A connection from the Ellicott Creek Trailway that connects the Clarence and Akron Bike Paths to the downtown Buffalo waterfront should be a no-brainer, right? Should be, but the Town of Amherst seems more concerned with building golf courses than connecting these existing, heavily-used paths with a paved, multi-use recreational trail. Hence our ride.
Peanut Rolls are fun, slow-rolling group rides designed to show public support for the completion of the Amherst Peanut Line Trailway. We’ll be riding roughly 5.5 miles predominantly graded, grassy trail along the right-of-way of the former Canandaigua-Niagara Falls Railway (aka the “peanut line”).
Of course, these are COVID-times, so please bring a mask or other face covering for when aren’t riding and you cannot otherwise maintain social distance.
We can ride almost the entire route as it exists today. There is one section that will require a detour onto adjacent roadways, and when we reach the Ellicott Creek Trailway we’ll mass-up before the return ride.
The Rock will once again serve as a host venue for this event. We’ll start and end at that location, and they have a great covered patio for those who care to stay to unwind after the ride.
A few notes for riders. This will be a self-supported ride, so please make sure your bike is in good condition, fit for an off-road ride and you have a spare tube and tools in the event of a flat.
There will be sections where you will have to dismount your bike, and there will be unmarked road crossings, so be alert and please keep with the group. As always, please call out hazards and use hand signals to communicate. Finally, we will be observing vehicle and traffic laws whenever on roadways.
Many of our group will be riding fat tire bikes, and the wider the tire the more stable the ride. That said, If you wish to ride a mountain bike or hybrid and you are an experienced rider in reasonable physical condition you will probably find the trail manageable.
We don’t recommend road bikes for this ride, but we will be riding on an open public trail and we cannot prohibit you. That said, we ask that you refrain from doing anything that would put yourself or others at risk.
Remember, by participating in this ride you will be representing the cycling community. We are here to be positive and supportive, and respectful of neighboring properties that adjoin the trail. Please conduct yourselves accordingly – and enjoy the ride!