East Aurora to Ellicottville
East Aurora to Ellicottville
42-mile Charity Road Ride to benefit the Erie Cattaraugus Trail
EAST AURORA - After selling out in its inaugural year, the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) will once again host a 42-mile charity bike ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville this fall. The EA2EVL Fondo - or non-competitive bike ride - will take place October 1, 2022, with a finish line party at Holiday Valley.
The 2021 EA2EVL Fondo sold out with 300+ riders, bringing in over $50,000 for the 27-mile ECRT rail trail that runs along the former Buffalo & Pittsburgh rail line from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY. According to Deborah Fenn, Board President of ECRT, last year’s event was stellar.
“From the gorgeous fall weather to the scenic ride route and our amazing riders, volunteers and sponsors, it was a strong show of support for the trail,” Fenn said. “We’re inviting riders of all skill levels to join us again this October.”
“Last year’s EA2EVL Fondo surpassed our expectations in terms of both fundraising and participation,” said event sponsor John Cimperman, Founder of 42 North Brewery. “We look forward to building on that success and creating a new cycling tradition in Western New York.”
EA2EVL ROUTE / REGISTRATION / SPONSORS
The bike event will follow the same route as last year, with a start line in East Aurora at 42 North Brewery. The riders then travel south down scenic Route 240, riding on the road parallel to the ECRT trail from West Falls into Concord. The course continues through the fall foliage and rolling hills to Route 242 and winds into the town of Ellicottville. The event ends at a finish line party at Holiday Valley, open to the public featuring food, drinks, live music and raffles. Transportation will be offered to bring riders back to East Aurora, or riders can opt to take advantage of special rates for lodging at Holiday Valley.
Registration is open now at www.ea2evlfondo.com for an early bird discount rate of $59. All riders receive a commemorative shirt and access to the post-event party. Participants are also asked to raise a minimum of $100 in donations for Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, with additional prizes awarded for all $250, $500 donors, and a special “yellow jersey” for the top fundraiser.
“The donations from the 2021 EA2EVL Fondo funded the removal of the rails and ties from the start of trail in Orchard Park,” Fenn shared. “This is significant because it’s the only mile of trail that still had rails and ties remaining. Thanks to this event, we’re making exciting progress clearing the trail!”
National Fuel, Tom’s Pro Bikes, 42 North Brewing and Phillips Lytle are sponsors for the 2022 event. Tom’s Pro Bikes will also provide tech support to riders on the course. Learn more about ECRT at www.ecattrail.org.
About Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc.: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as trail manager for a 27-mile recreational trail on the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad rail line. In 2018, ECRT, Inc. and BPRR signed a long-term rail banking agreement to allow for trail use and improvements. In Orchard Park a 2-mile section of the trail is cleared and open, but unfinished, from Ellicott Road to Jewett Holmwood Road. Additionally, a 1.7-mile Pop Warner section in Springville is open, along with another 3.5 miles of unimproved trail in East Concord. ECRT, Inc. has over 6,500 friends and community supporters. Find more information at www.ecattrail.org.