Hi Bryan. A quick thanks for sharing your knowledge through these videos. I just finished the trip. It was spectacular. Between the Canal Book, the downloaded GPS trail map, and all your insights, and advice made navigating a breeze. Thanks Again, I really appreciate all the work it takes to put these videos together.
I rode the Erie Canal about 20 years ago but did it as part of Cycle the Erie Canal, an organized tour put on by PTNY in July to raise funds to support the canals. I had a great time and met a lot of fun people. They had a truck so you didn't have to carry your camping gear. We set up at a local school each night, either pitching our tents on the school's fields or choosing to sleep in the gym. Breakfast and dinner was included, cooked in the school's cafeteria by locals. There were mid-morning and mid-afternoon refreshment stops included along with a sag wagon in case you break down. A historian came to the camp each night to do a lecture about the local history. We could use the school showers and some schools had a pool. Only about half of the trail was restored so we had to ride on local roads often but there was little traffic due to the interstate and when there was traffic, the shoulder was as wide as another lane (I understand about 85% of the trail in now complete). Which reminds me of a memorable event: my little group came across a dead raccoon in the middle of the shoulder. It had swelled to the size of a basketball, but the trailblazers had tagged it with neon orange spray paint as a warning. After passing, we heard a commotion behind us. Later, we found out that a group of three riders were riding side-by-side talking, not paying attention. The middle rider hit the raccoon, which exploded, spraying their legs and bikes with guts. Bryan likes to say we should be thankful on our bike rides. I certainly was thankful that day... thankful I wasn't the one who hit the raccoon. I'd like to ride the Erie Canal again sometime, either solo or as part of the PTNY organized tour.
Thanks for the current advice on the trail. I have been doing the C&O for 35 years. Back in 1996 I set out to do this one and found it hard to follow so I abandoned it and did a road ride across the state which itself was excellent. Thinking of giving it another try. All info is helpful to hear others experience and insights.
Excellent. Yeah, I think this trail is really exceptional. BUT, I also find it confusing. The guidebook is definitely worth the cost for that reason alone. It's one of those trails that when I've gotten lost, I objectively look at the situation and realize that an additional sign or arrow would have made a world of difference.
I'm doing this in a week and fully planning on camping quite a bit. I usually take people's comments about safety with a grain of salt as people's perceptions/comfort of safety are so subjective and also skewed by the media they consume and other biases. I'm hoping for lots of nice fall colors in two weeks!
Agreed (on safety). I’m riding it right now. Trees only have a little yellow on the edges. However the weather is fantastic…low 60s-low 70s. I love this trail. Hope you enjoy it!
You’re welcome, John. Hope you get to enjoy it. I’m trying to get back there soon as well. It’s really unique. The historical aspect is really different from a lot of other trails.
@@johnphelan7663 I think it would have missed both. I believe it was built starting in 1817? I’d have to look that one up. Regardless, and I was just talking to someone at a ride yesterday on this topic-it’s easy to get transported back in time on this trail. The small towns, the backwoods sections of the old canal, those bronze statues in Lockport. I’m a history “nerd” but I found a real palpable sense of the significance of the area. Hard to express.
@@johnphelan7663just did a short section around little falls/Herkimer. Theres an historic site, the home of General Herkimer and plaque with info about his involvement in the battle of Oriskany(i think)/ Revolutionary War. He was wounded in battle, returned to the homestead where he died from infection from leg amputation. Very interesting
Rode 1/2 in May 2019 and finished the trail the following year. Was my very first bike adventure!! Have done mini tours each year since. I will be watching more vids for ride suggestions. Thank you.
Congrats on your adventures. Believe it or not, I'm leaving tomorrow to do it again. I really love this trail. I don't know about you but I just felt absolutely caught up in the history. Almost like you could feel it. Safe travels and if any of the vids prompt questions, please reach out.
Thank You for the video. This information You have provided is very helpful. I am planning on being there this coming September. Unfortunately work is preventing me from being able to pedal the entire. So I will be splitting it up (half this fall and half later). Thanks again! I will see which other videos you have posted.
