BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — More than 600 cyclists from 37 states and Canada are making their way across the Empire State as part of the 28th annual Cycle the Erie Canal Bike Tour.

“We’re leaving the big city and going out into the fresh air,” a participant said.

For 28 years, the Cycle the Erie Canal Bike Tour has provided people from across North America with the breathtaking, scenic views that only the Canal and New York State can provide.

“It’s been going on a long time, and it started as a way to raise awareness about this crazy idea to build a bike path along the Erie Canal all the way from Buffalo to Albany,” Parks and Trails NY’s policy and planning manager Erica Schneider said.

And that’s exactly where they’ll be departing from and headed to.

Sunday morning, over 600 cyclists met up in Buffalo to prepare to pedal their way all the way to Albany by July 19, providing riders with a first-hand feel of most of the state, with lots of cheers along the way.

“It’s fun to be able to see what different towns I find interesting,” 14-year-old Zora Miller, who is taking the tour with her dad, said. “It’s kind of funny to see, like, if somebody tells me, ‘Oh, yeah, Buffalo,’ then I can be like, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve been there.'”

Some are riding for the first time, while others spend the entire year counting down the days until the ride — which has seven stops across the state before reaching Albany — providing cyclists with an unforgettably unique experience of New York State’s history, culture, and scenic landscapes.

That’s what keeps riders like Tom and Jeanne-Marie from Rhode Island coming back, year after year.

“The people, the scenery, the great food, and the camaraderie of all of the other cyclists,” Jeanne-Marie said.

“Every year is different, every year the weather is different; weather is a big factor, we’ve had some interesting events.”

And we asked Tom if he had a favorite part of the ride that he looks forward to.

“Yeah, the end,” Tom said with a laugh.

More information about the Cycle the Erie Canal Bike Tour is available on Parks and Trails NY’s website.

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Rob Petree is an anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2025. See more of his work by clicking here.

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