John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 8/29/2020 11:28:42 PM:
Sue - the Erie Canal is pretty flat except at the locks which you’re up and down in no time at all. And you are technically going downhill going W-E though is not much to write home about.
I would go east towards Buffalo first, then turn back for the last half of your journey to Syracuse to finish. You’ll be going down the locks on the way back (but to be fair, they’re nothing dramatic!).
Of course you could check the weather and see if winds will be a factor. If the wind is going strong, you could go into the wind first, get that out of the way, and have tailwinds at your back all the way home.
The wind would be the biggest factor for me if it was reasonably strong. In that case, I would go into the wind on my way out and with it at my back the way home. If winds are mild and not a factor, then get the “uphill” out of the way first.