Celebrate the 200th year of the Erie Canal by bike and explore the longest intact portion of the historic
Erie Canal at the 3 rd Annual Tour the Towpath event Sept. 23 and 24, 2017.
Tour the Towpath is a 36-mile supported, off-road recreational bike ride along the Towpath trail within
the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park from Rome to DeWitt, with an option to bike to the Inner
Harbor in Syracuse (additional 10-mile ride). There are lots of organized and spontaneous things to
discover along the way including charming canal-side communities.
Tour the Towpath is a family friendly event and open to cyclists of all abilities. The Old Erie Canal
Towpath trail is off-road, mostly stone dust, and flat (it’s why this area was selected to start building the
Erie Canal 200 years ago). Participants have two full days to explore the park and all the area has to
offer. Special activities during the event include a scavenger hunt along the route.
Riders will receive a map and guide to the many attractions, museums, restaurants, shops, and historic
sites that they can explore in the communities between Rome and Syracuse. All participants end at the
World Canal Conference Kick-off Celebration at the Inner Harbor in Syracuse with live music, food
trucks, and entertainment.
“The ride along the historic Erie Canal is tree lined and very scenic. Participants literally ride on the
towpath that mules once used to pull the canal boats. It is not a race, far from it. At last year’s event
the youngest rider was 6 and the oldest rider 87,” says Jamie Kowalczk, part of the Old Erie Canal
Community Working Group that puts on the event each year. She continues, “It is an organized event
but you pick what you stop and see whether that’s the working blacksmiths at the Chittenango Landing
Museum or stopping into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota or hitting all the ice cream
shops along the way. It is a great opportunity for a last late summer adventure.”
Participants will overnight in the canal-side community of Canastota with music and entertainment
scheduled. Erie Canal Brewery will be doing a special pouring of their craft beers for participants over
21. Overnight riders may choose to either camp at the event’s designated campsite area (included with registration), or purchase a room from a hotel in the village (extra cost, on own). Tour the Towpath also
offers a one-day ride option for those looking for a shorter experience.
The cost for Tour the Towpath is $20 if registered by Sept. 1, 2017. After Sept. 1, the cost is
$30. Kids are just $15. Shuttle transportation is available for an additional cost; reserve space on
shuttle during registration. Registration includes a detailed map and guide, t-shirt, luggage transport,
bike support, and camping accommodations. Many museums and attractions along the trail also
offer free entry to Tour the Towpath riders. For more information, call Jamie Kowalczk at (315)
366-2378.
This event is made possible by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Village of Canastota, and
the Old Erie Canal Community Working Group. Bike support is provided during the event by Syracuse
Bicycle. Tour the Towpath is an official preconference event to the World Canal Conference takingplace in Syracuse.
To register or for more information, visit TourtheTowpath.com.