EA2EVL Fondo
EA2EVL Fondo
Charity Bike Ride Continues Its Mission to Support the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail
EAST AURORA - Registration is now open for Western New York’s premier fall bike ride, the EA2EVL Fondo, to be held on Saturday, October 5. This 42-mile non-competitive charity bike ride kicks off at 10:00am in East Aurora, winds south through rolling hills and fall foliage and ends in Ellicottville with a finish line party at Holiday Valley. All proceeds from EA2EVL support the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT), a 27-mile trail that runs along a former rail line from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY. Register at www.ea2evlfondo.com.
“This point-to-point ride continues to surpass all expectations in terms of attendance and support for the trail,” said event sponsor John Cimperman, Founder of 42 North Brewery. “With a challenging but gorgeous course, EA2EVL is now considered the most epic ride of the fall season - open to any level of rider.”
The bike event starts in East Aurora at 42 North Brewery and travels south down scenic Route 240, riding on the road parallel to the ECRT trail from West Falls into Concord. The course continues to Route 242 into the town of Ellicottville. The event ends at a finish line party at Holiday Valley, which is open to the public, with food, drinks, and live music. Transportation will be offered to bring riders back to East Aurora, or riders can get special rates for lodging at Holiday Valley.
In addition to the registration fee, riders who fundraise an additional $100 for ECRT will receive a commemorative shirt and tickets for food and drinks at the post-event party. Participants who raise $500 or more receive an EA2EVL bike jersey, with a special “yellow jersey” and a $500 gift certificate from Tom’s Pro Bikes to the top fundraiser.
“Following three sold out events, we’re inviting riders to join us for our fourth annual ride this October,” announced Mary Brummer, ECRT Board President. “Thanks to our supporters, the first 1.5 miles of the ECRT trail in Orchard Park is complete—it’s our model for success. With the funds raised from EA2EVL 2024, our goal is to extend that same surface all the way to the West Falls Depot, a total of 6 miles.”
National Fuel, 42 North Brewing, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Craig Small Law are sponsors of the 2024 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 June, the first 1.5 miles of the trail was opened to the public in Orchard Park, starting at the historic Village Depot, connecting to the 2-mile natural surface section that is open between Jewett Holmwood and Ellicott Roads. Another 8-miles of natural surface trail is open in Concord, including the 1.7 mile Pop Warner section in Springville, ECRT, Inc. has over 6,500 friends and community supporters. Find more information at https://www.ecattrail.org/.