Folks Can Register for Tour the Towpath and the Cruise At

August 6-7, 2016

Tour the Towpath is a 36 mile supported recreational bike ride which begins in DeWitt and follows the Old Erie Canal Towpath to Canalfest in Rome NY. The route is mostly off-road and there are lots of organized and spontaneous things to discover along the way! It is a family friendly event and open to cyclists of all abilities. Riders will receive a map and guide to the many attractions, museums, restaurants, and shops, and historic sites that they can explore in the communities that the route encounters on the way from DeWitt to Rome. The bike ride can be completed in either one or two days, with overnight camping accommodations including live music, swimming, and showers being arranged in Canastota for the two day riders. Luggage transportation will be available between DeWitt, Canastota, and Rome. For both one and two day riders, an exciting addition in 2016 is an optional 2 hour celebratory cruise hosted by Erie Canal Cruises on Sunday August 7th. From 4-6pm riders will cruise the Barge Canal from Bellamy Harbor Park in Rome through Lock 21 and back. The cruise will include appetizers and a cash bar, and the captain from Erie Canal Cruises will narrate the ride. Upon return, riders are welcome to enjoy Rome’s Canalfest which includes fireworks. Syracuse Bicycle and event staff will assist riders who have technical difficulties- bike related or otherwise. No one will be left behind. Price for Tour the Towpath is $30 for adults, $15 for kids (for either 1 or 2 day option), and 6 and under are free. The 2 hour celebratory boat cruise with Erie Canal Cruises is only $10 if purchased in advance and $25 on the day of the event. The 2 hour boat cruise is also open to non-riders. Family members and other non-cyclists are welcome to purchase a cruise-only ticket.

Folks can register for Tour the Towpath and the cruise at https://www.usacycling.org/register/2016- 1692

Get more info at Town of DeWitt website: http://www.townofdewitt.com/TourtheTowpath.aspx or at the new Facebook page for the Old Erie Canal at https://www.facebook.com/OldErieCanal/