Jason: (Bike Tour) Down By The River: Obscure Rochester River History

This tour will travel to High Falls and follow the Genesee River Gorge north along Saint Paul St., parts of the River Trail, and Lake Avenue. Along the way will visit some historic, and not so historic sites important to Rochester’s history. The underlying theme will be the Genesee River Gorge area, but many lesser known, and obscure historical facts will be presented, such as High Falls daredevil Sam Patch, Rochester’s connection to the 1977 New York City blackout, the 1972 Brink’s armored car heist, a foiled suicide lottery, and one of Rochester’s most colorful historical figures “Rattlesnake” Pete, famous for treating goiter by wrapping Rattlesnakes around patient’s necks. We’ll also be visiting some city landmarks that include The Underground Railroad at Maplewood Rose Garden, memorials to Henry Lomb, and George Eatman (Mr. Eastman’s tomb at Kodak Park), Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, and Kodak’s Hawkeye Plant.

Guide: Erik Olsson

Tour starts at Rochester Contemporary, 137 East Ave. More info: New History Tours