Hey, you’re welcome. Thanks for watching. I, too, am hoping to revisit this trail in the Fall. It’s a really great experience. I’ve been fortunate to ride a lot lately and the Erie Canal is at the top.
Great video/information! Planning on riding a portion or portions of this trail soon while on a driving vacation. Unfortunately only have time for a couple half day trips (out and back) on the western half, basically Amherst to Rochester. Looking for any suggestions on "sites not to miss" or best portions of the trail, etc. Appreciate your help. Thanks again for the informative video.
Hi, Karen. First of all, I JUST came back from doing this ride again. You can enjoy the whole, glorious, captivating, dad joke infused experience here: ruclips.net/video/_R2icjmnoXY/видео.html And somewhere during this video, I believe it is Day 6 or 7, I answered that specific question because it comes up a lot. In my opinion (just my opinion), I think you've got it right. The western section between Lockport and Greece is my favorite part. It's all canal, it's all off-road, it's the beauty of small towns, it's wonderful countryside, crushed gravel trails. Now, it's still hard to say that because I really enjoy the entire trip. Syracuse is very cool. Little Falls is very interesting. Eastern towns like Amsterdam and Canajoharie are great stops. In my opinion, the only "not to miss" place is Lockport and you need to read the signs and stick around for a bit to let it sink in. It's an engineering marvel. Without it, the canal might not have been completed across the state. During my first trip, I didn't really grasp what I was seeing. Then I read a book about the staircase of locks (the flight of five) and I realized I needed to go back and take it in. Enjoy--it's worth the trip!
Thanks! We definitely will plan on doing Lockport to Greece. As we continue driving east we were planning on doing some biking at Little Falls also, glad you recommend that too. We are heading up to bike the Carriage Roads in Bar Harbor, Maine so we won't be to do Syracuse this trip. Thanks again!
Great video, I appreciate the information. I was considering doing this trail this year with accommodations being mostly camping with a couple of hotel stays. But you got me thinking when you said it may not be safe to camp along the trail. Wondering where I could look to get more information on where the "safer" locations may be?
Glad it was helpful! About camping: after my ride, I just didn’t see the safety issues firsthand. I really don’t know why the person I spoke with said what he did. I’ve watched other rider videos and they had a great experience with camping. Yeah, I’ve had a few bad experiences on other trails at hiker-biker sites which is why I listened to the advice. But, if I were to go now, I’d try camping. There is revised info at: canals.my.gov/trails/camping.html
We did the 360 mile canal trail in July and it was a great time. Drove from Texas to Buffalo and began our 7 day trip as "turtles" with our stuff in our bike bags. We enjoyed many great BnBs, some clean hotels, and met some really nice people. The trail guide is necessary to help find shuttles and find overnight towns easily. Please look at the hotel reviews; we had a bad hotel experience in Schnectady, but it worked out; again, it could have been prevented if we had read the google reviews beforehand. Around Utica, pay attention, we got lost, due to the signage...never saw signs, had stormy weather, too, but there is always a solution: rented a U-Haul to get us to Little Falls, our overnight town. It really is a trip to do. Beautiful country, wonderful history, fascinating engineering feats. Only 2 flats with 4 riders!
Awesome, Karen. I’m actually headed back to this trail next week. I loved it. Good advice on the reviews-I look to hotels.com as well. Congrats on your ride-sounded like a great adventure!
Thanks for the great videos, Bryan. I live near the halfway point in Canastota and ride sections of the canal regularly. You've inspired me to ride the whole trail this summer. Can't wait!
Thanks for the videos! I enjoy your metered commentary, rather than a stroke by stroke. Your excitement is contagious. I am building up a touring bike, and new tires are in order. Do you have a recommendation? Particularly the width. I'm thinking 34mm; no less than 32 but maybe up to 36, and probably a cyclocross style tread.
Glad you enjoy them. Appreciate the feedback. My bike came with 34s. I just switched to some Pirelli Cinturato gravel tires (40mm). I can’t say it’s a huge difference. Honestly, for me, I can’t find the right pressure. I was over-inflating most of the time. Let me know what you find out. I’d like to learn.
