"We've got events for the beginner, the intermediate and the experienced cyclists now," said Savoie, who originally had the brainchild for the village-to-village tour, which follows various routes charted by Savoie based on skill level. "This has developed into something appealing to all ages and abilities, and the participants rave about the tour and love what we have to offer."

Over 200 bicyclists took part in the third installment of the tour Aug. 3. The cyclists came from all over New York state as well as neighboring states and as far away as Arizona and Ontario, Canada, organizers said.

Sunny skies greeted the riders as they made their way along the historic and scenic routes of Cherry Valley east of Cooperstown. New to the tour this year was the Mountaineer Century with 10 climbs totaling 8800 feet. Twenty eight mountain cyclists registered for the 100-mile ride.

Savoie, author of "Cranks from Cooperstown: 50 Bike Rides in upstate New York," said options available ranged from families with tag-alongs, tandem cyclists, a Special Olympics Cycling Club, mountaineers, and all age levels chose routes to fit their skill levels.

Along the way, special activities, food, water, and snack stations were available for the riders. They enjoyed homemade box lunches at the Roseboom Historical Association; Museum and walking tours in Cherry Valley; music by fiddler Kathy Shimberg; ice cream sundaes at the Middlefield Historical Association; and a picnic by the Middlefield Youth commission at BOCES.

Members of the Wheelmen of New York state displayed rare antique bicycles at the Old Middlefield Schoolhouse, including three high wheelers. Of special interest was an 1889 Victor Ordinary originally owned by George Gray of East Springfield.

Comparisons were made with new road and mountain bicycles displayed by Tom Militello of James Bicycles and Dave Ryther of Cooperstown's Velosophy Bike Shop.

Tour organizers said they were pleased that participants enjoyed the beautiful scenery, variety of activities and warm welcome in the communities. A growing percentage are now three-year alumni and inquired about next year's date.

"We're not planning any changes for next year, but we are always fine-tuning and tweaking to make the event run smoother and embellish the product we have to offer," Savoie said.