JULY 10-17, 2016

Do you believe in the importance of a completed Erie Canalway Trail?

Do you want to save $625 over the regular tour registration cost?

Raise money to close the gaps in the Erie Canalway Trail and cycle the tour for only $100!

THE NEED FOR TRAILBLAZERS

The 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail, when complete, will be the longest statewide multi-use trail in the country. For more than a decade, Parks & Trails New York has worked with the New York State Canal Corporation, local municipalities, trail groups, and other stakeholders to close the gaps in the trail while increasing trail visibility and highlighting economic opportunities for local communities.

Cycle the Erie Canal Trailblazers are a group of individuals who believe in the vision of a completed Erie Canalway Trail… and are ready to help make it a reality.

BECOME A TRAILBLAZER

Trailblazers register for Cycle the Erie Canal by clicking the BECOME A TRAILBLAZER button above. Upon receipt of your $100 registration fee, you will receive a fundraising guide and additional resources.

Trailblazers, who will be fully supported every step of the way in their fundraising efforts by PTNY staff, must commit to raising a minimum of $1,500 to help close the gaps on the Erie Canalway Trail by June 12, 2016.


FAQS:

How much is registration and what does it include?

The Trailblazer registration fee for the ride is $100* and includes:

• Wonderful scenic ride across Upstate New York - three-quarters on the off-road Canalway Trail
• Camping accommodations every evening with showers and toilet facilities - some campsites feature pools for swimming
• Eight hearty breakfasts and six delicious dinners
• Two refreshment stops daily stocked with complimentary fruit, snacks and beverages
• Baggage transport
• SAG wagon and mobile mechanical support

*Compared to the $725 regular adult registration.

What exclusive benefits do Trailblaizer receive?

Trailblazer benefits:

• Step-by-step instructions for setting up your fundraising page
• Fundraising language, images, and social media support
• Regular communications and support for your fundraising efforts
• Special recognition during the tour
• Free Cycle the Erie Canal Guidebook ($24.95 value!)
• Complimentary Cycle the Erie Canal Trailblazer Jersey ($80 value!)
• Bottle of wine and recognition at the finish line

Cycle the Erie Canal at a fraction of the price! Register to be a Trailblazer today!

What is the required fundraising minimum?

The minimum fundraising commitment is $1,400 to become a Cycle the Erie Canal Trailblazer. Don’t worry. Our fundraising staff is here to help you reach and exceed your goal.

Does my registration count toward the total amount I need to raise?

Yes! After your registration is complete, you only have $1,400 to go.

What are the fundraising deadlines?

Registration: Cyclists must register to be a Trailblazer before May 1, 2016.
Fundraising Deadline: The total fundraising goal of $1,500 (which includes the $100 registration) needs to be received by PTNY before June 12, 2016.

I have never done fundraising before. How do I do it?

If you are worried about raising the full fundraising amount, please email Meegan Finnegan or call her at 518-434-1583. She will work with you directly on your fundraising strategy to help you achieve your goals and be successful. Trailblazers who are unable to raise the fundraising minimum by June 12, 2016 can also self-pledge the remainder of the balance.

How do people contribute?

Donors make gifts through your secure Trailblazer fundraising page by using their credit card. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express cards are accepted. Alternatively, they can mail a check made out to Parks & Trails New York to us at 29 Elk Street, Albany, NY 12207 or you can collect a check from them and mail it to us yourself. Please be sure that your supporter includes your name in the memo field so that we can credit your fundraising campaign.

*Please do not have supporters give you cash or checks made out to you as we will not be able to recognize them as charitable donations. 

Are donations tax-deductible?
Parks & Trails New York is a registered 501c 3 charitable organization so all donations to your fundraising campaign are completely tax-deductible. A tax receipt and acknowledgement letter will be sent to each supporter of your fundraising campaign.

Note: the $100 Trailblazer registration fee is not tax deductible.

Do Matching Gifts from my donors’ employers count toward my fundraising goals?
Yes! Donors are able to double the amount they contribute to your fundraising efforts through a matching gift from their (or their spouse’s) employer. Donors simply need to contact their employer’s HR department to receive the proper matching gift forms. If they have any questions they can contact PTNY’s Director of Development, Meegan Finnegan, at 518-434-1583.

What is the cancellation/refund policy?
Cycle the Erie Canal Trailblazers commit to raising the full fundraising amount when they register. All contributions to PTNY through the Trailblazer program are non-refundable and will go to supporting the work being done to close the gaps along the Erie Canalway Trail.

If the Trailblazer chooses to discontinue fundraising for the ride, they will not be able to apply the amount of donations raised toward a regular ride registration. The Trailblazer’s registration fee will be credited as a charitable gift if he or she cancels and a tax receipt and acknowledgement letter will be sent. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may mean you are unable to join us for Cycle the Erie Canal 2016. Credits for a future tour may be given on a case-by-case basis.

Still have questions?
Email Meegan Finnegan at mfinnegan@ptny.org or call 518-434-1583 and she’ll be happy to help!