Trail Talk - Ecusta Trail

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Rhythm & Brews Concert Series
September 21, 2023 @ 5:30pm – 9:30pm

Melissa Carper (Americana/Western Swing) with Angela Easterling & The Beguilers (Singer/Songwriter)

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Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board Meeting
September 27, 2023 @ 3:30pm – 5:30pm

Open to the public. Meeting at City Council Chambers.

FOET NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS: Bernard Grauer, Lynn Huffman, John Lanier, RJ Miner, Matt Revis and Cindy Ruzak.

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Trail Talk - August 2023

August 2023

Trailblazer

Hank Birdsong

Tour de Transylvania

By Bernard Grauer

Bright yellow and blue jerseys speckled the group as Hank Birdsong briefed members from the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club on their morning ride. Birdsong has sculpted many creative rides around Western North Carolina that have transformed the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club and its mission. While the club’s mission is “to promote healthy and fun lifestyles through cycling in Western North Carolina,” the organization has continued to give to other charitable organizations. This year, club riders have noticed progressive activities with the Ecusta Trail and have donated (on average) $2,000 per participant during the Tour de Transylvania.

Yes, Tour de Transylvania. Most readers will know about the Tour de France with its sweeping stage rides through the picturesque French countryside. Now picture a beautiful and forgiving multi-stage bike tour through Western North Carolina.

In the summer of 2020, many bike riders became isolated, so Birdsong began to plot safer rides for club members to ride on their own. He mimicked the 21-stage Tour de France course with 1/3 of the mileage so club riders could enjoy rides day after day. If international riders had a flat easy ride on a particular day, Blue Ridge bike riders had an easy ride that same day. When the Tour attacked the French Alps, local club riders challenged themselves to the 14% grades of Western North Carolina roads. Club riders with various pace groups could participate in any number of rides during the three weeks.

Birdsong did not realize the growth the Tour de Tranylvania would generate for the club and its outreach. In 2021 only a few participants trekked the rides through the mountains. By 2023 there were three different pace groups with multiple time divisions to separate groups for safety. Pace groups vary from fast to casual (around 14-16 miles an hour). Birdsong organizes the pace groups and their leaders with multi-colored spreadsheets, and his system works. Multiple club members share responsibilities of guiding the differing pace groups throughout Transylvania County. One casual pace group offers a no-drop option where riders will stop at key turns to ensure everyone follows the course and makes it back safely.

Members mention that they like the variety of the rides.

“Hank does all the work, and we just have to show up,” one rider laughed.

Indeed, Birdsong has created a real gem with the Tour de Transylvania, which allows riders to show up and enjoy the scenery of less traveled roads and share their stories afterward.

2023 Tour de Transylvania Stats:

More than $105,000 raised for the Ecusta Trail from 96 donors.

An average of more than 60 riders per day.

80 rides total with at least 3 rides each day and 6 rides on some days.

Largest number of riders on one day - 137.

Longest ride - 69 miles (Stage 15)

Shortest ride - 17 miles (Stage 13)

Total membership of the BRBC - more than 1,000

Winner of the E-Bike Raffle

to Benefit the Ecusta Trail!

We Have a Winner!

We are happy to announce that Richard Durose is the winner of our E-Bike raffle that ended at 5 p.m. on July 30!

Thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets and to Sycamore Cycles and Motion Makers for donating the Specialized Turbo Como SL 4.0 E-Bike and helmet! You helped raise $4,020 for the Ecusta Trail!

Henderson County Rail-Trail

Advisory Committee

By Matt Revis

The happy chatter at the start of the meeting forecast the first announcement from Chair Chuck McGrady. McGrady shared astounding news: the Ecusta Trail (ET) received two large federal grants for construction. “Unprecedented” was his next word, a word that would be repeated many times before adjournment. To date a total of six grants have been awarded to the Trail, amounting to over $64.5 million for construction and planning.

The grants, a RAISE grant for $24.5 million and the NFSLTP grant for $21.4 million, will be administered by the US and North Carolina Departments of Transportation (DOT). Administration of the two grants for use simultaneously by the same project presents “unprecedented” complications. In fact, it appears that the federal agencies awarding the grants were not aware of that fact. The City of Brevard is the official recipient of the RAISE grant, while the NCDOT received the NFSLTP. Both grants were written by Brevard Planning, but NCDOT will administer both.

