Not long ago, Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway Coalition officials realized the road stretched 26.2 miles, the same distance marathon runners cover. So they figured a walking marathon would be a good way to introduce people to the byway and all of the recreational and historical resources along its route.
The walk last year drew a nice crowd, but the distance proved a little daunting. Some people walked only halfway; others mixed and matched spots along the byway.
Perhaps, officials thought, an easier way to get people to see the whole route was to hold a Bike the Byway event. After months of planning, the bike ride kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 28, at 9 a.m. at the entrance to Colonie Town Park on Schermerhorn Road. There is no cost to take part, and bikers will actually cover about 36 miles since the ride is not just a straight shot along the byway’s walking path.
`We’re doing this to make people aware of the byway and the wonderful resources we have here,` said John Scherer.
Scherer is more familiar with those resources than most, serving as Clifton Park’s town historian. He’s also the historian emeritus at the state museum, where he worked for more than 40 years. He also sits on the board of the byway, which was recognized as a state byway in 2003 and a federal byway in 2005.
Eric Hamilton, the byway commission’s executive director, explained that those designations mean the byway has a unique story to tell. Made up of local, county, state and federal highways between Schenectady and Waterford, the route follows the Mohawk River and captures the importance of the water route to early settlers and travelers in this area.
For the Bike the Byway event, Scherer will illustrate that importance by speaking at several stops along the way ` stops that he devised to best capture key points on the route.
`We couldn’t stop at every place or we’d never get through,` Scherer said with a laugh, adding that he tried to space out the stops, some of which will include refreshments.
Highlights include:
The Rexford Aqueduct: Built in 1841 as part of the Erie Canal’s enlargement, the acqueduct used to carry canal boats across the Mohawk River. In 1917, the Barge Canal replaced the Erie, and the old aqueduct was used as a bridge for cars before the present bridge was built in 1964.
Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve: Created in 1977, the preserve covers 600 acres and contains remains of the Erie Canal, including an original lock and dry dock. It is part of the Vischer Ferry Historic District. The cast iron canal bridge at the preserve’s entrance was designed and built by Squire Whipple, an 1830 Union College graduate.
Crescent Park: The longest aqueduct on the Erie Canal, the Crescent Aqueduct carried the Erie Canal into Saratoga County. It was 1,160 feet long and with 26 arches to support the towpath.
Waterford Waterfront and Visitor Center: The center stands at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers.
Cohoes Falls: The recently opened overlook at Cohoes Falls lets visitors gets closer to the falls than ever. The overlook has `really developed into one of our defining parts of the byway,` Hamilton said, adding that the City of Cohoes has done a `great job` trying to maintain the Erie Canal locks that remain throughout the city.
Although it’s possible to drive the byway, both Hamilton and Scherer recommended people try biking the route or walking it when time allows.
`The neatest things are the things that you see when you get out of your car,` Hamilton said.
When the men give tours of the byway, it’s common for people to express surprise at its rich history.
`People will say, ‘I’ve lived here all my life and never knew this was here,’` Hamilton said.
`They’re just amazed that this history and these sites are so close to the Capital Region and they didn’t even know about them,` said Scherer, who added he likes connecting people to the region’s past and giving them a `sense of belonging.`
To take part in the Bike the Byway event, simply show up at Colonie Town Park with a bicycle by 9 a.m. Saturday. Riders are expected to travel at about 12 to 15 miles per hour, with everyone regrouping at each stop. A fifth anniversary commemorative long-sleeved T-shirt will be available for a $20 donation to the Mohawk Towpath Byway while supplies last.
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