@@RideAlongAdventures I worked in a bike shop for a stint recently and was shocked at the change in pressure philosophy since I rode as a teen. No longer the 115-120psi 1" tires, now low pressure and wide are the rule, even for road bikes. The trend is toward tubeless and 40psi plus/minus, 32 wide for road. Of course off road goes wider, but pressures even lower! Like your adventures, I do R/T with associated gravel/dirt/asphalt/road bits, and absent other guidance I'll look for 34's and run tubes at 45 or recommended on sidewall.
@@ames477 lol. Glad to know others are also “shocked” 😉 or just needing to learn more. I kept burning through tires in a single season until a mechanic said why don’t you lower the psi? Of course, I also own a fat bike which is a whole different beast. Thanks for sharing, randy. Going to keep experimenting.
I’m not sure about the current status because they were doing some bridge work during my last trip but either way you need to climb up a ramp to get over the bridge. It’s gradual but still a climb. And if the repairs are still in effect, you’re sharing that climb with motorists as opposed to a dedicated lane.
For turn by turn directions is the Erie Canal Trail on Ride With GPS? Nice video, have you tried the Mickelson in South Dakota, and the Katy Trail in MO?
Hi, Mike. I did a quick search and found a few end to end but mostly segments. There are a few full guides with mapmyride and traillink. I don’t use these apps as I prefer to get lost. ☺️ I actually hope to do the Katy this summer. I’m headed out for RAGBRAI and I may try to work it in on either side. It’s a long drive from Delaware so I’d better make it worthwhile. 😀
@@RideAlongAdventures If you get a chance, the Katy is great. Enjoy RAGBRAI, I've never done it, but bike toured across IA on the Northern Tier route in 2016. Happy trails.
G'day! I guess it depends on what type of weather you're looking for. I rode it in late Spring before the summer heat hit and it was pleasant afternoons with cooler mornings (May-June). I also rode it just recently in Fall. I understand it can get brutal hot in July to early August. But sometimes I like the heat. Rain is just intermittent...there's no real rainy season.
Probably. 😊 I’m just stubborn about some tech. I downloaded the gpx maps to my Garmin on my last trip. However, I still missed two turns. BUT at least I knew how to get back to the trail. I’m old school about signs. It’s my fault.
So what in particular made the camp sites unsafe? Also what were your previous experiences that led to follow that person's advice? Just looking for context. I've never had to worry about camping in an unsafe spot before as I usually do a lot of dispersed or stealth camping where I live, but occasionally I frequent paid sites and besides noisy neighbors or coyotes I've never really had a problem before. Anyway really cool video and can't wait to add this trail to my list.
Honestly, I think the person meant well but I just didn’t see a problem. I guess at many free sites there are local “characters” who hang out. My personal bad experience was on the C&O canal when a guy demanded a “personal security fee” and got aggressive when I refused. AND it was just me at the camp and night was falling. So I left and ended up in a motel for the night. A few years before that I woke up to a guy rummaging through my bags. When I confronted him, he said he thought they were his bags. He wasn’t mentally well. But again, the problems are rare. And the small towns on the Erie Canal seem extra safe.
Thanks Bryan, I'm literally 5 mins away from the canal trail where it starts in Tonawanda. I am looking forward to it when the weather turns for the better.
@Ride Along Adventures Thanks, I can't wait. I'm gonna do some filming this year, I'll record how close I am. I hope to get out and do a trip in April or May.
You're gonna love it! I'm wavering on doing this again in September or October. I've greatly appreciated all of your Florida riding tips and inspiration--let me know if you have any questions I might be able to answer. (bryan@ridealongadventures.com) The Amtrak folks are fantastic.
Thanks for earlier info, you mentioned motels along the way instead of camping, was getting a room pretty easy each day? Did you have to make reservations? I like camping, but if the camp spots are bad, or it's raining, motels are better. Thanks
Hi, Mike. I made reservations about a week out with no problems. I found bikeeriecanal.com really helpful, good choices. I stuck to the cheaper side of things with exception to the castle in Amsterdam which was a tad expensive. However, I think I’ll give camping a try next trip. Good luck-hope you enjoy yourself!!
