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Ride safely on or off road with your bike this riding season < Back EA2EVL Safety Sponsor offers safe cycling tips Deborah Stellrecht Jun 16, 2023 Ride safely on or off road with your bike this riding season Craig Small, of the Small Law Firm, is our 2023 EA2EVL Safety Sponsor. Watch this video for tips to ride safely this season. ( https://video.wixstatic.com/video/0373ea_042d58a6b0194336a974626f8ab6979e/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 ) Start with a tune up. Take care of your bike; your bike will take care of you. Maximize your roll. Tire inflation to the correct pressure can make a huge difference in the energy you'll expend riding. It's all about the fit. Make sure your helmet fits, using the 2 x 2 x 2 rule. Replace old or damaged helmets. Fuel your ride. Pack snacks and water, and electrolyte tablets or powdersadded to your water can reduce muscle cramping and fatigue. Light it up. Bike lights make you more visible to drivers, even in daylight hours. Bright & reflective clothing helps you to be seen, too. Don't forget the sunscreen and sunglasses: protect your eyes and your skin rom the sun's rays. Previous Next

Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Events Events Oct 18, 2025 Explore a Section of ECRT in Concord Springville/Concord Friends group leader Mary Carol Dearing will lead this hike on a lovely but seldom explored section of trail. Read More Oct 4, 2025 EA2EVL Fondo 2025 Sign up today for EA2EVL Fondo 2025! Read More Sep 23, 2025 EA2EVL Fondo Friendraiser 2025 Join us for a friendraiser at 42 North Brewing Company! Read More Sep 20, 2025 Grand Opening of New Trail Section in Aurora Let's celebrate this latest trail opening together! Read More Jul 20, 2025 Come see us at Skyride 190 We'd love to see you - stop by the ECRT table at the after party! Read More May 20, 2025 Springville Trail Clean Up Volunteers needed for Springville trail clean-up Read More Apr 26, 2025 Stay tuned! We're busy planning our next event. Check back soon! Read More Apr 13, 2025 Members Sunset/Full Moon Trail Walk Join fellow ECRT Members for a walk on the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in Orchard Park as the sun sets and the full moon rises. Read More Apr 12, 2025 West Falls Easter Egg Hunt 2025 Walk the Trail! Prizes & Candy! Photo-Op with the Easter Bunny Read More Oct 5, 2024 EA2EVL Fondo 2024! Sign up today for EA2EVL Fondo 2024! Read More Sep 26, 2024 ECRT Friendraiser at 42 North Brewing Support our EA2EVL riders – Learn more about the trail Read More Jun 1, 2024 Orchard Park Trail Walk Celebrate National Trails Day with a walk on the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! Read More Apr 13, 2024 Spring Trail Walk in East Concord Explore the Rail Trail in East Concord Read More Mar 23, 2024 West Falls Easter Egg Hunt The Easter bunny is coming to visit the rail trail in West Falls on Saturday, March 23rd! Read More Mar 16, 2024 Come and see us at WNY Equifest 2024! Meet other riders and learn more about the equestrian-friendly parts of the trail. Read More Mar 5, 2024 Visit us at IF4 2024 in Springville ECRT will have an information table at the International Fly Fishing Film Festival in Springville, NY on Tuesday, March 5th. Read More

Together, we can develop more of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. < Back December 3 is Giving Tuesday Mary Brummer Dec 2, 2024 Together, we can develop more of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. Hello ECRT Friends, We’ve heard how much you love the trail and you’re excited for us to improve and open more of it. This Giving Tuesday, your support can help us do just that. Your donation, big or small, will make a real difference. Donate now at ecrailtrail.org/give . Mary Brummer, President Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail #ECRTGivingTuesday #GivingTuesday Previous Next

Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the ECRT trail! < Back West Falls Easter Egg Hunt Laura Gunderson Apr 12, 2025 Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the ECRT trail! Free event! Learn more about it and please register at www.WestFallsEggHunt2025.eventbrite.com . We want to be sure we have enough candy & prizes for all the kids. Previous Next

This will be an interactive session to gather feedback and ideas from the general public. < Back West Falls NY Forward Public Workshop 2 Josh Greene of La Bella PC Aug 21, 2024 This will be an interactive session to gather feedback and ideas from the general public. The 2nd West Falls NYF Public Workshop will be held Wednesday, September 4th at the Aurora Waldorf School - 525 W Falls Rd, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The workshop will be an open house format with boards displaying each of the 14 projects currently under consideration for funding. Be sure to stop by whenever you're free to share your insights and feedback on these potentially transformational projects! An online project feedback form will also be made available following the workshop on the West Falls New York Forward website ( https://www.westfallsnyforward.com/ ). Members of the public are encouraged to attend the workshop in-person on the 4th, however, those who cannot attend will be able to utilize this online feedback form. Stay tuned for more updates on how to complete the online form in the coming weeks. Previous Next