Discussions between NCDOT and USDOT scheduled to occur over the next few weeks will develop written agreements to specify the manner of fund distribution to NCDOT, and how the funds must be spent. Coordinating correct use of the two grants is challenging, said Chris Burns (Vice Chair), considering how many committees, local governments entities and multiple state and federal agencies are involved. He added assurance that through planning and communication, no federal dollars will be lost due to the complexity.

Henderson County will proceed with trail construction soon with funds already received, primarily from Surface Transportation Block Grants (STBG). On July 7, the County posted the bid request. Interested parties must be NCDOT qualified and attend a pre-bid meeting on July 20 (late note, 25 companies attended). August 7 is the date for bid opening. Within a few weeks of receipt of bids, the NCDOT and Henderson Board of Commissioners will review and select the contractor.

With trail construction in Henderson County imminent, McGrady opened discussion about the importance of the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Drafted by the County Attorney, this agreement will coordinate surface maintenance, security, and access along the ET. Chris Todd reviewed maintenance details and proposed to use a contractor for most tasks and to identify a few duties for Friends of the Ecusta Trail (FOET). Ken Shelton (FOET) mentioned that FOET responsibilities should be clearly defined.

In other business, Kristin Cozza (Conserving Carolina) shared that the Saluda Grade to Ecusta Trail feasibility study will start this summer. Chuck McGrady noted that South Carolina has already committed $15 million for this trail project.

Next meeting for this committee is set for August 9 at 10:00 AM.

Brevard Ecusta Trail

Advisory Board

By Matt Revis

Mac Morrow (Brevard City Council) chaired this meeting in the absence of Mayor Copelof. Mentioning the word “unprecedented,” Morrow expressed amazement that two large federal grants of more than $20 million were approved recently for trail construction. This unprecedented occurrence creates complications with distribution of the grants. Some expectations of the two grants conflict and determining when and how the dollars are released will take some time.

Aaron Bland (Brevard Planning) agreed that release of the grant dollars may take a year. Bland stated that written grant agreements determine how the money is administered through USDOT and NCDOT. He attended a required webinar for RAISE grant recipients and a second meeting will occur soon to continue planning for the RAISE grant agreement and to introduce the US Department of Transportation person responsible for grant management.

Clark Lovelace explained that the TDA Board needs to reconsider the award of $1 million to the Ecusta Trail (ET). Originally, the contribution was defined as a match for construction funding attached to another construction grant exceeding $10 million. Now, considering that the two federal grants are for construction of the trail, but not for amenities (parking, bathrooms, maintenance), the TDA money may better be spent on such items. Lovelace added that the TDA Board meets July 27 to discuss the issue. Hooper Wilson (Brevard City Manager) expressed hope that the TDA funds could be used for engineering/planning costs. Lovelace reminded the committee that grant distribution occurs over four (4) years at $250,000 each year.

Chuck McGrady (Henderson Rail Trail Advisory Committee) announced the release of construction bids for the first six miles of the trail in Henderson County. A recent pre-bid meeting drew twenty-five interested companies. Bid responses are due prior to the second meeting in August of the County Commissioners. McGrady stated that construction should start in the fall of 2023, but that paving is a warm weather task. Six miles (or more) of paved trail by May 2024 is possible, he said. Committee discussion emphasized these six miles are complicated by numerous road crossings, bridges, and drainage issues.

Wilson Hooper (Brevard City Manager) asked that Conserving Carolina and Friends of Ecusta Trail consider using raised funds for trail amenities. By cooperating with Henderson County, he also expressed hope for a per mile maintenance contract that could extend to cover new miles of trails built into Transylvania. He added that the September meeting of the Brevard City Council will include a comprehensive review covering the status of trail grants and construction.

In another unprecedented announcement, John Ditillo shared that the recent Tour de Transylvania had raised over $100,000 in donations to the ET. Hank Birdsong and other members of the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club managed 21 stages of the race over 3 weeks, doubling the initial goal of $50,000. Members expressed surprise and gratitude at this announcement. Morrow ended the meeting by describing that recent trail progress has produced “lots of heroes and lots of zeroes” – that’s zeroes on those dollar amounts, my ET friends.

Next meeting of this group is scheduled for August 30, 2023, 3:30 PM.

FOET at the Rhythm and Brews

Concert Series

Presented by Horizon Heating & Air, Rhythm & Brews Concert Series brings together live music, local craft beverages, and the community! These FREE shows take place on the third Thursday of every month from May-September, closing part of South Main Street to make room for all the fun. Local food trucks will line the street cooking delicious eats from kettle corn to pizza to barbecue. Each show begins with an opener at 5:30 p.m. followed by the headlining performance from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.

