Empire State Ride takes you across the beautiful landscape of New York State in seven days.
In 2024, Empire State Ride will start at Wagner College with overnight stays in Somers, Rhinebeck, Albany, Utica, Weedsport and Spencerport.
While this year’s route is still being finalized, get a sense of what the 2023 road warriors took on. The Empire State Ride uses both roadways and bike trails.
Camp venues will be announced soon!
Bonus Routes for 2024!
Looking for an even bolder challenge? New this year, riders can choose to add on bonus miles or tackle a hillier alternative route! This is an ideal opportunity for experienced endurance cyclists or past riders looking to step up their road game.
Daily Distance
The total distance for the seven-day adventure is 500+ miles. Each day’s route will vary with the shortest ride day being approximately 60 miles and the longest day covering 100 miles. We anticipate riders cycling for an average of seven hours each day with rest stops approximately every 20 miles. Training to ride at 14-15 miles per hour will keep you on track to complete the Empire State Ride.
So, how will it work?
Traditional Route:
The traditional Empire State Ride route covers between 60 and 100 miles each day from Staten Island to Niagara Falls.
Bonus Miles:
Want to go the distance? Riders have the options to add 20 additional miles to the end of either the standard or hilly route on days one and two. Day three has the option to add 23 additional miles by branching off from the standard route at the Albany rest stop.
Hilly Route:
Are hills more your speed? Riders can opt in to a hilly alternative route on days two and four that deviates from the standard route.
All routes return to the same camp.
Orientation Day:
Saturday, July 20
Wagner College,
Staten Island
Staten Island
Day One:
Sunday, July 21
Day Two:
Monday, July 22
Somers to Rhinebeck
Traditional Route: 80.5 miles
Bonus Miles: +20.4 mile loop
Hilly Route: 72.7 Miles
Traditional Route: 80.5 miles
Bonus Miles: +20.4 mile loop
Hilly Route: 72.7 Miles
Day Three:
Tuesday, July 23
We have the tools you need to train for this bucket list adventure.
We are here to help!
Empire State Ride is not a race, but it can be physically exhausting. Arriving prepared to ride each day’s mileage is key. Our team of experts is with you every step of the way, including:
A nightly breakdown of the next day’s ride, including bonus and hilly route options
A medical team to evaluate common athletic and physical therapy issues and to screen for basic medical treatments
Appointment with on-site, licensed massage therapists (at riders’ expense)
Shuttles to boost to the second rest stop and shorten the day’s mileage
SAG support from one rest stop to the next for those who can’t finish the day’s mileage
In the case of an emergency, riders will be picked up and cared for
Do you have what it takes? We think so!
Camp life
Empire State Ride takes you across the beautiful landscape of New York State in seven days.
Riders arrive at Wagner College on Staten Island, New York, on Saturday, July 20, 2024, for orientation and check-in. The next morning, hundreds of road warriors start the ESR adventure together. Each day, the average riding distance is about miles with support, like first-aid, mechanics and scheduled shuttles, along the way.
At the finish line, you’ll be welcomed by a mile of cheering, smiling faces as you ride down in Niagara Falls. From there, all that’s left to do is enjoy music, food, drinks, vendors and the eighth wonder of the world — Niagara Falls.
Camp life
Catered camping is the core of the Empire State Ride experience. Each camp has a rider reception and services hub, tenting area, dining and program tent. Restrooms or portable restrooms and a traveling shower truck are available on site. A bike repair team will be ready at camp, and power for CPAP devices is available upon request.
Tents, air mattresses, camp chairs and clean towels are set up and taken down daily for road warriors on Empire State Ride. We camp at state parks, fairgrounds, colleges and schools and do our best to make sure you and your bike are ready for the next day.
A room block is available to riders who are unable to camp, at their expense. Stay tuned for hotel suggestions and room blocks.
Daily schedule.
6 a.m.
Breakfast served at camp
7 – 8 a.m.
Depart from camp
1 – 5:30 p.m.
Rolling finish line into camp
3 p.m.
Target time for the last rest stop — cyclists struggling to finish should schedule the ESR shuttle to camp to avoid a late finish
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner at camp
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Evening programming
8 p.m.
Free time
