• Home
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
      • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Detailed Chart: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus Bike Computers: Premium vs. Budget!
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
      • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
    • 9 New Features in the Garmin Edge 830
    • 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists – Fitbit and Garmin
    • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Contact Us
  • Product Reviews
    • Garmin Edge and Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Versus Posts!
        • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Chart & Video: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs. 830 vs. 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus: Premium vs. Budget!
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s NEW About the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus?
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs. Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Varia Vision and Varia Rear Light Radar
      • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
    • Bike Computer Reviews
      • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65, 2020 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
      • Best Bike Computers, 2020 – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
      • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Detailed Chart & Videos: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
      • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Cycling Gear Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Women’s Cycling Jackets, 2020 – Waterproof and Windproof
        • Best Cheap Cycling Jackets under $100
        • Best Cycling Jackets
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women, 2021
        • How to Choose the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants
        • Showers Pass Rogue Cycling Pants – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
        • 3 Regular-Looking Pants that Work Well as Cycling Pants
      • 9 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas to Keep Your Head Warm this Winter
      • Best Waterproof Cycling Gear for Men and Women, 2020
      • 7 of the Best Short Sleeved Cycling Jerseys for 2021
      • 7 of the Best Cheap Cycling Jackets Under $100
    • 90 Best Gifts for Cyclists – Our Ultimate Gift Guide for Cyclists
    • Bike Pannier Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2020 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring
      • Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring and Commuting: Ortlieb Bike Panniers
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Bike Light Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting, 2021
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Bike Lights
      • 3 of the best bike lights for commuter cyclists – Light & Motion Urban 350 vs. CatEye Volt 800 vs. NiteRider Lumina 750
    • Bike Saddles
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles, 2021
      • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
    • Headphone Reviews
      • 5 of the Best Headphones for Safe Cycling in 2021
    • Recumbent Trikes
  • Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
        • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Detailed Chart & Videos: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s NEW About the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus?
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus Bike Computers: Premium vs. Cheap
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
    • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65, 2020 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
    • Best Bike Computers, 2020 – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
    • 7 of the Best Bike Computers, 2020 – from Budget to Premium
  • Health Benefits
    • Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
      • How to Prevent Cycling Knee and Hip Pain – Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Great Strength and Conditioning Exercises for Cyclists
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Cycling and Strength
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
        • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
    • Cycling and Sleep
      • How Cycling Helps You to Sleep Better and Get Healthier
      • Why Cycling May Be the Sleep Aid You Need
      • How I Became a Bike Commuter and Shed Stress Immediately
      • One in Three Cyclists Experience Reduced Stress Levels
    • Cycling and Aging
      • Study Shows that Interval Training on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging
      • Study Shows that Cycling Really Does Fight Aging
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
        • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
        • 5 Great Strength and Conditioning Exercises for Cyclists
        • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
        • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
    • Kids biking
      • 7 of the Best Baby and Child Bike Seats to Keep Your Child Safe – Reviews and Videos – 2020
      • 9 Simple Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike
      • 5 Tips for Parents to Keep your Kids Safe on their Bikes
      • How to Transport Kids on Bikes (Video and Infographic)
      • 10 Family-Friendly USA Cycling Trails to Visit with the Kids
      • Babies and Bikes: How to Get Kids Active from the Start
      • How to Encourage Kids to Ride Bikes
        • How to Help your Kids Bike to School
A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

