hoss10

I'm still dreaming planning my summer, and I have been looking at some organized tours. The Fany ride across New York looks fun. It is resonable in cost and not too far from home and does not take itself too serious. BUT I wonder just how hardcore it is. In several places on the website it warns that this ride is hard (70 miles a day) "not a place to bring kids" and don't bring a mountain bike. I wonder if this ride is out of my ability. Has anyone been on this ride or has talked to anyone who has?

Cyclist0094

I haven't been on that ride specifically but I have ridden most of the routes they use on the ride. They usually have a couple of days in the adirondacks which gets pretty hilly but the roads are smooth. A 26 tooth front chainring and a 30 tooth rear should handle anything they throw at you. You also have all day to ride the 70 miles.

If you want a ride that is less hilly and a bit shorter per day you could ride the erie canal tour, which is my favorite route across NY. much of the ride is on old towpaths and railtrails, great scenery and historical stuff along the way. https://www.ptny.org/canaltour/

here is my travelogue of my erie canal tour( I rode it solo) a couple years ago.
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/journ...doc_id=401&v=0

gordons9

It's a great ride. It's a challanging ride, but nothing that will kill you. I would say it's just enough work to enjoy the scenery, find the low traffic back roads and to come away with a real sense of accomplishment.

I rode it last year with a sport tourer (Specialized Sequoia) w/ tough (heavy) wheels. I had the standard 30x25 low gear on my bike and could have used a little lower at some points, but I didn't have to walk. If you do walk at a few points, who cares? It's all for fun and all you'll receive is encouragment and help throughout the ride. I would suggest a comfortable bike that you are used to, strong wheels and gearing that suits your riding style and fitness level. I would do it again w/ a 30x25 low gear.

I'm not a monster, when I rode the FANY it was my second full year back to cycling. I finished at least one century by that point, but If you ride three times a week and finish a few 80 mile rides by the time the FANY rolls around you will be fine. If you have doubts, talk to Karen, the ride organizer. If you start 'training' come spring I think you'll be fine.

I met a dozens of great people on the ride. I saw some beautiful places. I rode perfect roads that tested but always rewarded me. If I wasn't touring this summer I would be there. Many people that I spoke to on the ride were experienced tourists and they said this was one of, if not the best ride they've ever been on.

If you need more info I can get some of the people I keep in touch with to post their experiences up here.

If you are interested in a bit less of a challange I would check out the Bon Ton Roulet. It's price is fair (where the FANY is a STEAL), there is a rest day on the BTR and it's 50ish miles a day if I recall. I say go for the FANY though, you can make it!

cash76

I have done this ride for the past 2 years, and I can tell you it was an amazing experience both times. The 1st year I did the ride I had really only been cycling for about 6 months (I did about 1500 miles of training prior to the ride). There are some days with tough hills but nothing that you won't be able to get through. It's not a "hard-core" ride, everyone goes at their own pace and it's a very friendly ride, I rode with someone different almost every day of the ride this past year. Unfortunately my schedule does not allow for me to make it this year otherwise I would be going back for a 3rd year! Hands down best bang for your buck!!! If you have any questions more specific to the ride let me know and I will gladly help you out.

lackerman

The ride was not "hard-cored". There was always someone of your ability to ride with. The towns you pass through and stay in are full of things to see, the other riders are fun to be with and the leaders were always friendly and helpful. Going 500 miles from coast to coast (Lake Erie to the Hudson) was an adventure. Just get in some hill training and you'll be fine.

Stickboy

Is anyone planning on participating in the FANY Ride for 2006?

The dates are 7/23-7/29.

This will be my first year and I am really looking forward to it.

sparlinx

I'm planning on doing FANY this year. I live in Nebraska and everyone believes that Nebraska is flat. It ain't so! FANY sounds like a fun ride, hills and all.

Speedo

I'm just bumping this thread. My wife and I are beginning to think about next summer and we're interested in the FANY ride. The last comments from this thread are from 2006. Any more recent opinions about this tour?

Speedo