On Sept. 16, in Shoreham, Vt., 581 avid cyclists and foodies gathered for the 5th Annual Le Tour de Farms. Passionate about active lifestyles and local foods, it comes as no surprise that Vermonters host the popular "Tour de Farms" each year.
Le Tour de Farms is a cross between a farmer's market and a bike race. It involves farm-hopping via bike along Vermont's scenic roadways, while sampling locally-made cheddar cheese, maple syrup, apple cider, Cookie Love cookies and various fruits and veggies. Some of the farms also offer samples of dairy products and alcohol (wine at vineyard stops for those of age).
Le Tour de Farms was organized by the Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN), Rural Vermont and the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition, the same three organizations that have successfully managed the event for the last five years. The event served as a fundraiser for these three organizations. The event received support from a variety of sponsors, including Earl's Cyclery & Fitness, City Market, Healthy Living, Cabot Creamery, Green Mountain Feeds, the Lodge at Otter Creek, Vermont Sun and the Addison County Regional Planning Commission.
A number of local farms and establishments, including the Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op, Windfall Orchards and Champlain Orchards generously offered samples of their produce this year. These additions served to enhance the already festive atmosphere of the event, offering an opportunity for community members to become better acquainted with local farms.
"It really is about the farms," said Lea Calderon-Guthe '11.5, manager of ACORN. "It's a really great opportunity for [the farms] to get some free press to get people familiar with them and their products without really having to do anything except put out some products."
Each year the event starts and ends at the same place, and offers a choice between three routes, all of which are loops. This year the home base was the Shoreham Town Green in Shoreham, Vt. The town's views of Lake Champlain and plethora of apple orchards make it an ideal location for the event, which helped attract even more participants than in previous years.
The ride is comparable to the Burrito Mile, the milk mile or the beer mile, similar events in which participants have a chance to indulge in massive quantities of delicious foods and beverages and then engage in vigorous exercise. In this case, participants in Le Tour de Farms were lucky enough to enjoy sumptuous Vermont produce and then burn off some extra calories.
However, what sets Le Tour de Farms apart from other races is its laidback, low-key vibe. It is a tour, not a race, so there are no prizes awarded for first place. Despite the 30-mile length option and the participation of seasoned triathletes, the emphasis of the event is on enjoying the atmosphere and having a chance to chat with friends and farmers.
People from all over New England and even Canada ventured to Shoreham last Sunday for Le Tour. It also attracted participants of all ages.
"What I found most amazing was the range in people who seemed to be attending," said participant Molly Hubbard '13. "It was clear that some of the participants were serious bikers, but it was also great to see people ranging from probably around age eight to at least 75 doing the bike ride as well."
Participants were offered a choice between a "family-friendly" five-mile walk/bike route, a more challenging ten-mile ride, a 15-mile route for intermediate-level bikers and a 30-mile route for "expert" bikers. Those brave enough to bike the longer routes enjoyed the added benefit of being able to sample more local food. The rides were just $28 for those who pre-registered or $50 at the door for adults and $13 when pre-registered and $20 at the door for children.
Most participants finished the race by noon, ending their journey with the "Apple Fest" on the Shoreham green, which featured live music, crafts and a farmers' market with even more local foods for sale from 12:30 to 5 p.m. All money raised at this après-bike event went to Shoreham's Platt Memorial Library.
Vermont biking is not for everyone – it is not all downhill pedaling. Some participants also had difficulty contending with the uneven Vermont roads. Jen Friedlander '13 reported that the "12 miles of gravel road [were] pretty frustrating." While food and fun were the central objectives, the exercise component, too, shaped the Le Tour de Farms experience.
"I will say that even though I am still sore it was probably one of my most memorable days I've had while at Middlebury," said Hubbard.
Tour de Farms: Local Food and Local Fun
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