Rides, fun, food make good mix
The fourth annual Armstrong Trail Fundraising event May 16, formally known as Eat, Play, Ride!, has something for everyone:
Five distances, the option to ride or walk, a picnic lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a vegetarian selection, live musical entertainment, children’s games and a campfire with s’mores and more.
The rain-or-shine event, sponsored by the Armstrong Rails to Trails Association (ARTA) and the Allegheny Valley Land Trust (AVLT), will be at the Nautical Mile Campground at 530 Stone Ave. in Templeton. Bicyclists have their choice of five rides — 2 miles, 8 miles, 18 miles, 28 miles and 58 miles. Walkers can stretch their legs on a 2or 3-mile walk along the trail that borders the scenic Allegheny River.
The 36-mile non-motorized trail runs along the former Allegheny Valley Railroad line on the eastern bank of the Allegheny River in Armstrong and Clarion Counties.
The trail links the river towns of Ford City, Kittanning and East Brady and offers users a safe, relaxing environment to bicycle, walk, jog, cross-country ski and snowshoe. A 30-mile segment of the trail from Rosston to East Brady includes several short share-the-road sections.
All rides and walks begin and end at the Nautical Mile Campground. The longer rides begin at 9 a.m., the others start at 10 a.m. Fruit and water will be available at the registration desk.
May 9 is the deadline for preregistration. The fees are $25 for adults, $15 for children aged 10 to 18 and $5 for children 9 and younger.
All proceeds will be used for trail development.
Information: www.armstrongrailstotrails. email toni.henry51@
LHORBA party
The Laurel Highlands On- & Off-Road Bicycling Association (LHORBA) will have its annual membership party from 5:309:30 tonight at The Crow’s Nest, Tire Hill Road (Route 403) in Johnstown, Pa.
Membership includes road, rail-trail and mountain bikers. Free pizza and soft drinks will be served along with information about the organization.
Information: www.LHORBA.org.
West Newton Station
The Regional Trail Corporation (RTC) is seeking donations on the Day of Caring 2015 on Tuesday to help with upkeep and maintenance of the West Newton Station and its visitors center. The red-brick station along the Great Allegheny Passage is a popular stopping point for trail visitors.
The staff provides a variety of information to trail users — from distances to the next trail towns to points of interest along the trail.
To make a donation from 8 a.m. to midnight Tuesday, click on www.pittsburghgives.org select the RTC, enter the amount of the contribution and click submit.
Information: www.westmorelandgives.org