August's band playing on August 17 will be Fireside Collective (Progressive Bluegrass) with The Roving (Americana/Indie/Rock). Check out the full line up and learn more, here.

August ET Events

Henderson County R-TAC Meeting

August 9, 2023 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm

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Rhythm & Brews Concert Series
August 17, 2023 @ 5:30pm – 9:30pm

Fireside Collective (Progressive Bluegrass) with The Roving (Americana/Indie/Rock)

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Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board Meeting
August 30, 2023 @ 3:30pm – 5:30pm

Open to the public. Meeting at City Council Chambers.

FOET NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS: Bernard Grauer, Lynn Huffman, John Lanier, RJ Miner, Matt Revis, Cindy Ruzak and Dana Vance.

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Trail Talk - July 2023

July 2023

Trailblazer

Dan Poeta

Horizon Heating & Air

By Cindy Ruzak

Dan Poeta, owner of Horizon Heating & Air, is more likely to be scuba diving, golfing, or hunting than biking, but that hasn’t diminished his enthusiastic support for the Ecusta Trail.

Horizon Heating & Air was, as he says, “started out of necessity” in 2010 when he and his father decided, after working for other HVAC contractors, “why don’t we do it ourselves?” The company has since grown to 65 employees by maintaining a philosophy of giving back to the community rather than merely charging a fee for a service. And all of this is achieved through personal connections.

As his business expanded, Dan became increasingly involved in the community, serving on the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce since 2015, currently as Past Chair. In 2014 he created the Horizon Community Fund through the Community Foundation, committing $1,000 per month to the fund. Shortly thereafter his friend Matt Johnes, owner of Hannah Flanagan’s, joined the effort, pledging $12,000 per year. Then two became three, with Southern Alarm’s Steve Johnson pledging at the same level. The fund snowballed, with manufacturer Trane lending support, along with other local businesses, including Boyd Automotive, Edward Jones’ Ken Adams, and Triangle Stop.

The Work With Heart Community Fund, invests $84,000 per year back into the community, including a $25,000 major sponsor five year commitment to the Ecusta Trail. Work With Heart focuses on family needs, children, and education. Applications are accepted in January each year, with grants announced in mid-February. The Ecusta Trail was selected because it will provide outdoor education and easy access to biking for those who, like Dan, prefer flatter trail riding.

As a member of the chamber board, Dan was aware of the Ecusta Trail early in the planning stages. He rode Greenville, South Carolina’s Swamp Rabbit trail and participated in several organized explorations of the positive impact that trail had on local business and the surrounding community. Dan also attributes the inspiration for his support to Ecusta Trail board member Chris Burns, a neighbor with similar-aged children.

One of the best compliments Dan received was when he was referred to as a “catalyst.” He and his wife, Katrina, were involved in the expansion of the Leader in Me program in Henderson County schools. The program is based on Stephen Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, to define and develop leadership principles; and is a collaboration of Henderson County Education Foundation, the public schools, and local businesses. Classes and clubs in elementary, and now middle school and some high schools, help create a culture that promotes responsibility, accountability for one’s actions, better teamwork, and encouragement to “find your own voice”.

Dan is looking forward to a time when the Ecusta Trail connects even more towns – and their communities – along its way.

Brevard Ecusta Trail

Advisory Board

By John Lanier

Brevard Mayor Maureen Copelof told the Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board on Wednesday, June 28, that the $24.5 million RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) grant the city has been awarded for construction of the Ecusta Trail is the largest in the city’s history.

The grant, which was officially announced by Sen. Thom Tillis’s office a week earlier, will provide approximately $18.7 million for construction of the Ecusta Trail in Transylvania County, with the remaining amount for construction of the trail in Henderson County.

“I think this is probably the biggest grant the city has ever gotten. This is huge,” said Copelof. “Right now we are sitting in a really sweet spot, but we’ve got to start working the details a lot more aggressively... We didn’t have any construction money and now we do.”

The grant money must be obligated no later than September 30, 2027 and spent by September 30, 2032. The goal, however, is to have the trail completed much earlier than those deadlines.

“From our perspective we are lucky that Henderson is ahead of us and we can look at what they are doing. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel,” said Copelof.

Chuck McGrady, who serves as Henderson County’s representative on the Brevard board, agreed, noting that Henderson County is several months ahead of Brevard in the trail construction process.