I would get rooms ahead of time. Granted you have to stick to a schedule, but it was nice to know where we were staying for the night. Think about a massage sometime during your trip; get all the knots worked out.
Google says a net of about 500' with total rise/fall of 2858'/2411'. Other than in Schenectady (sp) I didn't really notice any big climbs. A few of the roads in the midsection had rollers but again nothing dramatic.
i don't want to mislead you. I've never done that. I'm sure there's a google bike route to the official start (maps.app.goo.gl/oDJ3UbNVD41Tcitb9) but when I look at the map, the first question that comes to mind is where you want to pick up the trail. It looks like you could head north out of the airport and be on the trail (maps.app.goo.gl/W6M8qhzA8ik9VCSbA) well outside of the downtown area, which (no offense to the city of Albany) isn't the greatest to begin with. Just my two cents.
apologies if you get two replies. for some reason, the first one disappeared. My feedback is that I'm sure you can find a google route to the official start nearer to downtown but it also looks like you could come out of the airport and head directly north and pick up the trail well outside of all the urban riding and, no offense to those communities, those aren't exactly my favorite parts of the trail (busy streets, etc.).
the little bit I rode in downtown was busy. There is a great, marked bike path along the Hudson but, in the city it felt like every man for himself. Mind you, I only rode about a mile to a hotel.
Love the videos Bryan. I am planning on this ride in late summer, basically the same way you did. You gave me great advice when I did the GAP/ C&O last year. Do you have any advice on where to park your vehicle in Albany when you took the train? - Thanks!
Hey, glad it was helpful. I parked at the Amtrak station itself. Pretty cheap overall. I parked in the covered area but uncovered was even cheaper. After I finished this video, I thought, damn, I gotta do this trail again. 😉 it’s really special.
If you were to do a shorter trip. Let’s say staying in one spot; & doing like 15 miles each way. Where would your starting point be? That’s taking into consideration, scenery, accessibility, etc?
Wow, that’s a tough one. I think you gotta see Lockport. And head east. However, I don’t want to sell any other part short. It’s a beautiful trail throughout.
I got the guidebook last year to plan a trip and i'm not impressed at all with the way it's laid out. Compared to the GAP/C&O guidebook there's a world of difference. As a camping fan that's one item I want from a guidebook and in this one I'm finding very few places showing camping and they are not along the trail, but a ways off and the book gives no real information about them, not even a name.
Hi Bryan. A quick thanks for sharing your knowledge through these videos. I just finished the trip. It was spectacular. Between the Canal Book, the downloaded GPS trail map, and all your insights, and advice made navigating a breeze. Thanks Again, I really appreciate all the work it takes to put these videos together.
So glad to hear it. That’s a gem of a trail! I’m sure you’ve got memories for life!
I rode the Erie Canal about 20 years ago but did it as part of Cycle the Erie Canal, an organized tour put on by PTNY in July to raise funds to support the canals. I had a great time and met a lot of fun people. They had a truck so you didn't have to carry your camping gear. We set up at a local school each night, either pitching our tents on the school's fields or choosing to sleep in the gym. Breakfast and dinner was included, cooked in the school's cafeteria by locals. There were mid-morning and mid-afternoon refreshment stops included along with a sag wagon in case you break down. A historian came to the camp each night to do a lecture about the local history. We could use the school showers and some schools had a pool. Only about half of the trail was restored so we had to ride on local roads often but there was little traffic due to the interstate and when there was traffic, the shoulder was as wide as another lane (I understand about 85% of the trail in now complete). Which reminds me of a memorable event: my little group came across a dead raccoon in the middle of the shoulder. It had swelled to the size of a basketball, but the trailblazers had tagged it with neon orange spray paint as a warning. After passing, we heard a commotion behind us. Later, we found out that a group of three riders were riding side-by-side talking, not paying attention. The middle rider hit the raccoon, which exploded, spraying their legs and bikes with guts. Bryan likes to say we should be thankful on our bike rides. I certainly was thankful that day... thankful I wasn't the one who hit the raccoon.
