The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Erie Canal and the Finger Lakes

June 8th to June 21st

Ride Director: Rick Madden
Ride Co-Director: Sarah Madden
Report by: Diane Sanchez Costello

Erie Canal and the Finger Lakes Tour was advertised as a hidden gem in Western New York and this description did not disappoint. About 3 months before the tour began, we received weekly emails describing in detail each day’s cycling adventure. As the tour date grew closer, we were filled with anticipation and ready to experience this breathtaking scenery, fabulous cycling, and gorgeous rolling terrain.

Upon check-in at our hotel, when we picked up our welcome package we noticed the usual route sheets, maps, and pens, but as we dug deeper we found delicious snacks and munchies that Sarah had gathered from the towns we would soon be traveling through. A thoughtful delicious welcome to the Finger Lakes.

Each day we set off with route sheets, maps, and GPS routes that were without a doubt the best I have ever seen. Never a question about which way to go, what sights to see, or even where to take that always important comfort stop. Need a pick me up along the way? Just when you needed it the most Rick or Sarah appeared in the van to offer water or snacks. On one especially difficult day we were surprised at the top of the third hill with freshly baked concord grape, apple, blackberry, and cherry PIE!

History abounds in this area and we were soon on the lookout for roadside historical markers as we cruised the lightly traveled smooth roads. The Erie Canal, Oliver House Museum, and Cornell University offered insights into the past. As we rode through Geneva, my attention was drawn to a unique front yard, instead of the usual flowers, Mary’s Bicycle Garden was filled with cycles of all shapes and sizes. As I admired the garden, Mary came out to greet me and I learned that she is 83 years young, stills enjoys cycling, has been collecting artifacts for her cycle garden for many many years, and she keeps a journal of all who visit her garden. I was happy to include our BAC tour in her journal. Ride on Mary!

The homes and cottages on the lakes are beautiful from the street, but we were fortunate to have the opportunity to enjoy their beauty from the water while on our sunset dinner cruise in Skaneateles. While staying at the William Henry Miller Inn in Ithaca for 2 nights we were pampered by the 2012 National Inn Keeper of the year with beautifully plated, delicious breakfasts and scrumptious snacks. We enjoyed our stay at the Inn on the Lake in Canandaigua, and yes our rooms were lakefront! Hiking through the Watkins Glen State Park’s stunning gorge, we were mesmerized by 17 waterfalls, or maybe it was the 800 stone steps we climbed to see them all.

As we cycled past expansive farm and dairy lands, we learned more and more about the Mennonite people whose common means of transportation is bicycle or horse and buggy. We were offered many a wave and warm smile from those we passed. One special high point of the tour was attending the New York Haiti Benefit Auction and Dinner where we dined in the company of several Mennonite families and even participated in the auction, what a magical experience.

Sarah and Rick Madden’s attention to detail is unsurpassed and they take pride in introducing their hidden gem, Western New York, to their fellow cyclists. Thank you Rick and Sarah for a wonderful tour!