Buffalo's history, on two wheels.

When Marc Moscato returned to Buffalo after more than a decade on the West Coast, he saw the city in a new light. Once a powerhouse of American industry, Buffalo had experienced significant economic shifts, but its history, culture, and character remained as rich as ever.

Determined to help others see the city through his eyes, he launched Buffalo Bike Tours, a company that does far more than just lead visitors around on two wheels. It tells the story of Buffalo in a way that’s engaging, unexpected, and memorable.

An Innovator in Tourism

Marc isn’t just another tour operator. He’s redefining what it means to experience a city. His approach is immersive, interactive, and personal. From writing original songs for history tours to uncovering untold stories like that of John Young’s role in Buffalo’s chicken wing history,

Marc has made the case that a tour can teach and still be a good time. Blending storytelling, activism, and cultural preservation into a single ride is what separates Buffalo Bike Tours from the pack.

From Free Rides to a Thriving Business

In 2018, Marc started offering free history tours by bike. What began as an experiment, writing songs, sharing poems, and weaving stories of Buffalo’s past, quickly gained traction. Over 250 people showed up for those early rides, inspiring him to build something bigger.

What emerged was Buffalo Bike Tours, a business built on storytelling, history, and community engagement.

“I never really applied for this job. It just kind of found me,” Marc says. “I started with one tour, using bike share bikes because I didn’t have my own fleet. As demand grew, we added rental bikes and expanded our tours. It’s been an organic process that keeps evolving.”

Unlike traditional tours that focus solely on architecture or landmarks, Marc brings history to life by framing Buffalo’s highs and lows within the broader American story. He shares how the city once had more millionaires per capita than anywhere in the world, hosted the 1901 World’s Fair, and later faced the challenges of industrial decline and economic shifts.

Through his tours, visitors not only explore the city but also gain a deeper understanding of how Buffalo’s past continues to shape its present.

An Unexpected Connection with Visitors

For Marc, the most rewarding part of Buffalo Bike Tours isn’t just the history. It’s the human connection. Many of his customers arrive in Buffalo with little knowledge of the city, often making a quick stop on their way to Niagara Falls. Yet, time and again, he sees visitors leave his tours with a newfound appreciation for Buffalo.

“Most people coming through Buffalo have very few expectations,” Marc explains. “I love being able to surprise them, whether it’s through a fun tour, a unique story, or just a memorable experience they didn’t see coming.”

One particular moment stands out: a group of men in their seventies wanted to ride the Erie Canal Trail, but struggled to find bike rentals. As the starting point of Mile Marker Zero, Buffalo Bike Tours was there to provide them with bikes, and they returned from their journey full of joy and gratitude.

For Marc, it was a reminder that even something as simple as a bike rental can create lifelong memories.

Championing Buffalo’s Underdog Stories

One of Marc’s most unique and celebrated offerings is The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings. While many assume Buffalo Bike Tours would be all about architecture, Marc quickly realized that tourists were asking the same question over and over: Where’s the best place for chicken wings?

Rather than just sending people to local restaurants, Marc turned Buffalo’s culinary icon into a deeper history lesson. He uncovered the story of John Young, an African American entrepreneur who had one of the first chicken wing shops in Buffalo, long before the dish became a global sensation. Wanting to honor Young’s overlooked legacy, Marc helped commission a mural in his memory and even worked with his family to bottle and sell the original chicken wing sauce.

It’s a perfect example of how Buffalo Bike Tours combines fun and food with history and social impact.

“People think they know the story of Buffalo wings, but there’s so much more to it,” Marc says. “Being able to share that history, honor John Young’s legacy, and even bring back his original sauce. It’s something I take a lot of pride in.”

Navigating Challenges in a Seasonal City

Running a bike tour company in Buffalo isn’t without its challenges. With some of the highest snowfall totals in the country, the window for outdoor tourism is narrow. Buffalo Bike Tours operates from May through October, but even within those six months, the truly ideal biking weather lasts only three to four months.

Despite this, Marc embraces Buffalo’s seasonal nature, using the colder months to plan for the next season, refine tours, and connect with other tourism operators. He also acknowledges that while Buffalo isn’t a top-tier tourism destination, being a big fish in a small pond has its advantages. Rather than chasing rapid expansion or high profit margins, he focuses on building a business that aligns with his values, one rooted in storytelling, connection, and community.

“We work with what we have,” Marc says. “The seasonality is tough, but it also gives us time to reset, get creative, and come back stronger every year.”

Looking Ahead: Growth with Purpose

As Marc looks toward the future, he envisions expanding Buffalo Bike Tours in meaningful ways. A permanent location at Canalside, Buffalo’s waterfront district, is in the works, as well as the potential for a second location. Yet, growth for growth’s sake isn’t the goal.

“Businesses don’t always have to grow and expand to be successful,” Marc says. “Success is relative. It’s not just about profitability. It’s also about work-life balance, community impact, and doing something you’re passionate about.”

This philosophy has guided Buffalo Bike Tours from the beginning, a reminder that tourism is not only about sightseeing. It’s about storytelling, connection, and inspiring people to see a place in a new way. Whether it’s through a history ride, a local food tour, or simply renting a bike, Marc Moscato and Buffalo Bike Tours are showing visitors why Buffalo’s past, present, and future are worth exploring.

Know someone in Buffalo who loves adventure?

Whether it’s a fun team outing or a unique way to explore the city, send them Marc’s way at buffalobiketours.com. Great rides, good vibes, and unforgettable experiences await!