The ECT trail is a vast network of paved and unpaved bike paths (crushed limestone gravel) that travel to and from Albany and Buffalo, NY. The vast majority of the trail follows the old Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor and the current-day operating Erie Canal.
Last September, I rode the ECT in the eastern direction, from Buffalo to Albany, with my uncle, Steve. We did the ride over 6 days, staying in motels and with Warm Showers Hosts. (If you're a cycle tourist, I very much recommend learning about Warm Showers).
Here are some ride stats:
| From | To | Distance (mi) | Time on Bike (hrs:min:sec) | Ave (mph) | Max (mph) | |
| 8/31/2024 | 99 Pinehurst, Albany | AMTRAK Station | 9.39 | 1:05:11 | 8.6 | 21.2 |
| 9/1/2024 | Buffalo | Albion | 62.57 | 5:27:14 | 11.5 | 23.5 |
| 9/2/2024 | Albion | Greece | 31.93 | 2:57:47 | 10.8 | 24.9 |
| 9/1/2024 | Greece | Newark | 44.32 | 4:03:08 | 10.9 | 22.5 |
| 9/1/2024 | Newark | Rome | 110.47 | 9:28:21 | 11.6 | 25 |
| 9/1/2024 | Rome | Amsterdam | 85.83 | 7:26:06 | 11.5 | 22.2 |
| 9/1/2024 | Amsterdam | 99 Pinehurst, Albany | 40.93 | 3:43:47 | 11 | 27.7 |
| Totals | 385.44 | 34:11:34 |
Overall, the ride was epic. We had impeccable weather the whole time. We had chilly mornings, warm days, and very little precip. We had no mechanical issues. The trail network was relatively easy to follow, and the towns along the Canal were very accommodating. Some had great parks to hang out in, good coffee shops, and yummy food.
I plan to ride the ECT again, but next time, I want to do it over a shorter period and with camping instead of motels. There are loads of great free campsites along the way. In the meantime, I'll be hosting cyclists who are riding the ECT themselves.