Rome – For Brittany Pierce, the 400-mile Erie Canal Tour bike trip from Buffalo to Albany is the perfect fit. Just her type of riding.
“I just love to ride. It’s definitely difficult,” he said.
Pierce, who lives in Lockport, Niagara County, was one of 750 cyclists who made the 10-day trip across the state this year. On the fifth night they camped on the lawn of Fort Stanwix in Rome, as they did every year. Most of the tents and amenities were set up before it rained.
This year was Pierce’s second year on Cycle the Erie Canal Tour. She was riding alone, but she said it was a great way to make her new friends.
“It’s full of people. It’s a great experience because you get to meet all kinds of new people and ride with them,” she said.
“Make lots of friends, hang out with someone for a day, and see you again in a few days.”
This ride is also an opportunity to admire the countryside and check out local attractions. She said the city of Rome has welcomed her in both years she has visited.
“Rome is very cool. There are so many interesting restaurants, beautiful churches, so many beautiful buildings,” Pearce said.
Every year, hundreds of bike enthusiasts like Pierce ride to Rome to camp overnight under the stars. They set off on Friday morning, then on to Canajoharie. When the rain stopped, cyclists headed into the city for food and sightseeing.
“Every town welcomed us, clapping as we drove through,” said Jerry Fine of Boston, Massachusetts. “I really enjoyed it. The scenery was so beautiful.”
Fine has been cycling for 12 years, but this was his first ride.
“I have never driven this far before,” he says with a laugh, pointing to the two friends who recommended this new journey. He hadn’t seen much of Rome yet, he pointed out, except for the storm.
Cycle the Erie Canal, sponsored by Parks & Trails New York, is now in its 25th year. This year’s visit to Rome was particularly significant as Rome was recently named one of only four Empire State Trail Towns by Parks & Trails and the Canal Authority. Officials said the city was chosen for its high-quality trail-based services and amenities, demonstrating its commitment to policies aimed at improving the experience for trail users. As part of this designation, the city has invested in opportunities to enhance trails and welcome cyclists.
The effort has been going on for so long that state Senator Joseph A. Griffo was still mayor when it started.
“It’s always been an exceptional event. They’ve been coming for years. We can go along this amazing canal and if they come to the area, we can stimulate economic activity.” “Many of them will continue,” said Grifo, from Rome’s R-53, who stopped by to say hello to cyclists on Thursday afternoon at a restaurant tonight.
“It’s always nice to see so many people from all over the county. We may come back again, so it’s important that we have a good experience when we’re here.”
Similarly, Senator Marianne Buttension (D-119, Mercy) was on standby, praying for everyone’s safety.
“I would like to thank the cyclists who traveled through New York State, stopped in the big city of Rome, enjoyed the restaurants, and gave us the possibility of sunny weather,” Buttension said as he waited for the rain with the cyclists. Told. .
“This is a wonderful collaboration between Parks and Recreation and the Fort here.