In fact, on July 7 Henderson County is scheduled to begin receiving bids for construction of the first six miles of the trail from downtown Hendersonville to Horse Shoe; the bids are scheduled to be opened August 7.

“Until you get the bids done, you don’t know what the price is going to be,” said McGrady. He added that by the time all of the studies, designs and construction are finished, the actual cost might exceed the RAISE grant.

Earlier in the month, Brevard had received unofficial notification it had received another federal grant, an NSFLTP grant worth $21 million. However, Copelof said it was an “oversight” at the federal level that both the NSFLTP and RAISE grants were approved for the same project.

“We’re not going to get another $21 million,” said Copelof.

McGrady said USDOT might have been “siloed” and not realized they were approving two grants in roughly the same amount to do the same thing. “This will all sort out,” said McGrady.

Receipt of the RAISE grant now triggers the use of other grants. Clark Lovelace of the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority (TCTDA) said the TCTDA has a $1 million grant allocated to the Ecusta Trail, and the first $250,000 of that grant has been budgeted for expenditure in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

This is the third time the city of Brevard has applied for a RAISE grant. Copelof said she believes the primary reason this grant application was approved is the impact of the trail will be regional and the effort to build the trail has been collaborative. Along with the city of Brevard, Henderson County, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Conserving Carolina and Friends of the Ecusta Trail, along with more than 30 other organizations, supported the grant.

Copelof specifically praised McGrady for his work at the state level and federal Rep. Chuck Edwards, who went “way beyond” his duties to help secure the grant.

“I cannot say enough ‘thank yous’ to Congressman Edwards,” said Copelof.

In an earlier press release, both Copelof and Rebecca McCall, Henderson County Board Chairman, expressed their appreciation to their respective city and county staffs in their efforts to obtain the grant.

While the $24.5 million RAISE grant may cover the construction costs for the 18.9-mile Ecusta Trail, contributions are still needed for amenities such as parking areas at designated access points, benches, bike repair stations, bathrooms, etc.

Brevard City Manager Wilson Hooper said city staff plans to give a detailed presentation of the RAISE grant at an upcoming city council meeting. It was suggested the presentation be given at a joint meeting of the Brevard City Council and Transylvania County Board of Commissioners.

The next meeting of the Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board is scheduled for July 26 at the Brevard City Council chambers.

WNC Flyer Results

All of the more than 700 participants who rode in the Western NC Flyer this past June finished their respective bike rides at Oskar Blues in Brevard. You may recall a previous article about the Flyer; the event brings road riders nationwide to the picturesque mountains for fun and fellowship. Asheville led the top 5 cities where riders came from, followed by Hendersonville, Charlotte, Brevard, and Greenville, SC. Participants chose from 33, 50, 64, or 100 mile rides from the following distances. To learn more about the Blue Ridge Bike Club, visit their website and check for more rides in the future.

Dawn Barr provided the following stats.

Participant stats

Total Registered: 787

Half Metric (33 Miles) 167

Half Century (50 Miles) 203

Metric (64 Miles) 268

Century (100 Miles) 145

VIRTUAL WNC Flyer 4

Total: 787

Demographics:

Gender split: 65% male / 35% female

Age Breakdown:

0-12: 4

13-17: 5

18-24: 6

25-29: 14

30s: 59

40s: 96

50s: 204

60+: 399

Locations/distances:

28% traveled less than 25 miles

States: 22 + 1 from Germany

Top Cities

Asheville: 114

Hendersonville: 62

Charlotte: 50

Brevard: 39

Greenville, SC: 31

Arden: 24

Weaverville: 16

DONATIONS through ONLINE REGISTRATION (in addition to Ride Registrations) were $2,429.03

Henderson County Rail-Trail

Advisory Committee

The June meeting was cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for July12, 2023 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm

E-Bike Raffle to Benefit the

Ecusta Trail ends July 30!

(Click on the image to purchase your raffle tickets!)

The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club will sponsor its 4th Annual Tour de Transylvania starting Saturday, July 1. This club-only event will feature 21 stages, multiple ride options each stage, and start at various locations around Transylvania County. You must be a BRBC member in order to ride (Not a member? Join here) and stage details will be posted on the club's website. This year's event will benefit the Ecusta Trail (pledge form). Funds raised will be used for the 20% local match required by most state and federal grants.

