I just signed up for this 8 day trip put on by Parks & Trails New York. Buffalo to Albany. Has anyone here done it?
My husband and I have done this tour twice, in 2015 and 2016. We had a blast both times. The other cyclists are super friendly, and logistics are managed efficiently, it is truly well-organized and you need worry about nothing. Food is generally very good, but we were both disappointed in the dinner at the Syracuse Zoo. Luckily, you are within walking distance of several fine alternatives that night.
Things not to miss: Tour of Matt's Brewing Company in Utica, the Syracuse Weigh-lock museum, and stopping in Lockport. We did the (included) Lockport boat ride the first year, and the (pay extra) Lockport Cave tour the second, both are excellent. The rest stops in Canestota and Camillus are both informative and fascinating for their history of the canal.
My tip for the shuttle is to buy 6 feet of pipe insulation (usually costs around $1), and cut segments to fit your frame. Put them in a bread bag and store them in your luggage. Attach them to your bike before you load it on the return truck in Albany. It saved me some frame damage, I could see where the bike next to mine had dented the insulation during the ride.
It's a great ride and the weather in NY in July is usually grand. Enjoy!