I'd like to ride the Erie Canal again sometime, either solo or as part of the PTNY organized tour.
That’s a hilarious story. I’ve heard good things about the PTNY ride. Well run.
Thanks for the current advice on the trail. I have been doing the C&O for 35 years. Back in 1996 I set out to do this one and found it hard to follow so I abandoned it and did a road ride across the state which itself was excellent. Thinking of giving it another try. All info is helpful to hear others experience and insights.
Excellent. Yeah, I think this trail is really exceptional. BUT, I also find it confusing. The guidebook is definitely worth the cost for that reason alone. It's one of those trails that when I've gotten lost, I objectively look at the situation and realize that an additional sign or arrow would have made a world of difference.
Beautiful!
Thank you , very informative.
Glad it was helpful! I really do love that trail. There are certain places that have a history you can feel.
I'm doing this in a week and fully planning on camping quite a bit. I usually take people's comments about safety with a grain of salt as people's perceptions/comfort of safety are so subjective and also skewed by the media they consume and other biases. I'm hoping for lots of nice fall colors in two weeks!
Agreed (on safety). I’m riding it right now. Trees only have a little yellow on the edges. However the weather is fantastic…low 60s-low 70s. I love this trail. Hope you enjoy it!
Very helpful video. Thinking about doing this trail with my two boys 10 and 12 years old.
Go for it! Believe it or not, I’m on right now. 😄 such a great trail. Lots of awesome history. I would have loved this at 10 or 12!
Great video and thanks for the helpful information
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks so much!! We're so excited to do this bike tour!
Have fun! Great, great, great trail.
Thanks for a well put together video. Adding this to the bucket list.
You’re welcome, John. Hope you get to enjoy it. I’m trying to get back there soon as well. It’s really unique. The historical aspect is really different from a lot of other trails.
@@RideAlongAdventures is there any military history sites in that area? Too far north for Civil War but what about Revolutionary War or War of 1812?
@@johnphelan7663 I think it would have missed both. I believe it was built starting in 1817? I’d have to look that one up. Regardless, and I was just talking to someone at a ride yesterday on this topic-it’s easy to get transported back in time on this trail. The small towns, the backwoods sections of the old canal, those bronze statues in Lockport. I’m a history “nerd” but I found a real palpable sense of the significance of the area. Hard to express.
@@RideAlongAdventures many thanks:)
@@johnphelan7663just did a short section around little falls/Herkimer. Theres an historic site, the home of General Herkimer and plaque with info about his involvement in the battle of Oriskany(i think)/ Revolutionary War. He was wounded in battle, returned to the homestead where he died from infection from leg amputation. Very interesting
Rode 1/2 in May 2019 and finished the trail the following year. Was my very first bike adventure!! Have done mini tours each year since. I will be watching more vids for ride suggestions. Thank you.
Congrats on your adventures. Believe it or not, I'm leaving tomorrow to do it again. I really love this trail. I don't know about you but I just felt absolutely caught up in the history. Almost like you could feel it. Safe travels and if any of the vids prompt questions, please reach out.
Thank You for the video. This information You have provided is very helpful.
I am planning on being there this coming September. Unfortunately work is preventing me from being able to pedal the entire. So I will be splitting it up (half this fall and half later).
Thanks again! I will see which other videos you have posted.
Hey, you’re welcome. Thanks for watching. I, too, am hoping to revisit this trail in the Fall. It’s a really great experience. I’ve been fortunate to ride a lot lately and the Erie Canal is at the top.
Great video/information! Planning on riding a portion or portions of this trail soon while on a driving vacation. Unfortunately only have time for a couple half day trips (out and back) on the western half, basically Amherst to Rochester. Looking for any suggestions on "sites not to miss" or best portions of the trail, etc. Appreciate your help. Thanks again for the informative video.