Oskar Blues Brewery will host a post-ride fundraising event on Monday, July 3, and is open to everyone. The event will include:

All day, 10% of all food/beverage income will be donated to the Ecusta Trail
Ecusta trail information and merchandise by Friends of Ecusta Trail, 12-3pm
Mountain Music Mondays at 6pm

The Cedar Mountain Outpost will host a post-ride fundraising event on Friday, July 14, 12pm – 5pm and is open to everyone. The event will include:

Raffle for a New Belgium Fat Tire bicycle and other prizes
Music by Jeff Sipe, Howie Johnson and others
Tour de France viewing
Food and beverages, including a special beer by Noblebräu Brewing
Ecusta trail information and merchandise by Friends of Ecusta Trail

Show your support for the Ecusta Trail while enjoying great food, beverages and music!

FOET at the Rhythm and Brews

Concert Series

July's band playing on July 20 will be The Stooges Brass Band (New Orleans Brass Band) with Zydeco Ya Ya (Zydeco Cajun Swing). Check out the full line up and learn more, here.

July ET Events

Henderson County R-TAC Meeting

July 12, 2023 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm

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Rhythm & Brews Concert Series
July 20, 2023 @ 5:30pm – 9:30pm

The Stooges Brass Band (New Orleans Brass Band) with Zydeco Ya Ya (Zydeco Cajun Swing)

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Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board Meeting
July 26, 2023 @ 3:30pm – 5:30pm

Open to the public. Meeting at City Council Chambers.

FOET NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS: Bernard Grauer, Lynn Huffman, John Lanier, RJ Miner, Matt Revis, Cindy Ruzak and Dana Vance.

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Trail Talk - June 2023

June 2023

Trailblazer(s)

Volunteer Appreciation Party

By Cindy Ruzak

We Love Our Volunteers!

Over 50 people enjoyed beautiful weather on Saturday, May 6th at the Ecusta Trail Volunteer Appreciation party organized by the FOET Board at Packa’s Place in Horse Shoe. Attendees were treated to terrifically tender fried chicken sandwiches from Chick-fil-A, and delicious macaroni and potato salads from The Fresh Market, along with homemade cookies from the event organizers.

After recognizing all of the individuals and the various categories in which they volunteer for the Ecusta Trail, Lynn Huffman introduced a number of the board members who were present: Mark Tooley - President, Deb Tellman - Treasurer, Nancy DePippo – Secretary, Dean St. Marie - Vice President, Tad Fogel - Director, Matt Matteson - Director, Joe Sanders - Director, John Ditillo - Director and Ken Shelton – Director and Fundraising Chairman.

Mark updated everyone on the status of the project and Ken Shelton spoke about the continued need for monetary donations and developing more business contributions. The event wrapped up with a raffle drawing for gifts from Blantyre Station, FIND Outdoor, Pisgah Conservancy, Cognitive MTB, and Ingles. A good time was had by all.

Special thanks to Packa’s Place, Chick-fil-A, The Fresh Market, Blantyre Station, FIND Outdoor, Pisgah Conservancy, Cognitive MTB and Ingles.

New Merchandise for a Limited Time

We have some new Merch for sale this summer! Cognative Mountain Bike has generously designed a 3/4 sleeve Ecusta Trail jersey for us. It is made from their ProMesh Plus fabric. The online store will only be open for a limited time, so you will have to order quickly!

The jerseys can only be ordered June 1 - June 15, and you will order your jersey directly on the Cognative website and it will be shipped to your home. All proceeds will help us to continue to build the trail.

Go to https://cognativemtb.com June 1-15 and search Ecusta Trail to place your order. We can't wait to see you out on the trails this summer in your official Ecusta Trail jersey!

E-Bike Raffle to Benefit the Ecusta Trail!

(Click on the image to purchase your raffle tickets!)

Henderson County Rail-Trail

Advisory Committee

By Cindy Ruzak

The Henderson County Rail-Trail Advisory Committee meeting on May 10th was shorter than most, primarily because the Ecusta Trail project is on track. Senior Planner Janna Bianculli relayed that of all the projects underway in the 5 counties in the French Broad Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the Ecusta Trail is the only one on schedule.

That said, there are a multitude of pieces at play that need to be coordinated to achieve year-end completion. All permits are in process for an expected June approval. Once permits are received, they must be lined up with grant money, which happens at different stages during construction. Then contractors must be scheduled, with the final consideration that asphalt surfacing, planned for the end of the year, is heavily weather-dependent. The trail may need to be opened with a temporary surface, with a permanent resurface in the spring.

