Bicycling in Rochester and Upstate, NY

and information on bicycling in Ontario, Canada.

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Books

Purchasing a book through these links helps support InfoRochester.com. 

• Backroad Bicycling in the Finger Lakes Region: 30 Tours for Road and Mountain Bikes, Fourth Edition.  by Mark Roth, Sally Walters, TNMC Bike Club.  "An updated edition of the classic guidebook to a cyclist's paradise.
  
  New York State's Finger Lakes region is indeed a paradise for recreational cyclists. In addition to the lakes themselves—closely grouped, deep, cool "fingers" among the hills—cyclists will find waterfalls and gorges, wineries and museums, cities and farms all connected by an extensive network of well-maintained roads.
  
  Mark Roth and Sally Walters' collection of tours has long been a trusted companion of cyclists in the Finger Lakes region. Now the members of the Thursday Night Men's Club (TNMC)—a club devoted to biking and outdoor recreation in the Finger Lakes—have revisited and revised each scenic tour.
  
  Backroad Bicycling in the Finger Lakes Region includes clear mile-by-mile directions, detailed maps (with cues), and notes on the history and culture of this unique region. 30 black & white photos, 25 maps."
• Cycling the Erie Canal: A guide to 400 miles of adventure and history along the Erie Canalway Trail.  "An indispensable resource for dedicated cyclists planning to bike across the state or the casual rider looking to take the family out for a couple of hours. Great for walkers, hikers, in-line skaters, boaters and auto travelers, too." Published by Parks & Trails New York.   
• Rich and Sue Freeman Guidebooks Comment:  If you don't own copies of Rich and Sue Freeman's guidebooks, you are missing out on the best places to hike, bike, canoe, or tour in the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York and the Bruce Trail in Canada.  Their books are well written and their directions easy to follow.  Highly recommended. You can also visit their Web site at Footprint Press.
• Regional Bicycle Guides by Harvey Botzman available through Amazon.com.

Multimedia

• DVDs about bicycling available through Amazon.com.
• Video tapes about bicycling available through Amazon.com.

Organizations

• Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails.  "Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails is preserving these abandoned rail corridors for conversion into safe off-road trails for recreational use: walking, running, hiking, bicycling, cross country skiing, bird watching (over 170 species identified) and horseback riding.
  
  These trails provide public access through scenic woodlands, wetlands and flowering meadows, offering trail users opportunities to observe the plants, animals and birds found in areas otherwise remote from highways and roads.
  
  The trails are available for outdoor recreational activities and environmental study for the public at large and for group outings sponsored by schools, scouts, churches and service organizations."
• Finger Lakes Cycling Club, Ithaca, NY.  "The FLCC is active with sponsored riding from April through October. In addition there are many rides initiated through our excellent bike shops and weekly informal gatherings that regularly top sixty riders.
  
