Second Bike Given Away

ELLICOTT, NY - Situated along a busy stretch of Fairmount Avenue stands a business that has been providing bicycle expertise for the past 30 years. Established in 1978, Hollyloft Ski and Bike is a highly specialized and unique shopping experience in Chautauqua County.

Hollyloft was also gracious enough to donate a bicycle for this year's Bike Raffle at the Chautauqua County Fair. The winner of the bike was Baylee Gloss of Forestville, who came to Hollyloft on Tuesday with her mom Danielle to pick up her prize.

Chautauqua County Executive Gregory J. Edwards and Hollyloft owner Les Johnson gave the bike, and a new pink helmet to Baylee, and Les provided her with instructions in safe riding techniques before she pedaled off.

Edwards chose Tuesday evening as the time to present Baylee with the bike, because it is also the night that members of Team Hollyloft gather for their weekly ride. As many as 80 folks come out for the Tuesday night ride each week.

Team Hollyloft is a collection of riders, from weekend warriors to semi-pro cyclists, who compete in races and take part in weekly group rides. The group has been growing rapidly over the past 8 seasons, and Edwards wanted Baylee to have the chance to see what they do.

"These bicyclists come out every week to ride as a group, some from as far away as Ellicottville and Erie, PA, to ride the many miles of roadways in Chautauqua County," Edwards proclaimed. "I wanted Baylee to have the chance to meet some of these bicyclists, and encourage her to ride, since riding is away of life for many Chautauqua County residents, and also a great way to get exercise.

Baylee Gloss and Trevor Cole from Silver Creek were the winners of the Youth Bureau's 2008 Bike Raffle at the Chautauqua County Fair.

(Photo Courtesy of Joel Keefer)