The draft of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Rail Trail was reviewed and discussed, with a vote to take place on its acceptance by all parties at the next meeting in June. This MOU between Henderson County, City of Hendersonville, Town of Laurel Park, Conserving Carolina, and the Friends of Ecusta Trail will be available for viewing online at Draft MOU for Trail Operations.

The MOU defines the responsibilities of each of the parties involved in the operation of the rail trail. Recognizing that it is in the best interest of the citizens of Henderson County to establish a single entity, Henderson County Parks and Recreation was designated to maintain and administer the trail within Henderson County, with the cooperation of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department, City of Hendersonville Police Department, and the Town of Laurel Park. Officers from these jurisdictions will regularly patrol the trail system to enforce federal, state, and local law as well as Henderson County Parks and Recreation rules and regulations.

Friends of Ecusta Trail, as a function of their advocacy, will take a leadership role in fundraising efforts for new amenities along the trail. They may develop a trail volunteer program to assist in patrolling and providing information to trail users.

Meeting attendees began defining trail maintenance, both in regard to what will need to be done and which municipality will be financially responsible. Conversation will continue.

Brevard Ecusta Trail

Advisory Board

By Matt Revis

Paul Ray (Brevard City Planning) reported that Pisgah Laboratories Inc. has requested to construct a fence along the trailside bordering their property on Old Hendersonville Highway. Consisting of an 8-foot high chain link covered in black vinyl, the fence will enter the trail right of way. Mr. Ray added that work is nearly complete to devise an encroachment agreement, based on the same document developed by Henderson County. The ensuing Advisory Committee discussion expressed the need to consult with the TPD engineers regarding the best location for the fence, which will extend along the entire property adjacent to the Laboratory buildings. The Committee approved the request, stipulating that the exact location of the fence must be coordinated with the engineering team.

Transportation Planning & Design (TPD), the engineering firm chosen to design trail construction, continues formulating the Scope of Work (SOW). Lonnie Watkins (DOT) and Mr. Ray have reviewed the latest version of the SOW, attached a few recommendations, and returned it to TPD. Next, TPD will formulate the “fee” that results in a final cost estimate for trail construction in Transylvania County.

Chuck McGrady (Henderson County Trail Advisory Committee) brought positive news related to the release of federal DOT funds. According to his sources, the procedure to release these funds to Henderson County has been placed in the hands of the NCDOT. McGrady expects that the NCDOT will recommend release of these funds at the next Board of Transportation meeting. If approved as expected, funding should be ready for the County to begin the bidding process by the end of this summer. McGrady also reported progress on development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to define the relationship between Hendersonville, the County, and Laurel Park regarding ET responsibilities.

John Ditillo, Friends of Ecusta Trail (FOET), reported that 39 new “No Trespassing” signs have been erected along the ET, another example of work by FOET volunteers. Recently, a large group of FOET volunteers were feted during a volunteer appreciation event. FOET volunteers will share information and boost fundraising from their booth at the Rhythm & Blues concerts on Main Street Hendersonville. Concerts continue this summer on June 15, July 20, August 17, and September 21 beginning at 5:30 PM.

In addition, FOET is receiving support from this year’s 2023 Le Tour de Transylvania (TdT). This cycling event has 21 stages of creative rides across the region, supported and led by members of the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club (BRBC). This year the Tour is fundraising for the Ecusta Trail. BRBC Ecusta Trail pledge forms are available at the start of each TdT stage, or this link connects to the pledge form: Ecusta Trail Pledge Form. (The form can be mailed to Hank Birdsong at PO Box 1, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718 or given to BRBC members at the start of a ride.)

The Committee continues waiting on responses from two large federal grants. In fact, at the next meeting of this committee, June 28, awards for the 2023 RAISE grants (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) are scheduled to be released to the public. Mayor Copelof expressed hope that the next meeting of the Advisory Committee will include a celebration for winning this grant.

Next meeting of this Committee is scheduled for June 28, 2023.

Tour de Transylvania

The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club will sponsor its 4th Annual Tour de Transylvania starting Saturday, 1 July. This club-only event will feature 21 stages, multiple ride options each stage, and start at various locations around Transylvania County. You must be a BRBC member in order to ride (Not a member? Join here) and stage details will be posted on the club's website. This year's event will benefit the Ecusta Trail (pledge form). Funds raised will be used for the 20% local match required by most state and federal grants. Post-ride fundraising events will be held on Monday, 3 July at Oskar Blues Brewery and Friday, 14 July at Cedar Mountain Outpost and are open to everyone. Show your support for the Ecusta Trail while enjoying great food, beverages and music!

