Hat tip to Bob Stopper, long-time Wayne County resident, who demonstrates his skill in keying photos of the group ride of 600+ folks mostly from outside Wayne County to local landmarks. Ganargua Creek, aka Mud Creek, is best appreciated from the 21st-century towpath.

A comment I heard repeatedly was that cyclists’ interest was piqued by the beauty and history along the Erie Canal.

The hospitality shown in the villages like Newark seems to invite repeat visits, or so it seems to me.

The hamlet of Lyons shows both its sense of history and

more of that hospitality.

The Canal Society, sponsor of this blog, had a great opportunity to distinguish its contribution to the the cyclists’ joy of the ride by spotlighting all parts of their historical interpretation in Old Erie Canal Heritage Park, including the recent big addition of

Lois McClure. According to Darrin Rooker, who shared these photos, the “Cycle the Erie tour through the Park went well. Colin Matthews, college student and summer park employee, was a hit. He dressed up in bib overalls, white shirt and cap. He was photographed many times throughout the day and interacted with riders about the boat.”

Darrin added that over 520 cyclists come through the Park and many commented that this rest stop was the most interesting one so far on their trip. To me, the blogmaster, that is great news, news that I hope leads some cyclists to join CSNY and maybe return for the study tours, symposium events, and any other activities sponsored by CSNY.

Canal Corporation Director Ben Walsh also came to the Park with his bike and road with the tour to Syracuse.

Again, whether you’re a cyclist or just visiting your favorite stretch of the canal, share your “cycle the Erie Canal” photos and/or stories by sending to canalsocietyofnysphotos@gmail.com. Counting today, the Cycle tour continues for three more days, approximately 100 miles and 3 more sets of opportunities to get photos of your favorite canal trail landmarks to share on Dispatches.

Hat tip to Bob Stopper, Darrin Rooker, and Andrea Seamans for sharing photos for this post.