Cyclists who experience mechanical trouble while pedaling the Enola Low Grade Trail in Providence Township now have access to a repair station, thanks to Ryan Vanover of Quarryville. The Boy Scout Troop 76 member opted to install a Dero Fixit unit as his Eagle Scout project.

Riding the trails is a favorite pastime for Ryan and his parents, Raymond and Robin. About seven years ago, while enjoying a ride in Cape Henlopen State Park, the Vanovers encountered a trail-side repair station. Ryan tucked the memory away for later. "I knew this would be a project a while ago," he explained.

In September 2020, at the start of his senior year at Solanco High School, Ryan officially began his project. The budget included $1,300 for the purchase of the Fixit unit and $100 for the concrete base, so Ryan solicited donations to cover the costs. He also talked with Providence Township officials to identify a site for the unit. He had hoped to put it near one of the Fairview Road trailheads because the Vanovers had lived nearby, but the Lancaster Bicycle Club had already installed one there. Instead, Ryan was asked to place his Fixit unit at the Sigman Road trailhead.

The work was completed in two parts. The concrete pad was poured in November 2020 and allowed to cure for at least 56 days. The unit was installed on Jan. 9. The station includes screwdrivers, wrenches, and other tools. "Pretty much anything you need to fix anything, unless you have a flat with a big hole," Ryan said.

Ryan cited the Scout Law as part of the motivation behind his project, noting that the Law states that a Scout is helpful. "(The Fixit) is a tremendous help if your chain's popped off and you don't have somebody to help you," he said. "If you don't have your tools, (the Fixit) is the coolest thing."

Ryan credited his mother and Eagle Scouts Bobby Kiesel, Troop 76, and Daniel Althoff, Troop 91, with assisting on the project.