June ET Events

Henderson County R-TAC Meeting

June14, 2023 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm

____________________________

Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board Meeting
June 28, 2023 @ 3:30pm – 5:30pm

Open to the public. Meeting at City Council Chambers.

FOET at the Rhythm and Brews

Concert Series

June's bands playing on June 15 will be Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights (Blues Rock/Southern Rock) with Carolina Drifters (Southern Rock). Check out the full line up and learn more, here.

FOET NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS: Bernard Grauer, Lynn Huffman, RJ Miner, Matt Revis, Cindy Ruzak and Dana Vance.

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Trail Talk - May 2023

May 2023

Trailblazer

Hunter Subaru’s Creative Gifting

By Cindy Ruzak

As is true with many sponsors of the Ecusta Trail, Hunter Subaru’s goal, as explained by Hunter Automotive Group’s Marketing Director Kate Redmond, is to improve the quality of life in their community by supporting local non-profit organizations. However, this family-owned company takes their philanthropic vision even further, making it part of their unique corporate culture.

Hunter Subaru focuses their efforts on Western North Carolina philanthropies that benefit three areas – youth and education, animal welfare, and the environment and outdoors. Their support comes in the form of monetary gifts and matching grants, event sponsorship and volunteer efforts by employees, as well as other promotional partnerships. Two years ago, the company’s owners created the Hunter Hometown Foundation to have a longer lasting impact in the community. They have already given $350,000 back to the WNC community.

Through the foundation and other efforts, Hunter Automotive Group has contributed an impressive $1.4 million to community causes. Funding decisions are made by the foundation’s board, which consists of members of the executive team of the Hunter Automotive Group, with two seats held by family members. Thus decisions are made locally, even when partnering with national initiatives like Subaru’s Share the Love program.

The monies contributed through Subaru’s Share the Love program are in addition to the money directly contributed by Hunter Subaru. During certain months of the year, Share the Love allows the purchaser or lessee of a new car to choose from one of four national organizations or one dealer designated local organization, to receive $300. Hunter Subaru’s local organization is the Boys & Girls Club, which the dealership also supports by partnering in events and scholarship fundraising efforts.

Through promotional partnerships, Hunter Subaru underwrites the cost of a nonprofit’s event while receiving the benefit of public recognition. On June 4th Hunter Subaru will present the 19th annual WNC Flyer bike ride with the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club. The event, starting at Oskar Blues in Brevard, offers a variety of rides appropriate for all skill levels, with a portion of the proceeds going to support the Ecusta Trail. Hunter Subaru was also involved in the Strut Your Mutt 5K Run/Walk.

The Hunters’ connection to, and support of, the Ecusta Trail, as in so many cases, can be traced to community involvement and the resulting personal connections. Owner Randy Hunter’s position as Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce Chair afforded awareness of the Ecusta Trail very early in its planning stages. Plus, Hunter Subaru had a previous working relationship with Chris Burns of Summit Marketing and the Friends of the Ecusta Trail board.

Hunter engages their employees in the spirit of volunteering as they recently sponsored a separate trail cleanup on the Ecusta Trail, as well as working with the Pisgah Conservancy on similar projects. With another local non-profit Safelight, the company helped to build a therapy playroom to help kids communicate through trauma. Such hands-on involvement also serves to create the next generation of community volunteers, as employees bring their children to help.

Randy Hunter and cousin Thomas Hunter, along with Randy’s son Harrison, are the owners and managing partners of Hunter Subaru. They and their wives, Alice, Susan, and Emma, respectively, continue the tradition of philanthropy started by their great grandfather in 1940. The original Hunter location was a Chevrolet dealership on Main Street in Hendersonville in the building now occupied by the Never Blue restaurant. They have since opened locations on Asheville Highway and now Airport Road, expanding their brand inventory (Subaru, Hyundai, and Volvo), and opening a used car and body shop.

The extent to which Hunter Subaru’s owners and employees positively impact the community in which we live is indeed impressive.

Crossroads of Bikes and Brews:

Cognative Brew House

By Bernard Grauer

Ahh, the savory smell of a seasonal coffee in the morning. Little can beat it. Later this spring, coffee lovers Andrea and Austin Bankert will open a little slice of paradise for coffee enthusiasts and bike lovers in their Cognative MTB location. The new shop, located at the crossroads of South Rugby Road and US 64, across from the Ecusta Trail in downtown Horse Shoe, will be the source of those savory aromas.

