The Historic Mohawk River Ride

On June 5 in celebration of National Trails Day, the Village of Scotia and the Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission present “The Historic Mohawk River Ride”.  The Ride will travel through the scenic Mohawk River Valley on local roads, the Mohawk-Hudson Bike/Hike Trail, and the Schoharie Bike Path.   Along the way we’ll stop at Revolutionary War and Erie Canal historic sites. 

The Ride begins at 9am at the Flint House Museum in the Village of Scotia.  We’ll bike to the Rotterdam section of the Bike/Hike Trail where our first stop will be the Old Erie Canal Lock 23.  From there the route follows 5S and the Schoharie Bike Path to the Yankee Lock restored Canal Store Building.  The ride crosses the Mohawk River at Fort Hunter in view of the remains of the Schoharie Crossing Aqueduct, where the Erie Canal crossed the Schoharie Creek.   The ride continues along Route 5 to Fort Johnson, home of Sir William Johnson - the most important man in the Mohawk Valley in the mid 1700’s.  Leaving Fort Johnson the ride returns to the Flint House Museum in Scotia.   At each stop the ride leaders will mention a historical facts or stories about that site.

As the Ride follows the river valley, the terrain for the 40 mile Ride is generally flat. There’s one gradual climb on Rte 5S and one “lowest gear” climb halfway through the ride into Tribes Hill after crossing the river.  Average riding pace by the ride leaders will be about 13 mph, although riders are free to ride at their own pace.  With stops, participants should allow about 6 hours to return to the Flint House.  

The Ride is self-supported - there’s no SAG vehicle.   Please bring the food and drink you’ll need to enjoy the ride.  Several stores and convenience marts where riders can buy  provisions dot the way .  All riders must have helmets to participate.  Please make sure your bike is in good working condition and you carry tools and spare tubes.  Entrance to Fort Johnson is by paid admission, all other stops are at no charge.   The ride leaders recommend each rider bring at least $20 for admission to Fort Johnson and for any items a rider may want to buy along the ride.

The Mohawk Valley brims with Revolutionary War and Erie Canal historic sites.  Even though we stop at several sites, we pass more along the ride and hope you’ll come by again to spend time at those you see.  If you’d like to join us for the Historic Mohawk River Ride here’s some helpful information…