Rider registration fees and donations to this event help make incredible progress on the trail < Back Why We Ride Beth Lasky Sep 5, 2023 Rider registration fees and donations to this event help make incredible progress on the trail Beth Lasky, EA2EVL Fondo Chairperson, talks about why we ride the Fondo, primarily to raise funds for the improvement, expansion, and maintenance of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. Donate, Ride or Volunteer: https://www.givesignup.org/Race/NY/EastAurora/EA2EVLFondo . Previous Next

Tim Bienkowski Nicole Avitahl-Curtis As an active ECRT volunteer, Nicole has participated in numerous trail cleanups and promoted the trail at many public events. She also leads the ECRT Friends group of Orchard Park and has organized several community walks. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Nicole spent most of her childhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her father was a musician from Romania who, at the age of 29, emigrated to the U.S. with her mother of German descent and he became a symphony conductor at several universities. Nicole and her husband, Rory Curtis, met while they were both scientists working in biotechnology research. They have three daughters together. After living in Boston, Massachusetts for about 20 years, Rory accepted a position in WNY in 2016, and they relocated to Orchard Park with their youngest daughter, Zoe. While living in Boston, Nicole often cycled on the Minuteman Community Bikeway there. She was introduced to ECRT about 5 years ago when she attended a Town Hall meeting in Orchard Park. Nicole immediately recognized the need for trail development and decided to become involved. Nicole loves spending time outdoors as a family, to get fresh air, exercise and appreciate nature. She enjoys biking, running and walking the trail. She believes it helps people connect with each other, and rejuvenates them while communing with nature. Nicole also volunteers for the Orchard Park Girls on the Run and Heart and Soul groups, coaching young girls to run 5K runs and teaching them life skills. Nicole assists with her daughter's musical organizations, too, as Zoe is a trombonist in local Marching and Jazz bands, competes in state competitions, and is a member of the Erie County Fair Marching Band. Nicole relates, “I feel very blessed to be able to live in such a beautiful area and be able to be involved in these great projects. We’ve really enjoyed the community and the friends we’ve made here. I hope I can have a positive impact on the rail trail.” Learn more about becoming a volunteer here . August 27, 2024 Written by: Tim Bienkowski Previous Next < Back

Trail tours with Foothills Trail Club and Buffalo Ornithological Featured < Back Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Celebrates Earth Day Deborah Fenn Apr 14, 2023 Trail tours with Foothills Trail Club and Buffalo Ornithological Featured In observance of Earth Day on Saturday, April 22nd, Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail’s Springville-Concord Friends group is hosting three trail tours on the railbanked rail corridor. Each tour will depart from the Moose Lodge Pavilion, 13080 Buffalo Road in Springville. A 10:30 a.m. tour will be hosted by ECRT Friends leader Mary Carol Dearing; at 11:45 a.m. Chuck Mitchell, member of the Buffalo Ornithological Society will lead a group, and at 1:00 p.m. Chuck Feldman, incoming president of the Foothills Trail Club will depart with a third group of trail hikers. The length and duration of each guided hike will be determined by the leadership of each tour, depending on the desires of participants. Advance registration is not necessary. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of nature through the eyes of and ears of local experts as you learn more about current and future plans for ECRT’s 27-mile multi-use recreational trail. Previous Next

Deb Fenn John Landi John grew up in Putnam Valley, a rural, forested community several miles north of New York City where outdoor play, roughhousing and sledding were regular pastimes for John; later to be replaced by football, lacrosse and other organized sports in high school. Upon graduation, the campus and curriculum at Alfred University appeared “a perfect fit” for John where he undertook a 5-year MBA program in Finance and Economics, with an eye on a career in sports management. John’s first job as a data analyst with Greenwich Associates was an exceptional “learning experience” where he honed his skills and keyboard speed under the tutelage of a former Goldman Sachs employee. He then joined the Buffalo Bills organization as a customer relationship management system administrator (CRM), and was subsequently promoted to CRM Architect with Pegula Sports and Entertainment. In December of 2020, he joined his current firm, CTBK Accounting and Business Consulting, as a business data and analytics manager, “Since COVID, CTBK has offered a hybrid work experience, typically with three days working from home; two at the office,” he explains. “One of the company’s core values is Human Connection. Working cooperatively is really part of the company’s DNA, which I really like, and which adds real value to the work experience.” Today, John and wife Lindsey live in Orchard Park, where Lindsey grew up and where her parents and extended family still reside. “When I’m not puttering around the house and yard, we take time to travel, and we both enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors.” The couple recently returned from a trip to the Grand Canyon, and last year’s trip to the Hawaiian Islands included full days of long hikes and exploration. “I think the ECRT trail is truly important. It gives the community a place for walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and simply enjoying nature. It’s a great connector and a wonderful, potential economic stimulus. Case in point is the ‘Walk Over the Hudson’, close to where I grew up. It’s had a transformative, positive impact on communities on both sides of the bridge.” John also appreciates the trail’s historic aspects. Proud owner of his grandfather’s Lionel train set circa late-1940’s, Christmas finds the Landi living room transformed into an elaborate, impressive Christmas village. “Meanwhile, I look forward to the day when I can hike or ride the entire 27 miles of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail.” Yes, John. We’re with you! May 1, 2024 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