The Bankerts’ mountain bike apparel company grew out of their love of bike riding at the Dupont State Forest and of giving back to mountain communities. The Cognative Brew House is the latest extension of their motto to “Ride Bikes – Build Community,” and aims to provide a cozy and welcoming vibe that will make it a destination for locals and visitors to the area. The shop aims to be a gathering space where everyone can enjoy craft coffee, seasonal drinks, beer, wine and locally sourced baked goods, and it will also feature space for their retail apparel.

Currently, the back of the building serves as the headquarters for Cognative MTB, an international apparel and custom gear supplier for outdoor enthusiasts. This bustling business has a policy of donating 2% of their topline revenue to outdoor trail building and maintenance initiatives. Since 2017, Cognative has granted over seventy thousand dollars to trail organizations supporting regional trails. In the summer of 2023, they will create a custom jersey to support the Ecusta Trail.

More on the Bankerts’ progress with the Cognative Brew House.

Henderson County Rail-Trail

Advisory Committee

The April meeting was canceled.

Brevard Ecusta Trail

Advisory Board

By Matt Revis

Transportation Planning & Design (TPD), the engineering firm chosen to design trail construction and estimate costs, has submitted an early version of the “Scope of Work” (SOW). The SOW connects dollars to trail design by estimating work hours and attaching a dollar amount to the work hours. With real dollars at play, extensive reviews must occur among several entities, including the NCDOT. As of the ETAB meeting, the official SOW was not yet ready, but expected very soon.

Paul Ray, Planning Director, stated that the NSFLTP grant (Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects) decision is also expected “any minute”. This and the RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) grant are the largest potential funding sources for ET construction in Transylvania County. With the RAISE grant decision not due until July 2023, actual construction may not begin until 2024. Mayor Copelof expressed her desire to build at least a small part of the trail as soon as possible.

Chuck McGrady shared that trail construction on the Henderson County side might begin in July. The Henderson County Board cannot start bidding/requests for proposals until expected funds from the NCDOT are released to the county. Again, this is a process under review at NCDOT following standard protocols. McGrady expressed hope that funding will occur soon.

Staff from the Henderson and Transylvania County Planning departments, Advisory Committee members from both counties, and folks from Friends of Ecusta Trail and Conserving Carolina have had one meeting to begin operational planning. More meetings are planned. This group intends to coordinate signage, logos, and amenities along the trail between the two counties. Topics also include parking and bathrooms.

Next meeting of this Committee is scheduled for May 31, 2023.

May ET Events

Henderson County R-TAC Meeting

May 10, 2023 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm

____________________________

Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board Meeting
May 31, 2023 @ 3:30pm – 5:30pm

Open to the public. Meeting at City Council Chambers.

The 19th annual WNC Flyer, presented by Hunter Subaru, will be held in Western North Carolina on June 4th. Start and finish lines will be at Oskar Blues in Brevard, NC. What better way to spend the day than with a bike ride, bluegrass, BBQ, and great brews!

Riders can choose a century, metric, half-century, or half-metric ride that winds through the valleys south of Asheville, NC. Home to gently rolling hills, this ride is appropriate for all skill levels, allowing cyclists to experience beautiful mountain scenery without the long mountain climbs.

This event offers ample rest stops and an after-party, catered by Mayberry’s, with lots of yummy BBQ (or Veggie/Vegan lunch options) and one free beer to top off the ride.

A portion of the net proceeds benefits the Friends of Ecusta Trail organization.

E-Bike Raffle to Benefit the Ecusta Trail!

(Click on the image to purchase your raffle tickets!)

Help Wanted for Ongoing Volunteer Positions!

Newsletter Team Leader to plan and oversee the content for each newsletter. Some editing experience preferred, and Google Docs and Google Drive experience required. Estimated time commitment is two to three hours per month.

Publicity Committee Leader with the experience, time and skills to produce and distribute press releases and organize Ecusta Trail messaging across our digital channels. Google Docs and Google Drive experience required. Estimated time commitment is two to three hours per week.

If interested in either position, please email Lynn Huffman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

FOET NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS: Bernard Grauer, Lynn Huffman, RJ Miner, Matt Revis, Cindy Ruzak and Dana Vance.

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