Average Joe Cyclist

A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

  • Cycling Training Plans
    • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 2 – Interval Training
      • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
    • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
    • Workouts and Stretching for Cyclists
      • How to Prevent Cycling Knee and Hip Pain – Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Updated Video: 3 Hip Stretches to Cure Cycling Hip Pain
      • Stop Doing Crunches! 10 Minute Core Workout for Cyclists
      • 5 Best Core Exercises for Cyclists
      • Muscle Stretching: The Cyclist’s Secret Skill – Why Stretching is Important for Cyclists
      • The 10 Best Stretches for Cyclists
    • How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training
    • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Training (HIT) on Your Bike – And How to Add Interval Training to Your Cycling
      • Study Shows that Interval Training on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging
      • Research shows Amazing Benefits of Sprint Intervals in Cycling
    • 7 Top Tips to Help You Keep Mountain Biking after Age 40
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
  • Indoor Cycling Training
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
    • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • What is a Smart Turbo Indoor Trainer?
  • Cycling with Dogs
    • 5 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets to Safely Take Your Dog Cycling in 2021
    • Complete Guide to Taking Your Dog on Bike Rides in a Bike Basket
    • 6 Steps to Gently Train Your Dog to Go On Bike Rides With You
  • Lose Weight!
    • Cycling and Weight Loss
      • 7 Steps to Lose Weight by Cycling
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
      • Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • The Top 10 Ride Your Way Lean Eating Rules, for Effective Weight Loss
      • How Cycling to Lose Weight Saved Phil’s Life – Heartwarming Video
    • A Guide for Fat Cyclists
    • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
    • Cycling Nutrition
      • Best Matcha Tea for Cyclists: My Matcha Life
        • How to Make Matcha Tea
      • How Protein Helps your Post Bike Ride Recovery
      • 5 Best Protein Supplements for Exercise Recovery and Health
    • Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
      • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
      • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Training (HIT) on Your Bike – And How to Add Interval Training to Your Cycling
    • Cycling and Health
  • Tips & How-Tos
    • How to Prevent & Cure Cycling Knee Pain
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
      • How to Prevent Cycling Knee and Hip Pain – Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
    • Bike maintenance
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
    • How to Keep your Bike from being Stolen – Top 10 Tips
      • 7 of the Best Bike Locks to Keep Your Bike Safe, 2021
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
    • How to Pick the Right Size Bike – Complete Bike Frame Size Guide
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Complete Guide to How to Buy and Sell Bikes on Craigslist
    • How to Understand Bike Terminology
  • Bike Commuting
    • Bike Commuting Tips
      • How to Set Up a Commuter Bike
      • 9 Useful Tips for Women Bike Commuters
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2020 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
      • How Women Cyclists Can Prevent Saddle Soreness and Associated Issues
        • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles, 2021
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Winter Cycling
      • Our Top Tips to Keep You Warm and Dry for Fall and Winter Cycling
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Cold Weather Cycling
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2020 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring
    • Benefits of Being a Bike Commuter
      • Ten Reasons to be a Bike Commuter
      • Survey Shows London Bike Commuters are Happier and More Productive
      • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow!
      • 5 Ways that Cycling Boosts Your Brain Function
    • Bike Maintenance
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • How To Clean Your Bike Chain the Easy Way
      • How to Set Up a Commuter Bike
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • Inspirational Video: How to Fix a Bike Flat – with No Hands
    • Cycling Infrastructure
      • 4 Benefits of Separated Bike Lanes
      • 3 Reasons Why We Need Separated Bike Lanes
      • Research reveals a surprising benefit of separated bike lanes
      • Montreal Cycling, Part 3: Separated Bike Lanes – What Other Cities can Learn from Montreal
      • Cycling and the Post-Covid Transformation
    • Safety for Cyclists
      • How to Use Bike Reflectors to Be More Visible
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting, 2021
You are here: Home / Cycling Reviews / Bike Tours and Trails / Cycling in the USA / Cycling the Erie Canal

Cycling the Erie Canal

January 27, 2020 by Guest Author Leave a Comment

Pin
Share
Tweet

AvatarIn this post, Jonathan Duda shares how he cycled the entire length of the historic Erie Canal. It is a 360 mile route across New York State from Buffalo to Albany, usually done from east to west. All who complete this route become certified “End-to-enders”! Read on to hear more about Jonathan’s bucket list cycling achievement.

Cycling the Erie Canal. All who complete the historic Erie Canal route become certified “End-to-enders”!
All who complete the historic Erie Canal route become certified “End-to-enders”!

Jonathan’s Story of Cycling the Erie Canal

I scratched a significant checkmark onto my life’s “to do” list in when I completed the entire length of the historic Erie Canal by bicycle. I was among over 600 to do so that month, and officially listed among the thousands who have become certified “End-to-enders” over the years as they achieve this monumental cycling trip along the 360 mile route.

The Erie Canal route runs through New York State from Buffalo to Albany. Many have done the westward route starting in Albany as well, but from west to east is the preferred direction. My fortunate experience was as a staff member of the annual Cycle the Erie Canal Tour, which Parks & Trails New York (the Albany-based not-for-profit organization) has been successfully running for over two decades.

This is the northernmost point on the Erie Canal route
This is the northernmost point on the Erie Canal route

I live in Albany and graduated from the University of Buffalo. I routinely traveled the length of the canal, albeit on four wheels rather than two. I frequently visited many of the canal-side towns. I figured I had experienced much of what the Erie Canalway Corridor had to offer. I was most certainly mistaken. Unlike major roadways, the canalway trail takes you through some of the true gems of the Empire State. Every town I passed through beckoned me to take a brief diversion.

Off to a Fast – and Anxious – Start!

This was my first bike tour, and prior to the suggested training schedule (which is offered to riders to prepare them for the 50-mile average day), I never cycled over 25 miles at a time. On the first day, my anxious legs propelled me out of Buffalo a bit too fast  due to my concern about not arriving at our evening destination in time for dinner. This poor judgement caused me to arrive at the suggested town for lunch just past 9:30 a.m.! I quickly realized I needed to slow it down, take in the scenery, stop at the sites, and enjoy the ride.

