When Jim Met Amy: A Cycle the Erie Canal Love Story

While the Empire State Trail was under construction, Jim E. was out checking traffic signals, lights, and crossings along the trail. One day, in general no different from the rest, he spied a large group of bikers pedaling toward him. Wondering what was going on, he did a random Google search and discovered the Cycle The Erie Canal bike tour. He’d never been a bicyclist, but he’d coached sports and thought... if so many folks are enjoying it, why not see what the fuss was about and take a challenge next year?

Many miles away, Amy L. was starting to think about how she could spend a week riding along the Erie Canalway Trail (ECT). Ever since she was little Amy had loved being outdoors, especially when exploring on her bike. She thought a trip cycling on the ECT sounded like the perfect vacatin, but the complicating details of life made that idea little more than a dream... until suddenly everything fell into place when she came across PTNY's fully-supported bike tour, Cycle the Erie Canal. As Amy said, “the timing was too perfect, it was too right. Something magical was happening”.

Jim and Amy met briefly the very first day of Cycle the Erie Canal (CTEC) in 2022. Jim wasn’t certain about what to expect, not knowing anyone. His plan was to concentrate on making his own way across the state and enjoying the experience. Amy was excited about the “fairly flat” outdoor adventure and was looking forward to meeting people. Their tents happened to be pitched near each other. Jim said “hi” first.

The first few days they rode separately. Jim said he’d seen most of New York State, but to see it on a bike was truly a singular experience. “I grew up near water, so to be able to ride right next to the canal and watch the boats going by was like magic. I rode every day with a smile on my face, a big, gigantic smile.” Amy says she loved the deep history of the canal and the little towns along it.

And the ECT kept creating new opportunities for them to see each other each day. “He’s six-foot-five. You can’t miss him!” Amy laughed. By the time they reached the halfway mark in Camillus, they were riding side by side every day. They discovered each other on an adventure in a setting they both loved, and their bond has only grown and developed since.

Today, the two are in a long-distance relationship. As Jim said, “it truly was a lifechanging experience, in many ways.” In honor of their one-year anniversary, this year they’ve signed up for Parks & Trails New York's other fully-supported Empire State Trail ride, Cycle The Hudson Valley. Amy had already decided, “If I’m doing CTEC, then someday I’m gonna ride North to South.” Thanks to PTNY's inaugural year of Cycle the Hudson Valley, she can do just that. The couple is planning to meet at Rouses Point on the northern end of the Empire State Trail, using PTNY’s Cycling the Hudson and Champlain Valleys Guidebook to meet up with the start of the tour in Albany.

What advice do they offer to others planning to ride the Erie Canal? “Keep your eyes open” says Jim. “Take the time to explore the history, there’s so much to see along the way.” Amy adds, “Go in open minded; be willing to get out of your comfort zone. It’s easy to connect with people. Start with hello.”

Parks & Trails New York is proud to play a small part in the long and storied history of the Erie Canal as a connector... and in the amazing story Amy and Jim are writing themselves.