  The Finger Lakes area is characterized by "rolling" hills and steep climbs that test your low gears and quads. It is pretty hard to find long flat sections of road in our area, which may be the training secret that enables local riders to usually do well in road and mountain bike racing. That same rolling countryside gives us spectacular scenery for all our riding with views of mixed hardwood forests, deep gorges, and long deep valleys and lakes. The Finger Lakes area is prime touring and mountain biking territory. Our climate is that of the Great Lakes region. There are long, pleasant summers having typical afternoon temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s---perfect for cycling. Fall colors, which peak in mid to late October, rival those of northern New England." 
• Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway.  "The mission of the Friends is to establish and maintain a public, multi-use trail and natural greenway corridor along the abandoned Genesee Valley Canal and its successor, the Pennsylvania Railroad, Rochester Division, from the Erie Canal Heritage Trail in Rochester, NY to Hinsdale, Cattaraugus County, NY."
• Friends of Webster Trails.  "To manage and promote the Hojack Trail, Vosburg Hollow Wild Area and other trails and linear parks in partnership with the Town of Webster for educational and recreational purposes." 
• Genesee Transportation Council.  "The U.S. Department of Transportation requires every metropolitan area with a population over 50,000 to have a designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to qualify for receipt of federal highway and transit funds. The Governor of New York State designated the Genesee Transportation Council (GTC) as the MPO responsible for transportation planning in the nine-county Genesee-Finger Lakes region, which includes Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties." 
• Genesee Valley Cycling Club.  "The Genesee Valley Cycling Club is dedicated to the promotion and development of road racing in Monroe and the surrounding counties. Affiliated with the United States Cycling Federation and USA Cycling, the club holds weekly Tuesday night training races throughout the racing season (April through late September), complimented by Thursday criteriums and time trials. The season culminates with a stage race and a picnic in early September."
• Highlander Cycle Tour.  "The Highlander Cycle Tour is the premier cycling tour in the entire northeast and arguably in North America. With options ranging from family friendly, scenery-filled courses to some of the most challenging routes imaginable. Ranging from 11 to 120 miles, on or off-road, there’s something for everyone. The center piece is a full-century ride simulating a natural roller-coaster with dozens of climbs, over 10,000’ of climb on grades up to 23%, and stunning vistas of lakes, mountains, and vineyards. The ride includes bountiful rest stops, a full post-ride dinner, a huge rider goodie bag, including a custom labeled bottle of wine or juice from Arbor Hill Winery, tech wear, and more. With live music, grape pies, a full expo and silent auction opportunity, the Highlander is a true gem hidden among the Finger Lakes. A true destination event for all."   
• Greece Erie Canal Committee.  Contact: crowns2@aol.com.  Oversees the 390 Highway Bike Path in Greece. 
• Mendon Foundation.  "The Mendon Foundation is the first and only member-directed not-for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting the rich cultural heritage of the communities in and adjacent to Southeastern Monroe County. Our all-volunteer organization enriches the lives of our members and their community by working with the local municipal governments, major contributors and local residents to preserve, protect and enhance the scenic, natural, recreational, structural and historical resources of critical cultural significance."
• Onondaga Cycling Club, Syracuse, NY.  "The Onondaga Cycling Club is a Central New York non-profit which organizes cycling events. The club schedules and conducts bicycle rides, tours, races, and time trials from March through December throughout the Central New York area. We also conduct meetings and social events throughout the year. In 2004, 311 people participated in club rides and they rode 104,489 combined miles. We welcome riders of all abilities." 
• Parks & Trails New York.  "Parks & Trails New York is the only organization working statewide to protect New York's parks and help communities create new parks. Founded in 1985, PTNY has grown from a small group of park advocates to over 2600 members from every region of the state.
  
  Our mission is to protect and advocate for existing parks and the state's natural and historic resources, and to promote the creation of new kinds of parks such as greenways, rail trails and heritage corridors...
  
  ...New kinds of parks, such as greenways, rail and canal trails, and other linear parks, provide green corridors connecting cities, villages, countryside, and natural areas. Heritage corridors protect and promote regional and state history. All of these parks-both traditional and new-play a role in the quality of life for all New Yorkers."
  • Greenways and Trails.
    • Trail Finder Maps.
      • Rochester area maps.  
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC).  "We promote policy at the national and state levels to create the conditions that make trail building possible. RTC is a leader in the fight to protect the federal Transportation Enhancements program, which is the largest source of funding for trail development. We steadfastly defend the federal railbanking statute in the Congress and the courts as an essential tool to preserve unused rail corridors.
  
  We catalyze action at the local level by providing the information, technical assistance and training that local trail builders need to succeed.
  