The Erie Canal is 82% Off-Road

The route along the 360-mile canalway trail is 82% off-road. The most uninterrupted sections can be found in the western half. It was along these idyllic miles of trail that I was able to relax and take in the continuous scene of the serene canal to my right and colorful, flourishing farms and fields passing on my left. Naturally, the canal spans miles of flat terrain at a very slight elevation decline (just over one foot per mile). Thus, the pedaling effort was at a surprisingly comfortable level. The western half proved to be the more “canal-y” section of the trail, as it runs along the modern, functioning section, whereas the eastern half treats the rider to scenes of the old, original canal, now taken over by nature.

Cyclists spend the nights in tents along the way
Cyclists spend the nights in tents along the way

Bridges Along the Way

Whipple Bridge near Palmyra
Whipple Bridge near Palmyra

I found the abundance of bridges to be a recurring theme throughout: the sun shining onto my helmet while riding over them, then rewarded with the brief coolness in the shade beneath. I witnessed the few remaining historic Whipple Truss examples still intact. I stopped to admire the odd-looking bascule bridge with its quirky concrete counterweight suspended over the tracks. I stopped to watch the characteristic lift bridges rise, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of bells dinging. I experienced bridges carrying roads over water, and even “bridges” carrying water over roads.

The bridges on the Erie Canal can be viewed along the way
The bridges on the Erie Canal can be viewed along the way

Communication is Key

If someone asked what qualities about myself improved over the course of the trip, I would have to say (well…other than the size of my calves) communication would be found at the top of the list. Cycling among 650 other riders requires vast amounts of signaling to each other. One missed signal from a rider could result in an injury that would destroy the rest of the trip for someone who had looked forward to the ride and trained and planned for months … all from an incident that could have been avoided with a simple vocal cue or hand signal.

The Luxury of a Supported Tour

I would undoubtedly cycle the 360 miles again, but perhaps attempt it solo next time. Admittedly, I was rather spoiled to pedal along with nothing but a water bottle and guidebook to weigh me down. A fully-supported tour awards you the luxury of arriving to your destination with all of your gear having been magically transported there by somebody else. I am thrilled to have broken my 25-mile record (it is 63 miles now as that’s the longest day of the tour) in such a remarkable setting. I highly recommend the ride for anyone, whether cycling solo, with friends, or as a family.

Thanks to Our Guest Author

Jonathan Duda is the Administrative/Grants Coordinator for Parks & Trails New York in Albany, NY. For info about the Cycle the Erie Tour, visit the Cycle the Erie Canal website.

All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Chart and Videos

Related

Pin
Share
Tweet

Filed Under: Cycling in the USA

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530

Welcome to Average Joe Cyclist!

Average Joe CyclistWelcome to our blog! I’m Joe Goodwill, an average cyclist, and I write a blog for people like me. People who love cycling but will probably never win any races, and who don’t necessarily look good in Lycra! I also write the Electric Bikes Blog and Average Joe's RV Living Blog. To find our most popular posts, check out our Start Here page.

Mrs Average Joe Cyclist - MaggieHi! I'm Maggie Neilson (aka Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist). Joe and I have done a lot of cycling, and we share what we have learned on this blog . We also write reviews of cycling products and trails! Get to know us better HERE.

How our Product Links Work

  • You pay EXACTLY the same price, whether you use our links or go direct to the websites.
  • Earning some commission enables us to spend more time writing posts 🙂
  • THANK YOU to all the good people who have bought through our links. Your support is sincerely appreciated.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Shop at Amazon in the USA.

Amazon USAShop at Amazon in Canada.

Amazon CanadaShop at Amazon in the UK.

Amazon UK

Search Average Joe Cyclist!

Trending – Our Top Posts Right Now!

  • 7 of the best budget indoor trainers 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
  • tips for success lose weight cycling Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
  • Cycling is a fantastic way to lose weight. And as a bonus: if you lose weight while maintaining your power, you will become faster on your bike 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
  • A Guide for Fat Cyclists. I am not exactly your stereotypical cyclist with the body of a greyhound. However, I don’t let my weight stop me from cycling. This was a 15-mile cross-country ride I did with my wife. We are pushing our bikes here because we were on loose gravel A Guide for Fat Cyclists
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
  • We simply did not evolve to sit in front of a computer all day. No wonder exercise is such a mood lifter, when we actually get out and do it. 7 Steps to Lose Weight by Cycling
  • Tips for Cyclists Who Have Had Knee Replacement Surgery 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
  • This bike is a little too large, so the rider can only just stand over it. She would need a bike at least once size smaller to be completely comfortable Complete Bike Frame Size Guide – Bike Frame Measurement and Size Chart

​

Special Offer for Average Joe Cyclist Readers – Get 10% off a New Totem Pole Bike Rack!

Transport up to 6 bikes with the revolutionary new Totem Pole Bike Rack! AND get a 10% discount off the price! Just use the discount code AVERAGEJOE

Click here to claim your discount!

9 of the best road bike saddles

How Women Cyclists can prevent saddle soreness and associated issues

World's first folding electric carbon bike

Copyright © 2021 · Average Joe Cyclist, please contact us for syndication rights.