About 600 cyclists will leave Seneca Falls for Syracuse on Wednesday during a 45-mile stage of the annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour.
The riders, representing 37 states and Canada, are traveling about 400 miles from Buffalo to Albany during an eight-day trip organized by Parks & Trails New York.
Cyclists are scheduled to leave the Elks Lodge at 2221 River Road in Seneca Falls between 7 and 9 a.m. July 15. The route follows the Erie Canalway Trail through canal communities and past local businesses and historic sites.
A morning rest stop is planned from 8 to 11 a.m. at Port Byron Erie Canal Heritage Park, 1575 Rooker Drive. Riders can stop from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sims Store Museum in Camillus before ending the day at Burnet Park in Syracuse.
The tour began July 11 in Buffalo and is scheduled to finish July 19 in Albany. Participants range in age from 8 to 86 and typically ride 40 to 60 miles each day.
Other tour stops include Medina, Fairport, Rome, Canajoharie and Schenectady.
Parks & Trails New York said its recent economic-impact report estimates that the 750-mile Empire State Trail generates $1.87 billion in annual economic activity. The organization said the summer bicycle tour also supports restaurants, shops, attractions and overnight accommodations along the canal.
The New York State Canal Corporation has partnered with Parks & Trails New York on Cycle the Erie Canal since the ride began in 1998.
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