  We provide leadership to the trails and greenways movement. We are developing an innovative Regional Trails and Greenways Initiative designed to make trails an essential component of the emerging smart growth and livable communities movement."  User their Trail Finder to locate trails in our area. 
• R.A.R.E. - Rochester Area Recumbent Enthusiasts.  "We are an informally organized group of recumbent enthusiasts. Our unwritten charter is to promote and advocate recumbent cycling by gathering together for informal group rides, and offering interested cyclists an opportunity to meet and talk with us about "bents", see these machines on rides, and possibly try them out on short test rides. The highlight of our season is a weekend cycling event with a camping option known as the R2k (short for RARE2000 - the first year of this annual event). More information through our website."    
• Rochester Bicycling Club.  "The RBC is Rochester's recreational cycling source. Dedicated to promote cycling for health and well being."
• Rochester Parks Department.
• Victor Hiking Trails, Victor, N.Y. 
  • "Create and maintain foot trails in the Town of Victor. Promote a meaningful relationship with nature.
    Promote individual responsibility for protecting the environment.
  • Provide recreational activity through walking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.
  • Provide education to the public through nature interpretation, historical information and proper use of trails.
  • Promote good relationships with all people (landowners, government officials, adjacent townships, and trail users)."
• Western New York Mountain Biking Association (WNYMBA).  "WNYMBA is an acronym for the Western New York Mountain Biking Association. This organization was formed in 1992 in reverse the trend of trail closings throughout Western New York. Our primary mission is to stop trail closures, work toward improving access to existing trails and the construction of new trails. We do this through mountain bike advocacy, trail maintenance work, and rider education. With your help, we have been successful in these efforts, and have some great riding opportunities in Western New York today."

Products

Purchasing bicycle products through the link below helps support this Web site.

• Bicycle products available from Amazon.com.

Trails in the Rochester and Upstate, New York Region

• 390 Highway Bike Path in Greece.  Greece Erie Canal Committee.  Contact: crowns2@aol.com. 
• Cayuga County Trails.
  • Auburn-Fleming Trail.
  • Erie Canal Trail.
• Clarence Pathways, Multi-use Trails in the Town of Clarence, Erie County.
• Genesee Valley Greenway.  "The Genesee Valley Greenway is one of hundreds of greenways being developed across the nation along old canals, abandoned rail beds, and riverbanks. It passes through scenic woodlands, river and stream valleys, rolling farmlands, steep gorges, and historic villages located in sixteen towns in Monroe, Livingston, Wyoming, Allegany, and Cattaraugus counties in New York State." 
• Historic Erie Canal & Railroad Loop Trail, Pittsford, NY. Pittsford Parks Department.
• Hojack Trail, Cayuga, County.  "This off-road, multi-use trail extends from Red Creek through the Town of Sterling to the Village of Fair Haven. Permitted uses include hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The Hojack Trail extends west into Wayne County and east into Oswego County."

• Rochester area Canalway maps.
• Ontario Pathyways,  Canandaigua, NY.

• Map
• Seaway Trail.  "The New York State Seaway Trail is a 454 mile scenic route paralleling Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. A well-marked alternative to super highways and modern toll roads, the Seaway Trail leads to eye-opening treasures you might otherwise overlook. Traveling the Trail takes you to sophisticated cities, quaint villages, your favorite fishing port, and dozens of family attractions, restaurants, accommodations and shops. Come visit us soon. We'll help make your next vacation one you'll remember for a lifetime. Happy trails!"
• Victor Hiking Trails.
  • Maps 

Trails in Southern Ontario region of Canada

• Bicycling the Niagara Region.  From Canada Trails.  Read the comments of other bicyclists who have cycled the Niagara Region.
• Canada Trails, Bicycling in Canada.  "Canada has some terrific destinations for bicycle touring whether for one day or a week or more. It's wide open spaces are crisscrossed by a variety of roads and bike trails. However, roads in some areas may have too much traffic and lack paved shoulders to make for pleasant cycling." 
• Cycleniagara.com.  "When it comes to cycling, Niagara has it all! Whether you are looking for flat, country roads or something more challenging (hey, climbed the escarpment lately?), the Niagara region offers something for everybody.
  
