EA2EVL Fondo Recap
EA2EVL Fondo Recap
Nearly 400 riders in 42-mile charity event raise $50k for rail trail
Lou Schriver and Denise Doucette cross the finish line at Holiday Valley wearing their 2022 EA2EVL jerseys.
EAST AURORA - On Saturday, October 1, the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) hosted its second annual charity bike ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville. The EA2EVL Fondo - a non-competitive ride - grew participation 20% from the inaugural event held last year, hosting close to 400 riders and netting $50,000. Those donations will be used to support ongoing efforts to build, enhance and maintain the 27-mile rail trail that runs along a former rail line from Orchard Park to West Valley, NY.
“After back-to-back successful events, we know that bikers just love this fall ride,” shared Deb Fenn, ECRT Board Chair. “Last year, we used EA2EVL donations to remove rails and ties from the last uncleared mile of the ECRT trail. This year, we will use the funds to resurface, connect and finish sections in Orchard Park.”
EA2EVL kicked off at 42-North Brewery in East Aurora and traveled up Mill Road to Route 240, where riders headed south on Route 242 into the Village of Ellicottville. With water stops along the way and tech support provided by Tom’s Pro Bikes, participants enjoyed a safe, social ride with post-ride party at Holiday Valley. The event was sponsored by National Fuel, Tom’s Pro Bikes, 42 North Brewery and Phillips Lytle.
“Trails bring tremendous health benefits to a community - that’s one reason why I joined in this ride,” said the event’s top fundraiser, Dr. Michael Rauh of Orchard Park. “The course is picturesque and challenging, but it’s doable for all levels of riders. I was incredibly proud to wear the yellow jersey across the finish line!”
The Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for our community by preserving the Buffalo-Pittsburgh rail corridor and transforming it to a multi-use recreation trail between Orchard Park and West Valley, NY. Opportunities for walking, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, snowshowing, cross-county skiing, snowmobiling and nature observation along the abandoned rail corridor will provide an important recreational resource for Western New Yorkers and visitors to our region. To learn more about the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, go to ecattrail.org.