EA2EVL Fondo
EA2EVL Fondo
Limited spots left for charity bike ride to benefit Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail
Photos Courtesy of the ECRT
EAST AURORA - The Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) is hosting a 42-mile charity bike ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville on Saturday, October 5th. The EA2EVL Fondo - or non-competitive bike ride - kicks off at 10:00am at 42 North in East Aurora and follows Route 240 to 242 into Ellicottville, ending with a finish line party at Holiday Valley featuring food, drinks and music. Organizers are capping registration at 450 riders and there are only a few spots left. Registration is open at www.ea2evlfondo.com.
The event raises funds to continue to build, open and maintain the 27-mile multi-use ECRT Trail. The previous 3 years EA2EVL events raised over $150,000 in donations, which were used to clear and open the first 1.5 miles of the rail trail that runs along a former rail line from Orchard Park to Ashford. The funds raised from this year’s event will help to push the trail south, improving sections in the town of Aurora into West Falls.
“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 are 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.”
2024 event sponsors include National Fuel, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Craig Small Law and 42 North Brewing, along with Tom's Pro Bikes, who is also providing 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 2023, the first 1.5 miles of the trail were resurfaced and 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/.