Cycling in New York State has shifted into high gear! With the 6th Annual �Cycling the Erie Canal� bicycle tour drawing hundreds to ride along the Erie Canal last week, the Empire State is fast becoming a destination for cyclists of all ability levels. �Outdoor enthusiasts and cyclists are now taking notice of all New York State has to offer,� said Charles A. Gargano, Chairman of Empire State Development. �Governor Pataki has put forth several initiatives to help improve and open our many great state parks for cycling activities. In addition, many private tours and businesses are promoting and investing in bicycling throughout the State. All of these factors assist in establishing New York as a premier state to bicycle three seasons of the year.� In addition to the successful 400 mile, eight-day Erie Canal tour from Buffalo to Albany, cycling events and trails can be found in each of New York State�s 11 vacation regions:

Chautauqua-Allegheny � Allegheny State Park, Salamanca. Explore the Enchanted Mountains on 26 miles of mountain bike trails through this spectacular New York State park. (716) 354-9121.

Finger Lakes � Massasauga Bike Tours and Rentals, Nunda. Ride mountain bike tours through Letchworth State Park, the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail and Rattlesnake Hill. (585) 468-2080.

Thousand Islands � Brockville Trail, Brockville. Enjoy a six kilometer walk/bike trail that runs along the city�s waterfront, continuing through its interior along the Buell Creek system. (888) 251-7676.

Adirondacks � Women�s Rights History Tour, Elizabethtown. A bicycle tour tracing the women�s rights historic trail, beginning in Elizabethtown to the Lewis/Steele Woods Road Loop around Meadowmount, Inez Milholland�s former family home. Tour to be held on Sunday, August 15. (518) 873-6466.

Central-Leatherstocking � 2004 Magical History Tour, BOCES Campus, Milford. A village-to-village bicycling party for all ages and abilities with flat and mountain routes, each exploring the local history of the area. Tour to be held on Saturday, August 7. (607) 547-5376.

Capital-Saratoga � Mohawk-Hudson Bike/Hike Trail, Schenectady. Tour Schenectady County along 20 miles of this scenic trail. Travel along 12 miles of paved trail east of downtown and eight miles west. (518) 386-2225.

Catskills � Walnut Mountain Park, Liberty. Enjoy amazing views along the mountain bike and hiking trails. Bring a lunch to eat at the picnic area or play softball or soccer on their fields. (845) 292-7690.

Hudson Valley � Dutchess Farm Country Tour, Millbrook. Enjoy the autumn countryside at its peak as you tour the county�s most prestigious agricultural and equestrian farms and estates, including private residences. Catered lunch provided. Event to be held on Sunday, October 10. (845) 677-3002.

New York City � Bike the Big Apple, New York City. See the sights the average tourist seldom sees as you follow your guide over the city�s great bridges and through the energetic streets and ethnic neighborhoods. (201) 837-1133.

Long Island � Orient Beach State Park, Orient. Bike along the shoreline of Gardiner�s Bay and its surrounding rare maritime forest with red cedar, black-jack oak trees and prickly-pear cactus. Rentals available. (631) 323-2440.

For information about other travel opportunities in any one of New York�s many vacation regions, call toll-free 1-800 CALL-NYS or visit www.iloveny.com.

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Media Contact: Scott Flaherty +1 (518) 292-5131 sflaherty@empire.state.ny.us