Hi, Karen. First of all, I JUST came back from doing this ride again. You can enjoy the whole, glorious, captivating, dad joke infused experience here: ruclips.net/video/_R2icjmnoXY/видео.html
And somewhere during this video, I believe it is Day 6 or 7, I answered that specific question because it comes up a lot. In my opinion (just my opinion), I think you've got it right. The western section between Lockport and Greece is my favorite part. It's all canal, it's all off-road, it's the beauty of small towns, it's wonderful countryside, crushed gravel trails.
Now, it's still hard to say that because I really enjoy the entire trip. Syracuse is very cool. Little Falls is very interesting. Eastern towns like Amsterdam and Canajoharie are great stops.
In my opinion, the only "not to miss" place is Lockport and you need to read the signs and stick around for a bit to let it sink in. It's an engineering marvel. Without it, the canal might not have been completed across the state. During my first trip, I didn't really grasp what I was seeing. Then I read a book about the staircase of locks (the flight of five) and I realized I needed to go back and take it in.
Enjoy--it's worth the trip!
Thanks! We definitely will plan on doing Lockport to Greece. As we continue driving east we were planning on doing some biking at Little Falls also, glad you recommend that too. We are heading up to bike the Carriage Roads in Bar Harbor, Maine so we won't be to do Syracuse this trip. Thanks again!
Great video, I appreciate the information. I was considering doing this trail this year with accommodations being mostly camping with a couple of hotel stays. But you got me thinking when you said it may not be safe to camp along the trail. Wondering where I could look to get more information on where the "safer" locations may be?
Glad it was helpful! About camping: after my ride, I just didn’t see the safety issues firsthand. I really don’t know why the person I spoke with said what he did. I’ve watched other rider videos and they had a great experience with camping. Yeah, I’ve had a few bad experiences on other trails at hiker-biker sites which is why I listened to the advice. But, if I were to go now, I’d try camping.
There is revised info at: canals.my.gov/trails/camping.html
It’s a toss up between this and the Katy Trail for my big ride next Spring. Great vid.
Both are great choices. Have fun!
We did the 360 mile canal trail in July and it was a great time. Drove from Texas to Buffalo and began our 7 day trip as "turtles" with our stuff in our bike bags. We enjoyed many great BnBs, some clean hotels, and met some really nice people. The trail guide is necessary to help find shuttles and find overnight towns easily. Please look at the hotel reviews; we had a bad hotel experience in Schnectady, but it worked out; again, it could have been prevented if we had read the google reviews beforehand.
Around Utica, pay attention, we got lost, due to the signage...never saw signs, had stormy weather, too, but there is always a solution: rented a U-Haul to get us to Little Falls, our overnight town.
It really is a trip to do. Beautiful country, wonderful history, fascinating engineering feats. Only 2 flats with 4 riders!
Awesome, Karen. I’m actually headed back to this trail next week. I loved it. Good advice on the reviews-I look to hotels.com as well. Congrats on your ride-sounded like a great adventure!
Thanks for the great videos, Bryan. I live near the halfway point in Canastota and ride sections of the canal regularly. You've inspired me to ride the whole trail this summer. Can't wait!
Or, as I like to call it: Castanata. 😉 it is such a beautiful trail. I hope to ride it again this year. Maybe this spring. Enjoy, Richard!
Thanks for the videos! I enjoy your metered commentary, rather than a stroke by stroke. Your excitement is contagious. I am building up a touring bike, and new tires are in order. Do you have a recommendation? Particularly the width. I'm thinking 34mm; no less than 32 but maybe up to 36, and probably a cyclocross style tread.
Glad you enjoy them. Appreciate the feedback. My bike came with 34s. I just switched to some Pirelli Cinturato gravel tires (40mm). I can’t say it’s a huge difference. Honestly, for me, I can’t find the right pressure. I was over-inflating most of the time. Let me know what you find out. I’d like to learn.
