EA2EVL Charity Ride
EA2EVL Charity Ride
Inaugural East Aurora to Ellicottville Bike Ride raises $50,000
EAST AURORA - On Saturday, October 2nd, the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) hosted its first annual charity bike ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville. The EA2EVL Fondo, presented by West Herr, netted $50,000 that will be used to continue to build, enhance and maintain the 27-mile rail trail that runs along the former Buffalo & Pittsburgh rail line from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY.
“Thanks to our sponsors, the riders and all our volunteers, the EA2EVL Fondo was a stellar first time event,” reported Deb Fenn, ECRT Board Chair. “With 300 riders, not only did we sell out, we had 500+ donors supporting them - and our efforts to build the rail trail.”
The ride kicked off at 42-North Brewery in East Aurora under clear blue skies and 70 degree temps. Riders followed a police escort out of town to Route 240, and then headed west on Route 242 into the Village of Ellicottville. With water stops along with way, course signage, and tech support provided by Tom’s Pro Bikes, participants enjoyed a safe, social ride, along with the finish line party at Holiday Valley.
“The EA2EVL Fondo exceeded all my expectations, thanks to some hardworking volunteers - and Mother Nature,” said the Fondo’s top fundraiser Russ Kamis of Orchard Park. “I’ve lived in Chicago and was so impressed by the trail systems there that offer a safe place to ride and make the city accessible. I believe the ECRT trail can bring those same benefits to Western New York.”
In addition to presenting sponsor West Herr, National Fuel, Tom’s Pro Bikes, and 42 North Brewery were associate-level sponsors of the event.
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 https://www.ecattrail.org/.