Riders Rave About 2022 Tour de Farms

Once again, we had another successful Tour de Farms for 2022, Bike Fort Collins welcomed back many familiar faces and celebrated the new friends we made along the way. Extra support from our sponsors HSD Law, Pedego Electric Bikes, Ottercares and Horse & Dragon Brewing Company meant that we were able to bring a quality event to our participants while also building financial backing for the essential programs and services we offer the community throughout the year.  This year’s weather was perfect, the rainfall from the night before gave us a brisk clear morning and the afternoon sun had riders shedding their jackets for the rest of the ride.

A sold-out crew of bundle up riders left Horse & Dragon on the morning of
September 11th enroute to some of the best urban farms in Fort Collins. The 34-ish mile route followed many of our city’s low-stress bike routes and paths, but also highlighted some necessary bicycle infrastructure improvements for an even more bicycle friendly Fort Collins future.

Visiting four farms over the course of the tour, each stop included a brief presentation from local growers as well as delectable, farm-sourced tastings. Beginning with Flores del Sol/Belafonte Farm, riders enjoyed their choice of breakfast strata or gluten-free quiche made with local eggs and vegetables, along with some quick pickles as they learned more about the history and success of Belafonte Farm from owner & farmer, Dennis Lacerte. Next the riders headed to Kestrel Field (Native Hill’s latest addition) where they enjoyed fresh cut watermelon and melt in your mouth cantaloupe, while learning about sustainable agriculture and rangeland management from Kevin Jablonski. Riders also learned that a to-be-created pedestrian, bike, and equestrian access trail will give visitors a glance at a working farm. Leaving Kestrel Field, riders of all ages and abilities made their way to Well Fed Farmstead (previously home of Raisin’ Roots Farm) where they enjoyed the popular Carrot Zucchini Bread (here’s a link to the recipe) and talked about the farms transformation since farm owner, Ryan Ericson and his family took over. Garden Sweet marked the final farm visit where riders were received a Noosa yogurt and Just Plain Ola combo. Along with fresh picked raspberry to top it off. Farm owner, Amy Kafka shared her love of horticulture, which has led to her nickname the “strawberry queen”. After a fun and lesson filled ride, cyclist headed back to Horse & Dragon, for some well-deserved lunch from La Piadina, a locally food truck featuring fresh, simple, and local ingredients…. And of course a cold beer or two from Horse & Dragon Brewing Company.

Tour de Farms 2022 would not be possible without adequate praise for the jovial community of volunteers who truly made it all happen. Beginning with the early morning set-up crew at Horse and Dragon, to the guy that kept popping up along the route with a  camera to captured all the moments (Joel Blocker Photography), to the teams of tireless volunteers at each farm stop, and the smiling faces welcoming riders at the finish with beer tokens and goody bags… Bike Fort Collins is truly humbled by the support and enthusiasm we receive from the generous volunteers that hold our continued momentum in Fort Collins. We are eternally grateful for the gracious outpouring of time and talents that made this event possible and we look forward to seeing even more of you next year for Tour de Farms 2023!

Find more event pics by Joel Blocker Photography HERE

MANY THANKS TO…

….Our in-kind donors: 

• Noosa Yogurt   
• Just Plain Ola

 ….Kristina Cash for her guidance, support, spirit and vision for this event.

….And again, our sponsors: