Tools

Hundreds of cyclists pass through Mohawk Valley as they bike from Buffalo to Albany

By WKTV News

Story Created: Jul 15, 2011 at 4:46 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 15, 2011 at 5:25 PM EDT

SCHUYLER, N.Y. (WKTV) - Friday turned out to be a beautiful day for a bike ride, which was good news for the hundreds of cyclists who were passing through the area en route to Albany.

Hundreds of bikers enjoyed the summer scenery of the Mohawk Valley as they took part in what is known as the annual Cycling the Erie Canal Bike Tour.

500 bikers were spending eight days traveling 400 miles, beginning in Buffalo and eventually ending in Albany.

Friday's 60-mile leg brought the group from Rome to Utica, Schuyler and Little Falls. After a break in Little Falls, the cyclists were headed toward Canajoharie, where they would spend the night and continue on the next morning.

70 year old cyclist Patrick DeMichele, of Hamden, Connecticut said that riding a bike is the best way to take in the scenery as you travel.

"When you're on a bicycle, you not only see the sights, but you feel the sights," DeMichele said. "All your senses are satisfied. You see, you smell, you hear, where as in a vehicle all you can do is see through the windshield."

This is the 13th annual tour. Overnight, the bikers sleep over at camping accommodations along their route. Thursday night they set up tents at Fort Stanwix in Rome.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On