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‘Enjoy the Ride’: 630 cyclists head to Albany for 8-day bike ride along the Erie Canal

Theo

LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WKBW) — The eight-day Erie Canal is underway, the largest multi-day bike tour in New York State, with nearly 630 cyclists of all ages traveling from Buffalo to Albany.

The riders hit the road on Sunday and took time to rest in Lockport.

A rider tells 7 News reporter Yoselin Person that she is happy to be doing the adventure again this year.

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“I think nature is wonderful. Being on the road and feeling the earth beneath your feet as you go through many different areas of beautiful New York State,” says cyclist Jeanne-Marie Teves.

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You may be wondering what happens if a tire blows out.

Well, retired engineer Ken Nawrocki has been involved with this event for eight years as a mechanic who travels with the riders in his trailer and is there if anyone has technical problems.

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“We don’t want people to take the dump truck. If they have a major mechanical problem, they bring it to us. We fix it,” he said. “And if we can keep it moving for the rest of the day, great. If not, we have them come to camp at night and do the major repairs at night.”

And he loves doing what he does.

“The reason is that it’s not full of self-important cyclists,” Nawrocki said. “It’s full of normal people doing something extraordinary with their lives.”

This event is sponsored by Parks and Trails New York.

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“It’s a nonprofit organization. It promotes community planning and pedestrian and bike areas,” said John Lawler, coordinator of the Erie Canal Ride. “It’s part of a healthy lifestyle and promoting the Erie Canal by going through these historic towns.”

The entire route is approximately 400 miles long, giving participants the opportunity to connect with other cyclists.

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“It’s a super energetic group of people from all walks of life,” says Jeanne-Marie.

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