Extended Adventures With Meaning

By Dave Kraus

Multiday cycling tours across New York State can open the door to whole new worlds for cyclists. Seeing new places, making new friends, and supporting worthy causes are all great reasons to take a look at these three extended tours across the state.

EMPIRE STATE RIDE – The 11th annual Empire State Ride to End Cancer on Saturday-Saturday, July 26-August 2 combines all three of these opportunities. It’s a seven-day, 500+ mile cycling adventure from New York City to Niagara Falls that directly raises funds to fuel lifesaving cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. Roswell Park is one of only 4% of cancer centers that holds comprehensive status from the National Cancer Institute. Roswell Park was designated “exceptional” by the NCI, underscoring the center’s commitment to exceptional patient care research that makes a worldwide impact.

Ride founder Terry Bourgeois originally rode the New York City to Niagara Falls route solo in 2014, and since the first group ride in 2015 with only 10 participants, riders have raised more than $10 million for the cause with $2.2 million raised for cancer research just last year. Nearly 300 riders started the Empire State Ride in 2024 at Wagner College on Staten Island, including 43 cancer survivors, and 258 are already registered in 2025.

Starting from Staten Island, the ride follows the Empire State Trail for three days north to Albany, and heads west to Niagara Falls for four days on the Erie Canalway and Empire State trails. Each day, the average riding distance is approximately 79 miles, with support like catered camping and dining, lunch at staffed rest stops, traffic safety, first-aid, mechanics and scheduled shuttles, shower truck, and much more along the way. There are also hotels available. At the finish, you’ll be welcomed by a mile of cheering, smiling faces as your ride down Old Falls Street in Niagara Falls. From there, enjoy music, food, drinks, vendors, and the eighth wonder of the world – Niagara Falls. 

Chris Heintz from Rutland, Vt., started his participation in the Empire State Ride in 2019. He had previously done a century benefit ride and was looking for a multiday tour and this event was perfect for him. Chris lost his mother to leukemia at age 86, and three of his four brothers have also been diagnosed with the same disease. Fortunately, all three are now cancer survivors. 

“My brothers wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for research,” he said, “And Roswell Park plays a huge role in that. So, my family has experienced the real benefit of cancer research.” The 2025 Empire State Ride will be Chris’ fourth as a rider. The other years he worked as a tour volunteer.

“I’ve had the experience from both sides. I would say this is the best organized event I’ve ever participated in. It’s extremely well-organized and the support you receive as a rider is total. So even if you’re not the strongest of riders you get the sense that people are carrying you along the way.”

“The first day I didn’t know anybody. When we started, I felt like I was an individual doing it all alone, and by the time we got to Niagara Falls we were one big family.” There’s plenty of fundraising support, and it’s open to individuals and teams. Learn more and register: empirestateride.com.

CYCLE THE ERIE CANAL and CYCLE THE HUDSON VALLEY – Both of these multiday tours are offered by Parks & Trails New York, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025. These and other events help support the organization’s work advocating for public lands and driving transformative change that has grown over the years to include trails, outdoor recreation, active transportation, plus bicycle and pedestrian issues.

The 27th annual Cycle the Erie Canal from Saturday-Sunday, July 12-20 is also celebrating the bicentennial of the historic Erie Canal out on the trail! This 400-mile fully-supported bike tour takes riders from Buffalo to Albany in eight days. The relatively flat trail is now more than 85% off-road and suitable for all ages and abilities. 

The third annual Cycle the Hudson Valley takes place from Monday-Saturday, August 4-9, highlighting the communities, culture, history, and scenic landscape of the iconic Hudson Valley. It’s a fully-supported five-day, 200-mile tour from the Albany area, following the Hudson River section of the Empire State Trail, to New York City. The trail is 63% paved, 13% crushed stone dust, and 24% on road. It includes flat and rolling stretches on the trail, some climbs on rural roads, and urban streets that connect gaps of the off-road trail.

Both tours cover 40-60 miles per day, cyclists experience scenic vistas, pivotal history, and some of the best riding anywhere in the Northeast. The tours largely follow the New York Empire State Trail, which winds for 750 miles from Buffalo to Albany, then south to New York City and northward to the Canadian border. 

On both events, riders will have all the support they need as they camp overnight at various locations, with both indoor and outdoor camping, catered food, shower truck, and even optional Comfy Campers services that provide tents, gear rentals and set-up. Hotels are also available. On the road each day there will be staffed rest stops with snacks and drinks, sag and mechanical support, plus baggage transfer to the next daily stop.

PTNY’s Director of Policy and Planning Dylan Carey says they’ve put together rides that will give participants an experience they will want to repeat. “These are more than just bike tours – they’re immersive journeys through some of New York’s most stunning landscapes and rich history. Whether you’re joining for the first time or the 15th, these tours are an unforgettable experience that connects you with the state’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.” 

Cycle the Erie is funded in part through NYS Canal Corporation and Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and Cycle the Hudson partners include Dutchess Tourism, Discover Putnam, Ulster County, and Dutchess Community College. Learn more and register: ptny.org.

This year marks 200 years of the Erie Canal with special events taking place all summer long, so it’s a momentous year to join the Empire State Ride and Cycle the Erie Canal.

Dave Kraus (dbkgrafik@gmail.com) is a road and gravel cyclist, photographer, writer, and professional cycling tour guide who would be happy to show your bike tour group a great time all over the Great Northeast. Visit: ciclismoclassico.com/guides/dave-kraus.