Search Empire State Ride

The Official 2023 Empire State Ride Route

The official ESR 2023 route is here! 

Let’s take a deep dive into what our road warriors can expect as they embark on the ride of a lifetime this summer.

Check out the map of this amazing weeklong adventure*

*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to riders in July.

Click each day to learn more! 

Wagner College, where orientation is hosted.

Orientation Day

Check-in begins at Wagner College on Staten Island. Feel free to arrive early and explore the city before orientation starts at 5 p.m.

CAMP: Wagner College
1 Campus Rd, Staten Island, NY 10301

 

Riders depart Wagner College

Day 1: Staten Island to Somers

Miles: 63.3 miles
Elevation: 1,793 feet
GPS*: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38991310  
*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to riders in July.

 

Here’s what’s in store for the first day of #ESR23

  • Take a group photo on the steps of Wagner College.
  • Ride on the Staten Island Ferry with views of New York City, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governor’s Island and Battery Park.
  • Cruise along the west side Greenway bike paths, past The World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial, Aircraft Carrier Intrepid Museum, George Washington Bridge and the Hudson River.
  • Take city streets and the South County bike trail through Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx into Yonkers and Westchester County. Follow the east bank of the Hudson River, Day 1 ends at camp in Somers.

CAMP:
Somers Senior High School
Westchester County
120 Primrose St, Lincolndale, NY 10540

Riders on the Walkway over the Hudson

Day 2: Somers to Rhinebeck

Miles: 79 miles
Elevation: 2,628 feet
GPS*: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38725829
*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to you in July.  

 

Here’s what’s in store for day two of #ESR23:

  • Head northeast through the towns of Westchester and Dutchess counties, past Vassar College.
  • Take an optional detour to the Walkway Over the Hudson for a photo opportunity.
  • Trek past the FDR Presidential Library, Vanderbilt Museum and Staatsburg State Historic Site
  • Camp at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, home of the largest six-day agricultural fair in New York State.

CAMP:
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Dutchess County
6636 U.S. 9, Rhinebeck, NY 12572

A rider cruises into Shaker Heritage SiteDay 3: Rhinebeck to Albany

Miles: 78 miles
Elevation: 2,938 feet
GPS*: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40374561
*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to riders in July.  

Here’s what’s in store for day three of #ESR23:

  • Continue along the Hudson River to the Erie Canal.
  • Rest at the Discover Albany Visitor Center in Albany.
  • Embark on the final nine miles to camp at the Shaker Heritage Site, where the Shaker religion was first founded in the United States.

CAMP:
Shaker Heritage Society
Albany County
25 Meeting House Rd, Albany, NY 12211

Riders at the halfway point of ESRDay 4: Albany to Utica

Miles: 100 miles
Elevation: 2,175 feet
GPS*: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38153702
*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to riders in July.  

It’s century day! Here’s what’s in store on day four as our road warriors tackle 100 miles for #ESR23:

  • Ride along the Mohawk River and the historic Erie Canal through small towns and villages until you make it to Utica, New York.
  • Stop at the official halfway point of the ESR adventure. Stage a photoshoot with picture frames and fun celebratory props!

Arrive at camp in Utica and celebrate your accomplishment during the evening programming.

CAMP:
Donovan Middle School
Oneida County
1701 Noyes St, Utica, NY 13502

A band plays at WeesdsportDay 5: Utica to Weedsport

Miles: 84.1 miles
Elevation: 2,034 feet
GPS*: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40374481
*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to riders in July.  

Here’s what’s in store for day five of #ESR23:

  • Experience breakfast at the famous Flo’s Diner, home of the Ten Cent Coffee.
  • Pass through the picturesque surroundings of Oneida Lake.
  • Arrive at camp at Weedsport Speedway, home of the dirt racetrack, for a party with live music and good spirit.

CAMP:
Weedsport Speedway
Ontario County
1 Speedway Drive #415, Weedsport, NY 13166

Cyclists in front of Pittsford Dairy, en route to SpencerportDay 6: Weedsport to Spencerport (brought to you by Batavia Downs)
Batavia Downs logo
Miles: 82.7 miles
Elevation: +1,988 feet
GPS*: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40441185
*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to riders in July.  

Almost to the finish line! Here’s what’s in store for the penultimate day of #ESR23:

CAMP:
Ferris Goodrich American Legion Post 330
Monroe County
691 Trimmer Road, Spencerport, NY 14559

finish lineDAY 7: Spencerport to Niagara Falls (brought to you by Destination Niagara USA)

Destination Niagara logo

Miles: 75.4 miles
Elevation: +1,724 feet
GPS*: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38070478
*Note: Route files are subject to change before departure. Final files will be emailed to riders in July.  

The final leg of #ESR23! Here’s what’s in store during the final stretch:

  • Continue west through Brockport, Albion and Medina.
  • Break for lunch in Lockport and take an optional stop at Lake Effect Ice Cream.
  • Ride through the scenic countryside as you take in wine country.
  • Arrive at DeVeaux Woods State Park and gather for a police-escorted ride to the finish line celebration down Old Falls Street in Niagara Falls.
  • Enjoy the celebration and a short post-ride program! Walk to the falls for a group photo and your signature victory pose.

Finish line:

Old Falls Street USA
101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Throughout the week, there will be a bus available to help road warriors struggling to complete the mileage. Riders can take it at the start of the day as a booster bus to the second rest stop or take the sag bus back to camp. The Empire State Ride is an experience for any rider who is prepared to take on the adventure of a lifetime to end cancer.

Read more about training for the Empire State Ride.

 

Day 1: 63+ miles

ESR Rider on Staten Island Ferry

Day 2: 79 miles

Two riders on the Walkway Over the Hudson

Day 3: 78 miles

Day 4: 100 miles

Riders at the halfway point

Day 5: 84 miles

Day 6: 83 miles

Day 7: 75 miles

Two riders hold up bikes at Niagara Falls