Farmers gear up for Le Tour de Vermont

Author: Kaity Potak

Autumn in Vermont. It seems lately that there is no end to the posters, pamphlets and persistent planning committees that advertise the latest and greatest ways to celebrate the fall. Take a look at the Middlebury town bulletin board, and it is difficult not to notice a common trend. From apple picking parties to harvest festivals handing out pies, fall in Vermont seems to be an affair of the appetite. Other than Vermonters with their cheddar cheese, maple syrup, and fresh vegetables, who knows best about affairs of the appetite? The French, of course.

In an effort to show off the colorful beauty of Addison County, support local farms, and have a bit of fall fun, the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition has organized the first running of "Le Tour de Farms." Fashioned after "Le Tour de France," this cycling trip endeavors to showcase the farms of Addison County by offering those athletes local nourishment along the way.

Nancy Schulz, executive director of the Coalition, fully expects that the "attempt to promote sustainable agriculture as well as sustainable transportation by featuring products produced locally" will be successful and is looking forward to the event, saying "it should be a wonderful day."

Beginning at the Shoreham Village Green, one can anticipate sampling such delectable items as quiche, cider, maple cream, cookies, roasted vegetables, pesto, bread, wine and cheese. Cyclists can chose from the family-friendly 10-mile trail, a moderate 25-miler, or go crazy, as well with the 30-mile track.

There is a small entrance fee for this event, but all proceeds go to the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition, and with participating farms including Lincoln Peak Vineyard, Good Companion Bakery, Douglas Orchards and Golden Russet Farm, it is hard to say no to such an autumnal pleasure.