@@RideAlongAdventures I worked in a bike shop for a stint recently and was shocked at the change in pressure philosophy since I rode as a teen. No longer the 115-120psi 1" tires, now low pressure and wide are the rule, even for road bikes. The trend is toward tubeless and 40psi plus/minus, 32 wide for road. Of course off road goes wider, but pressures even lower! Like your adventures, I do R/T with associated gravel/dirt/asphalt/road bits, and absent other guidance I'll look for 34's and run tubes at 45 or recommended on sidewall.
@@ames477 lol. Glad to know others are also “shocked” 😉 or just needing to learn more. I kept burning through tires in a single season until a mechanic said why don’t you lower the psi? Of course, I also own a fat bike which is a whole different beast. Thanks for sharing, randy. Going to keep experimenting.
In Albany was it difficult to bike from the East Terminus at Corning Park back to the train station across the Hudson
I’m not sure about the current status because they were doing some bridge work during my last trip but either way you need to climb up a ramp to get over the bridge. It’s gradual but still a climb. And if the repairs are still in effect, you’re sharing that climb with motorists as opposed to a dedicated lane.
Love this video !!
Glad you liked it!
For turn by turn directions is the Erie Canal Trail on Ride With GPS? Nice video, have you tried the Mickelson in South Dakota, and the Katy Trail in MO?
Hi, Mike. I did a quick search and found a few end to end but mostly segments. There are a few full guides with mapmyride and traillink. I don’t use these apps as I prefer to get lost. ☺️
I actually hope to do the Katy this summer. I’m headed out for RAGBRAI and I may try to work it in on either side. It’s a long drive from Delaware so I’d better make it worthwhile. 😀
@@RideAlongAdventures If you get a chance, the Katy is great. Enjoy RAGBRAI, I've never done it, but bike toured across IA on the Northern Tier route in 2016. Happy trails.
G'day from Melbourne Australia. What is the best time of the year for good cycling weather on the Canal?
G'day! I guess it depends on what type of weather you're looking for. I rode it in late Spring before the summer heat hit and it was pleasant afternoons with cooler mornings (May-June). I also rode it just recently in Fall. I understand it can get brutal hot in July to early August. But sometimes I like the heat. Rain is just intermittent...there's no real rainy season.
Can a garmin with navigation keep u from getting lost.
Probably. 😊 I’m just stubborn about some tech. I downloaded the gpx maps to my Garmin on my last trip. However, I still missed two turns. BUT at least I knew how to get back to the trail. I’m old school about signs. It’s my fault.
So what in particular made the camp sites unsafe? Also what were your previous experiences that led to follow that person's advice? Just looking for context. I've never had to worry about camping in an unsafe spot before as I usually do a lot of dispersed or stealth camping where I live, but occasionally I frequent paid sites and besides noisy neighbors or coyotes I've never really had a problem before. Anyway really cool video and can't wait to add this trail to my list.
Honestly, I think the person meant well but I just didn’t see a problem. I guess at many free sites there are local “characters” who hang out.
My personal bad experience was on the C&O canal when a guy demanded a “personal security fee” and got aggressive when I refused. AND it was just me at the camp and night was falling. So I left and ended up in a motel for the night.
A few years before that I woke up to a guy rummaging through my bags. When I confronted him, he said he thought they were his bags. He wasn’t mentally well.
But again, the problems are rare. And the small towns on the Erie Canal seem extra safe.
Thanks Bryan, I'm literally 5 mins away from the canal trail where it starts in Tonawanda. I am looking forward to it when the weather turns for the better.
Dude…you are blessed. I really enjoyed that area. So beautiful. I hope to out there again soon. Hopefully in spring.
@Ride Along Adventures Thanks, I can't wait. I'm gonna do some filming this year, I'll record how close I am. I hope to get out and do a trip in April or May.
@@easternbushytail ok…I’m subscribed to your channel. I’ll keep looking. 😉
Now it's official, I'm riding the Erie Canal Trail in August. I already got the Amtrak ticket to Buffalo.
You're gonna love it! I'm wavering on doing this again in September or October.