Deb Fenn Larry and Gretel Laing For over 50 years, Larry and Gretel Laing have called West Falls home. They raised their four children there and welcomed seven grandchildren as well as nine great-grandchildren to their lovely spot adjacent to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. For many years, Larry worked for Thruway Builders at both their Orchard Park and Cheektowaga locations. He later retired from Sorento Cheese (now Lactalis American). In addition to raising children, Gretel found time to work for physician’s offices in the Southtowns. When they first learned Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail had become managers of the former rail corridor located behind their home, and that plans were in the works to build a trail, they were apprehensive, to say the least. “Our property backs right up to the railroad, and we were against it. We thought the worst. What about our privacy? What about safety?” Like so many people on trails across the country, Larry and Gretel soon found they had nothing to fear and, in fact, they have become big trail supporters. “We walk the trail all the time,” notes Gretel. “It’s become such an asset to have a trail like this so close. Both the grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoy it. It’s like having your own private nature path.” Larry, meanwhile, keeps busy mowing and maintaining the trail. “I keep the section behind us clear, and then I’ll mow all the way from Old Glenwood to the West Falls Depot. It’s a nice walk, and we meet such nice people on the trail. You see folks walking with their dogs and with their kids. It’s good for wildlife, too. It’s been wonderful.” The couple would like to see the surface improved in the future so even more people can enjoy walking and biking on the trail. Larry, meanwhile, could use our help. “My legs aren’t what they used to be, and so I’m looking to get ahold of a used golf cart for trail maintenance.” So, here’s a shout-out to our readers — let’s help Larry find that golf cart! October 1, 2023 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

Deb Fenn Bernie Young Bernie Young is a country guy, through and through. He has lived in East Concord with his wife, Jeanette, for the past 50 years. Apart from his 4 children, 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grands, what Bernie loves most in this world is his abiding connection to nature and ‘the great outdoors'. As Bernie welcomed me into his home, he invited me to have a seat in what is certainly his favorite room; a place that serves as both a dining area and his beloved trophy room. Proudly displayed on the walls above our heads as we chatted were beautifully mounted turkeys and deer. (One buck, he noted, boasted a rack listed in the New York State record books “with a score of 145!”) A carpenter by trade, Bernie was founder and sole owner of Young Construction for most of his working life. Generally working alone, he remodeled numerous interior spaces over the years and, with a hired hand or two, constructed several home additions. Now retired, Bernie spends much of his time outdoors. He continues to cut his own firewood and he built a small cabin on a parcel of wooded property he owns on Springville-Boston Road. There, he hunts and fishes and simply enjoys his time with nature. Bernie also proudly serves on the board of directors of Springville Field and Stream. The organization’s recent fundraiser, a “Golf and Shoot”, involved competing trap-shooting teams followed by a round of golf at Concord Crest , dinner and prizes. Proceeds benefitted the Springville Trout Pond project, an endeavor Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail has been affiliated with this past year, creating an ADA accessible connection from the pond to the trail. In his spare time, Bernie is one of ECRT’s valued, hard-working volunteers. Using an ATV four-wheeler and a tow-behind mower, he does a meticulous job maintaining the trail from Genesee Road to Old Glenwood. He also walks the trail frequently. For Bernie, the trail is a much-loved place he gladly takes care of and truly cares for; a place where he can commune with nature very close to home. December 1, 2023 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

Let's go for a walk! < Back Upcoming Fall Trail Events Friends of the Trail Sep 12, 2023 Let's go for a walk! We’ve planned several Fall walks to highlight the diverse sections of our 27-mile trail. Our three Friends groups are hosting events in Concord, Orchard Park and Aurora. Members from all groups are welcome to attend each event, so plan to enjoy a stroll and get to know parts of the trail you haven’t yet explored! September 23rd Concord 9:30 am (Rain or shine) We’ll start at Shamel Milling, 9384 Genesee Rd. in the Town of Concord, and walk for 3-4 miles round trip. Meet us on the west side of the parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Register today until September 17th at https://ConcordTrailWalk.eventbrite.com ! October 21st Orchard Park 10:00 am (Rain or shine) We’ve partnered with the Runners Roost for a seasonal Trail Trot on the recently resurfaced section of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in the Orchard Park Village. We hope you’ll join us for this fun walk, trot, or run from the Orchard Park Depot to Jewett Holmwood Road and back. Wear your Halloween costume for the event and you might just see yourself (with permission) in subsequent ECRT and Runners Roost social media posts. Runners Roost is generously chipping in with athletic footwear and clothing for prize drawings at the event, to raise more funds for the improvement, expansion, and maintenance of the trail. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. Parking is available at the ECRT Bank Street lot . Discount coupons for the Byrd House restaurant will be available to all participants. Register by October 17th at https://OrchardParktrailtrot.eventbrite.com November 12th Aurora Stay tuned for more information! Happy Trails from your ECRT Friends Leaders, Mary Carol Dearing - Concord/Springville Nicole Avitahl-Curtis - Orchard Park Laura Gunderson - Colden/West Falls Previous Next