Ride Director Comments

A unique BAC tour. Please read the Ride Description carefully and contact the ride director with any questions. This tour in not being scouted. The ride leaders are very familiar with NY State, and the Empire State Trail is well publicized with downloadable routes. The leaders have also consulted other BAC members who live in Canada about riding from the border to Montreal and Quebec City. Transportation back to participants' starting point is not included in the tour costs. If you are looking for an adventure, come join us!

Ride Description

OVERVIEW: This will be the New York State and Quebec Canada bicycle experience of a lifetime!  We will meet in Albany, NY to get organized and begin our our adventure on the Empire State Trail.  After the intial meeting and 4 days of riding south along the Hudson River we will arrive in NYC.  We will spend one night in Manhattan and then on the evening of day 6 take a private coach back to Albany. Participants will have day 6 to explore lower Manhattan prior to boarding the shuttle. (A box truck will be used to transport bicycles.)  After a good night's rest in Albany, we will begin our five day journey north, through the Champlain Valley toward Rouses Point, the Canadian border, and Montreal.  Our second rest day will be in Montreal.  Once we leave Montreal, we will have three more days of pedaling along the St. Lawrence River, to our final destination in Quebec City. There are 12 mandatory riding days totaling approximately 618 miles.  

The Ride Leaders of this tour are partnering with the ride leaders of Part I: Erie Canal Heritage Trail tour, Chuck and Joan Feerick, to offer riders the opportunity to ride the entire Empire State Trail (Buffalo to Albany, NYC to Rouses Point, NY 750 miles) and beyond to Quebec City (242 miles). Chuck and Joan Feerick are leading Part I: The Erie Canal Heritage Trail from Buffalo to Albany which will then be followed by Part  II: The Empire state Trail-New York City to Rouses Point, NY and onwards to Quebec City.  Albany will be the finish location of Part I and the starting location of Part  II.  Priority will be given to participants registered for both tours. 

The Empire State Trail is a multi-use trail in New York State that was proposed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in January 2017 and completed in December 2020. The trail runs from Manhattan north to the Canadian border in Rouses Point near the northern tip of Lake Champlain, and also from Buffalo to Albany.  Click on the following link for more information on the Empire State Trail:  https://empiretrail.ny.gov/

There will be lots of opportunities for history lessons along the way as we pass through many towns dating back to the Revolutionary War time.  Along our ride, participants will have the opportunity to experience the diversity of New York State: urban, suburban and rural.  A pass to tour Fort Ticonderoga (Revolutionary War site) is included. Ausable Chasm is also a nice scenic spot to explore just north of Keeseville, and in Montreal we will enjoy the city from the Saint Lawrence River on a scenic boat cruise (included).

The hotel in Quebec City may be booked for additional nights at the group rate for those wishing to spend some time visiting this quaint city.)

Participants must have a passport that is valid through September/October of 2024.    

Participants will be responsible for securing their own transportation back at the end of this tour.  

HEALTH & SAFETY: Vaccinations for Covid are recommended, but not required. Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Prior to the final payment for the tour, an infectious disease plan will be developed and communicated. The plan will identify possible actions for dealing with any person with an infectious disease on the tour that could affect their ability to ride or the health of others in the group. The plan will include items such as isolation protocols, testing, masking, distancing, and leaving the tour.  (At this time, proof of COVID-19 vaccination, pre-testing and quarantine are not require to enter Canada.)  The exchange rate used was $.80 for calculating the cost of the hotel in Canada. 

RIDE RATING: The ride rating for this tour is 1C. The average mileage per day is 54.5 miles. There are 12 required riding days on this point-to-point ride with two rest days  (38, 48, 48,  64, R, 57, 54, 49, 62, 62, R, 48, 52, 72 miles). The daily elevation gains do not exceed 1500 feet. The route will not be scouted in advance.  The ride leaders are using online resources and points of contact to plan this adventure.  

BICYCLES: Single, tandem and e-bikes are welcome. The majority of the ride from Albany to NYC  is on paved trail; however, there are a few short gravel sections and a few road sections. The ride leaders suggest a minimum tire size of 28mm. From Albany to Rouses Point we will be riding on roads with shoulders and signage for bicycles.  From Rouses Point to Quebec City the surface is paved bicycle paths and designated roads for bicyclists. Participants are expected to be comfortable riding on all types of surfaces and weather.  Participants are also expected to be able to change their own flat tire and address minor bicycle repairs.  At the present time, the ride leaders are not aware of a bicycle rental place in Albany.

