on 08/11/2018 12:39 PM
I’d highly recommend a side trip to High Falls in Rochester. It’s a magnificent sight and that part of Rochester has some great restaurants.
There’s a trail along the Genesee River. Follow that trail for about 5 miles and you’re there.
What to bring
- + Planning a day trip from Utica, haven't done long trail rides before. Any suggestions on what to bring?
Discussion started 07/31/2018 04:34 PM by TRW - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 08/02/2018 05:30 PM)TRW on 07/31/2018 04:34 PM
Planning a day trip from Utica, haven't done long trail rides before. Any suggestions on what to bring?
Ray (webmaster) on 08/02/2018 05:30 PM
Here's what I always have in my pannier:
- Several spare tubes (and know how to change them)
- C02 canisters to inflate tires - you may prefer a small pump
- Energy gel
- Extra water container in hot weather
- Gloves and ear covering in cold weather
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent
- Basic first aid: Motrin, Neosporin, and bandaids
- Compact poncho in case of rain
- Some spare large ziplocks and a trashbag
- Power-storage device for cell phone charging
I don't often need most of those items, but it's good to have them when I do need them!
Good luck on your ride - happy trails!