DEWITT --

Over fifty bicyclists began a two-day, 70-mile ride along the Old Erie Canal Trail marking the start of the 4th annual Erie Canal Ride.

The Erie Canal Ride began when Pat Martin, a retired LPN, finally overcame a life of back pain following surgery at Upstate University Hospital in 2008. The next year, Martin celebrated her birthday by organizing and completing the first Erie Canal Ride.

The ride began Friday morning at 9:00am at 9:00am at the Butternut Creek Aqueduct in Dewitt. Bicyclists will travel 35 miles to Erie Canal Village in Rome before returning to DeWitt on Saturday.

Martin’s goal is to raise $10,000 this year.  The proceeds will support the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Upstate Cancer Center and recreational amenities for patients of the 2N Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Unit at Upstate University Hospital.

Martin is joined this year by family, friends, and her surgeon, Dr. Richard Tallarico, who has participated in this event for the past three years.