LUGGAGE: There will not be S.A.G. service except for emergencies. We will be renting a cargo trailer to transport luggage which has limited storage. We request that each rider please limit their luggage to one medium suitcase/duffel (25 - 35 lb. max) and a small backpack. 

WEATHER: Late summer in Upstate New York is usually comfortably warm and dry with average mid-September highs of ~75 and lows of ~55 degrees. That said, the weather is famously variable and temperatures can run +/- 10 degrees from these averages. Rain is always a possibility, so one must be prepared by bringing warm base layers and rain gear.   

RWGPS FILES: Electronic Ride with GPS (RWGPS) files will be posted and available for download under Ride Leader Docs. A RWGPS Event will be created and a link sent to participants for download.  No hard copy cue sheets will be provided but participants may print their own maps and cue sheets from the RWGPS files. 

LODGING & MEALS: Lodging will feature a combination of modern chain hotels (Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn, Best Western, Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn Express) and local classic inns and hotels. Meals to be provided include four group dinners (Albany, Keeseville, Montreal, and Quebec City), breakfasts most mornings at the hotels (continental style), and fourteen happy hours. 

LOGISTICS: Arrive on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the Hampton Inn and Suites Albany, NY. Social hour will begin at 5:00 pm followed by a group dinner.  The hotel in Quebec City has agreed to honor the group rate for those wishing to extend their stay at the end of the tour. We are working on negotiating a discounted parking fee at the hotels in Albany and Quebec City (for convenience of where you choose to leave your vehicle if driving).  The ride concludes in Quebec City on Sunday, September 29, 2024.  

Participants will be responsible for securing their own transportation at the end of this tour and any additional hotel nights, if wishing to stay longer, in Quebec City.(The hotel in Quebec City will honor the group rate for those wishing to add additional nights.)  Buses, trains, airplanes, and rental cars are your options between Quebec City and Albany (or Buffalo, NY) for your return..  www.Rome2Rio.co is a transportation website that may be helpful in making arrangements.   

Participants who choose NOT TO return to Albany (or Buffalo) after this tour may need to ship their bike boxes to Quebec City at the participant's expense.  

COST AND ADMINISTRATION: The estimated tour cost is $3,500 per person which includes: 15 nights lodging, breakfast most mornings at the hotel, 4 group dinners, 14 happy hours, a cargo trailer for luggage, bike transport from Albany to New York City. Also included is a private bus shuttle to Albany from NYC, parking for the truck and cargo trailer at a few hotels, 2 group special events (tour of Fort Ticonderoga and scenic tour in Montreal by boat).  The exchange rate of $.80 was used to calculate the cost of the Canadian hotels. 

The cost does not include additional lodging before or after the start of the trip, bike rental, parking fees, or the cost of transportation back to your starting location. 

A deposit of $2,000 is required within two weeks of ride acceptance. A second payment of $1000 will be due on March 1, 2024 and the estimated final payment of $500 is duly by July 1, 2024.  The solo rider supplement is estimated to be an additional $1,744 and is due on March 1, 2024.  The solo supplement will also be adjusted accordingly when hotel contracts are secured in September of 2023. Solo supplement payments need to be sent to the BAC office by March 1, 2024. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check. They should be mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193. 

SINGLES & SOLOS POLICY:  A “single” is a member who signs up by himself or herself and wishes to share a room with another participant. A “solo” is a member who signs up by himself or herself and does not wish to share a room. It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. After receipt of the initial deposit, a single person without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until March 1, 2024 to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fee) or pay the $1,850 solo supplement and stay on the ride. If a single person pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. If the single finds a roommate the solo supplement will be returned. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride.

CANCELLATION POLICY:  The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY: Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions. 

Because this tour will be in both the United State and Canada, please read both insurance statements. BAC Insurance on US Tours: Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents. This coverage applies when touring inside the US, regardless of your nationality. It’s assumed that members’ personal insurance will cover medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, so these have not been included in the BAC policy. Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible. You may want to consider personal coverage for emergency evacuation, as this is not included. The costs of treatment or quarantine for Covid and other unexpected illnesses are not covered.   You should ensure your vaccinations are up to date.

BAC Insurance on International Rides (While in Canada):When touring outside the United State, but in Canada; BAC also maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, and repatriation. This coverage applies when touring outside the US, regardless of your nationality, with the exception of Canadians cycling within Canada who are not covered. It will cover you door-to-door for a maximum of 90 days but will expire if you make a side trip not related to the BAC tour for more than 7 days before or after. There is limited coverage for a family member to join a covered person in an emergency. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine. Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. 

SIGN-UP: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee and Tour Deposit by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.