  This section profiles some of the more popular places to ride in Niagara. While efforts have been made to provide accurate descriptions and directions, we can not be responsible for actual road or trail conditions that may be encountered."   
• Elora - Cataract Trailway, Ontario, Canada.  "A forty-seven kilometre trailway linking parks, watersheds and communities in south-central Ontario." 
• Georgian Trail.  "The Georgian Trail runs between Collingwood and Meaford in Ontario's principal ski country. It is very pleasant and well worth visiting."
• Georgian Triangle Trails.  "The Georgian Triangle’s beautiful mountain views, broad valleys and forests, pretty streams and endless Georgian Bay shoreline are a magnet for hiking enthusiasts. There is something for everyone, from a leisurely stroll along the Georgian Trail, to more challenging terrain. Don’t miss the wonderful Ganaraska and Bruce Trails, where the scenic vistas and native flora and fauna are a naturalist’s dream. Introduce your family to the joy of a day’s hiking excursion or a longer hike from community to community along some of the advanced, but well-marked trails. Many trails are connected and marked which adds to the enjoyment of exploring the area on foot. Local conservation areas also have marked trails which allow you to find your way to hidden beauty spots."  
• Hanover Community Trail System.  "The trail system originates in the Town of Hanover via the CNR & CPR rail line that once ran along the majestic Saugeen River. This scenic trail has numerous bridges crossing rivers and streams and is linked to many parks in town. There are 10 access points to the trail. The completion of a 91 metre pedestrian bridge over the Saugeen River (access via 16th Ave. North) offers fantastic views."
• Hike Ontario.  Directory of Ontario Rail Trails.
• Jaggedpath.com.  "...the largest and most detailed collection of mountain biking trails covering all of Ontario."
• The Regional Niagara Bicycling Committee (RNBC). 
• Niagara River Recreational Trail.  "From Fort Erie to Fort George the Niagara River Recreational Trail passes some spectacular scenery. It is very popular with walkers, cyclists and inline skaters."
• Niagara River Recreational Trail.  "This greenway parallels the Niagara River on the Canadian Side. It extends from Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake, through Chippawa, to Historic Fort Erie."
• Ontario Rail Trails.  "A wonderful new type of recreational amenity is appearing on the Ontario landscape. Railroads have been abandoning unprofitable lines and wise communities and citizens groups are turning them into linear parks for bicycling, hiking, and other recreational uses. This web site reports on the best ones in the Province of Ontario." 
• Peterborough County Trails. From Canada Trails.  
• Peterborough Rotary Greenway.  From Ontario Trails. 
• Sarawak Rail Trail, Owen Sound, Ontario.  "The Sarawak Rail Trail runs west from the city limits of Owen Sound, through flat farm land. It gradually winds up the escarpment giving magnificent views of the land below and of Georgian Bay. Once on top of the escarpment the trail connects to the Keppel Rail Trail section and continues to Park Head." 
• Trout Hollow Trail, Meaford, Ontario.  "The Trout Hollow Trail starts across from Beautiful Joe Park in Meaford. The 14km trail consists of mainly easy to moderate hiking, with some difficult steep ridges. Access points at either ends allow you to hike half the trail if you have a ride arranged. The trail runs along the Bighead river. The trail along the river is very scenic & historic..."
• Victoria Recreation Corridor. Lindsay, Ontario, Canada.  "The Victoria Recreation Corridor is a rail trail that stretches from Lindsay, Ontario to Kinmount Ontario. It is 55 km in length and is managed by the County of Victoria."  

Web Sites

•  Your Guide to Bed, Breakfast and Biking ("the Bike/Hike Guide").  "Welcome to our web site, biking and hiking vacations are becoming more popular than ever. So here is a handy helper, Your Guide to Bed, Breakfast and Biking ("the Bike/Hike Guide")! " 

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