I've greatly appreciated all of your Florida riding tips and inspiration--let me know if you have any questions I might be able to answer. (bryan@ridealongadventures.com)
The Amtrak folks are fantastic.
Perfect Timing!!
You were my motivation to get this one done. I’ve had the content ready to go for months. 😉
Thanks for earlier info, you mentioned motels along the way instead of camping, was getting a room pretty easy each day? Did you have to make reservations? I like camping, but if the camp spots are bad, or it's raining, motels are better. Thanks
Hi, Mike. I made reservations about a week out with no problems. I found bikeeriecanal.com really helpful, good choices. I stuck to the cheaper side of things with exception to the castle in Amsterdam which was a tad expensive. However, I think I’ll give camping a try next trip. Good luck-hope you enjoy yourself!!
I would get rooms ahead of time. Granted you have to stick to a schedule, but it was nice to know where we were staying for the night. Think about a massage sometime during your trip; get all the knots worked out.
Great video as always!
Thanks, Kevin. Glad you enjoyed it.
Whats the elevation change going from buffalo to albany?
Google says a net of about 500' with total rise/fall of 2858'/2411'. Other than in Schenectady (sp) I didn't really notice any big climbs. A few of the roads in the midsection had rollers but again nothing dramatic.
Outstanding presentation!
Camping is a must on the canal. The sketchy areas are the most interesting!
Thank you kindly! I really do love this trail. Beautiful throughout.
any 411 on getting from the albany airport to the trail on a bike?
i don't want to mislead you. I've never done that. I'm sure there's a google bike route to the official start (maps.app.goo.gl/oDJ3UbNVD41Tcitb9) but when I look at the map, the first question that comes to mind is where you want to pick up the trail. It looks like you could head north out of the airport and be on the trail (maps.app.goo.gl/W6M8qhzA8ik9VCSbA) well outside of the downtown area, which (no offense to the city of Albany) isn't the greatest to begin with. Just my two cents.
@@RideAlongAdventures yes, i saw that. i just wonder what the roads look like( bike friendly) ?
apologies if you get two replies. for some reason, the first one disappeared. My feedback is that I'm sure you can find a google route to the official start nearer to downtown but it also looks like you could come out of the airport and head directly north and pick up the trail well outside of all the urban riding and, no offense to those communities, those aren't exactly my favorite parts of the trail (busy streets, etc.).
the little bit I rode in downtown was busy. There is a great, marked bike path along the Hudson but, in the city it felt like every man for himself. Mind you, I only rode about a mile to a hotel.
Love the videos Bryan. I am planning on this ride in late summer, basically the same way you did. You gave me great advice when I did the GAP/ C&O last year. Do you have any advice on where to park your vehicle in Albany when you took the train? - Thanks!
Hey, glad it was helpful. I parked at the Amtrak station itself. Pretty cheap overall. I parked in the covered area but uncovered was even cheaper.
After I finished this video, I thought, damn, I gotta do this trail again. 😉 it’s really special.
I ❤... I have relatives from Syracuse to Fort Drum region and it's just quite the experience. Thank you SO much :) native NY'r
Thanks, Autumn. ❤️
Really nice review, Byran. I think the $25 book was the really big uptake for doing this adventure. Thanks for sharing.
Gord
Lol. Certainly made a difference for me.
If you were to do a shorter trip. Let’s say staying in one spot; & doing like 15 miles each way. Where would your starting point be? That’s taking into consideration, scenery, accessibility, etc?
Wow, that’s a tough one. I think you gotta see Lockport. And head east. However, I don’t want to sell any other part short. It’s a beautiful trail throughout.
@@RideAlongAdventures Thank you for the response. I’ll do some research into Lockport.
Music is too loud.
Uhhh, ok.
I got the guidebook last year to plan a trip and i'm not impressed at all with the way it's laid out. Compared to the GAP/C&O guidebook there's a world of difference. As a camping fan that's one item I want from a guidebook and in this one I'm finding very few places showing camping and they are not along the trail, but a ways off and the book gives no real information about them, not even a name.
True. Not as good as the GAP guide. I mostly used the maps.