Senior Cycling

Tour Schedule

Niagara Falls - Erie Canal 2023

Niagara Falls - Erie Canal 2023 #1

July 23 - 28, 2023 | $2,275 | Sold Out
This form stopped accepting submissions on July 23, 2023 3:00 pm EDT.

Niagara Falls - Erie Canal 2023 #2

Sept. 24 - 29, 2023 | $2,275 | Sold Out
This form stopped accepting submissions on September 24, 2023 3:00 pm EDT.

Niagara Falls (consisting of Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the American Falls) is one of North America's Seven Natural Wonders and must be experienced  up close to be appreciated. The scenic Erie Canal, completed in 1825 to connect the Great Lakes to New York City via the Hudson River, is steeped in history. Cycling the Erie Canalway Trail is on many peoples’ bucket list, for good reason! Over 4 more days of riding (after spending Day 1 taking in the splendor of Niagara Falls and Fort Niagara State Park from our saddles), we'll explore the unique offerings of several canal villages and towns starting with Lockport and its famous Flight of Five historic locks, cycle through picturesque countryside, local farms and big open skies and get an up-close look at the structures used to operate the canal, including locks, lift bridges, and guard gates. After two nights in our riverfront hotel in Niagara Falls, we'll spend 1 night in the village of Medina and two nights in Rochester, with Day 4 consisting of an out-and-back to Lake Ontario Beach State Park along the Genesee Riverway Trail. On Friday we'll continue riding east as far as Palmyra before returning to Niagara Falls by van. Since arrival in Niagara Falls will be around 5 pm, we're offering an OPTIONAL night's stay at the hotel we started from, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls

About 182 miles in 5 days of riding

Tour Leaders: Nick Harding and Michael Robinson


Included

Overnight accommodations for 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, sag support, entrance to State Parks we visit


Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Sunday evening

    We'll meet at 5:00 pm at our hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls to introduce ourselves and discuss what the week of cycling will look like. Then we'll walk over to the century old Red Coach Inn, the city's most distinctive historic structure, for our evening meal in the Restaurant.

  • Day 2 - Monday

    Today we will cycle westerly along Niagara Falls city streets to Prospect Point Park at the precipice of Niagara Falls and enjoy the thundering water. From Prospect Point Park, we will continue north along the east side of the Niagara River, past the Rainbow International Bridge, the Whirlpool National Bridge, along the river rapids, and down to Fort Niagara State Park along Lake Ontario for a picnic lunch. Optional visit inside Fort Niagara is $7. Following lunch, we will cycle back to Niagara Falls to enjoy the afternoon exploring shops and attractions. Total mileage 30 miles.

  • Day 3 - Tuesday

    Today we will cycle on city streets for about 20 miles (along NYS Bike Rte. 5) through Niagara Falls, NY to the Erie canal path south of Lockport, NY. Following lunch on your own and a visit in Lockport, we will continue east along the canal path to the village of Medina, NY, staying trailside at the historic Hart House Hotel. Total mileage is about 45 very flat miles.

  • Day 4 - Wednesday

    Today we'll continue riding east along the Erie Canalway Trail all the way to Rochester, NY. We will be passing through the port villages of the canal, to include Albion, Holly (lunch stop, on your own), Brockport, Spencerport and into Monroe County and to the hotel. Tonight – dinner is a classic NY (Rochester or Syracuse) experience – at the Dinosaur Barbecue restaurant downtown. Total mileage is 50 miles of flat canal path -- but as with every day, the van is available for those who may want to ride less.

  • Day 5 - Thursday

    Today we will do a tour ride north on the Genesee River Trailway, through downtown Rochester, to Lake Ontario State Park where we'll enjoy lunch at the waterfront Pelican's Nest Restaurant, right next to the historic Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse, then ride back through Rochester to our hotel. This ride features numerous parks, waterfalls, beautiful architectural bridges, and attractions like a historic - and still operating - carousel from 1905, as well as the Seneca Park Zoo designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Mileage is 16 miles each way, with a ~300' elevation drop to Lake level, and climb on the way back!

  • Day 6 - Friday

    On our final day, we'll continue east along the Canalway Trail to the village of Palmyra, NY. Today’s ride will take us through the port villages of Pittsford, Fairport and Macedon. You can plan to stop and shop along the way and enjoy lunch on your own. After a short walking tour of the Village, at 2:00 we'll load the bikes in the trailer and embark for a 2 hour van ride back to our starting hotel in Niagara Falls. Another night's stay here ($240 including tax) is OPTIONAL -- please select the ticket at registration if desired. Mileage is 25-30 depending your adventuring spirit!


Difficulty Level: Intermediate PLUS

This tour’s routes include about 20 miles of "on the road” cycling on Day 2 along NYS Bike Rte. 5 through Niagara Falls, NY to the Erie canal path south of Lockport, NY, then crushed stone and paved trail on the Erie Canal Trail.  Days 1 and 3, with mileage of about 30 miles, include some moderate hills.  Day 2's mileage is about 45 miles, and Day 4's is nearly 50, although the support van is always available for those wishing to ride less. The routes are suitable for all bicycles. The Erie Canal Trail is a bit more level and generally easy riding, however, it is not paved.

Suggested tire size for this tour: 28mm and larger 


Pricing

$2,275 per person (based on double occupancy)

$475 – Single Supplement (extra price to have your own room)

$241OPTIONAL Friday night July 28th stay at conclusion of trip (DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls, per room) 

$150 – Bike Rental (helmet and bike bag included)


Your Travel Plans

For this tour we meet riders at 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 23 at our riverfront hotel in Niagara Falls, the Doubletree by Hilton Niagara Falls. The trip ends on Friday, July 28.  Because we'll get back to Niagara Falls late in the afternoon that day, we're offering an OPTIONAL additional night's stay at the Group rate of $240 (including the 21% combined state & local rooms tax!) -- a Friday night in July is peak pricing.

If you are traveling by air, Buffalo Niagara International Airport is 25 miles from the hotel, while Niagara Falls International Airport is just 8 miles. We return you to our opening hotel at the end of the trip.

If you are driving, you drive to the hotel. We return you there at the close of the trip.  You may leave your car there during the trip for a TOTAL cost of just $22.50.


Your Lodging Plans

Your lodging from Sunday, July 23 through Thursday, July 27 is included. Another night's lodging on the day the trip ends, Friday, July 28, is OPTIONAL -- choose the Ticket for the extra night's stay.

  • The base cost of this trip is $2,275 per person (double occupancy)
  • Single supplement fee is $475.
  • Because our return to Niagara Falls at the conclusion of the trip is expected to be in the late afternoon, we have arranged (made a block reservation) for an OPTIONAL night's stay at the hotel where we begin the week, the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls for the direct cost, $241 (including taxes).
  • 50% of the total is a required deposit, due upon registration
  • The remainder is due 60 days prior to departure date. (Due date April 23) Cancellation details: If you cancel by 60 days prior to departure date, you will receive a 90% refund. If you cancel less than 60 days prior to departure date you will not receive a refund.
  • Please purchase trip insurance. We trust Allianz Travel Insurance. https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com
  • If we cancel due to not meeting our minimum number of riders, we will refund 100% of your payment. This decision will be made no later than thirty (30) days prior to the trip.

Niagara Falls - Erie Canal 2023 #1

July 23 - 28, 2023 | $2,275 | Sold Out
This form stopped accepting submissions on July 23, 2023 3:00 pm EDT.

Niagara Falls - Erie Canal 2023 #2

Sept. 24 - 29, 2023 | $2,275 | Sold Out
This form stopped accepting submissions on September 24, 2023 3:00 pm EDT.