Touring - Albany to Saratoga Springs routes?

Hi all,

I'm riding the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany in a week or so, and I'm trying to find a touring-bike-friendly route or trail(s) from Albany up to Saratoga Springs. Anyone familiar with the area that can make any suggestions?

Thanks a ton,

Nick

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Surly Long Haul Trucker
Ortleib and Arkel all the way, babay.

Nick:

I live in the area - and this is and easy run. The fastest way is right up Route 9 - a two lane "highway". This isn't very scenic - but I believe - it is a sanctioned bike route. there are plenty of services along the route - including a bike shop in Clifton Park (about 1/2 way to Saratoga) Route 9 has a nice wide shoulder that compensates for the traffic. I often ride from Troy to Saratoga and take this routeall the time. there are other back roads that have much less of a shoulder - and normally have minimal traffic. however - this is racing season in Saratoga, and all of the secondary roads fill up as well It might be better to stick to Route 9

Feel free to send me an email or PM and I can provide more detail or alternatives.

Frank

Check on 9. Just google New York State bike route 9 and get a turn by turn map of the official NY route from NYC to Canada. The route passes a few miles east of Saratoga.

This would be a fun ride, especially finishing in SS. What a lovely town...love that downtown park.

Thanks, all. Route 9 seems to be the highway to heaven. I have friends at Skidmore in SS so I'm looking to kick it up there for a bit. Sounds like there's gonna be a lot going on horserace-wise, too, from what I hear.

nick:

if you can find your way on to 9 in Albany you are all set. 9 turns into Broadway and Skidmore is at the end of Broadway. Good luck - it should take a few hours and there are only a few bigger hills.

Blue Sky bike shop in SS used to have a nice guide to rides in the area. The trip out to Saratoga Lake and around the Saratoga Battlefield is a local favorite.