Lost River Trails Coalition depends on the generosity of its members, the local community, and local businesses. Donations help fund routine trail maintenance, grant matches for major trail development projects, the Hardy County Cryptids youth mountain bike program, events, or other aspects of our mission. Donations can be made online or by check. Checks should be made out to Lost River Trails Coalition and sent to the following address:
Lost River Trails Coalition
PO BOX 169
Mathias, WV 26812
Online donations can be made to our general annual giving fund on GiveButter: https://givebutter.com/YmEDua.
To donate specifically to the Hardy County Cryptids, please visit https://givebutter.com/d6IhgX.
Event Sponsorship
Lost River Trails Coalition hosts two annual events, the Lost River Trail Run in May and the Lost River Classic gravel bike race in August of each year. These events incur thousands of dollars in operating expenses, including insurance, timing, prizes, aid station and post-event food, signage, marketing, etc. With the generous support of local Hardy County businesses as well as national corporations, most (but not all) of these operating expenses are covered by sponsorship. Sponsorship ensures the largest possible percentage of registration revenue goes directly to LRTC to support our mission.
LRTC invites local businesses to partner with us in delivering these events, which are our most stable annual revenue stream. No donation is too small. We are in need of prizes to award event participants as well as cash or in-kind contributions. Sponsors at the minimal tier will be promoted on social media and online, at $100 or more will be included on event T-shirts, and $500 or more will be included on the banner behind the podium of the Lost River Classic. Please download the sponsorship tier document for more information.
According to surveys of Lost River Classic participants, more than 30% of cyclists stayed overnight in Hardy County, visited a restaurant, or shopped within the county. The Lost River Classic is more than a bike race, but also a community festival and an asset to the local economy. Roughly half of the revenue the event generates is allocated to the Cryptids to fund their operating expenses, including student-athlete registrations and purchasing bicycles, helmets, and other equipment for cyclists to use during the season.