Tour de Farms Ride Sells Out in its Return

With the return of Tour de Farms for 2021, 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, Recycled Cycles, Ottercares and Stodgy 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.  Different from year’s past, a late summer date meant there was the smallest hint of fall in the air and the promise of harvest time just around the corner.

A sold-out crew of folx on bikes left Stodgy on the morning of September 19th enroute to  some of the best urban farms in Fort Collins. The 28-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 Native Hill Farms, riders enjoyed organic watermelon wedges as they learned more about the history and success of Native Hill from owner & farmer, Nic Koontz. Next the crew of riders headed to Kestrel Field (Native Hill’s latest addition) where they enjoyed a Noosa yogurt and Just Plain Ola combo while learning about sustainable agriculture and rangeland management from Kevin Jablonski. Leaving Kestrel Field, riders of all ages and abilities made their way to Folks Farm & Seed where they enjoyed Carley’s jalapeno-zucchini bread (recipe to follow!) and heard about bioregional adaptation and seed saving from farm owner, Alex Zeidner. On the Vine marked the final farm visit where riders were met with freshly baked apple scones, red carrots, and vine ripened strawberries. Farm owners, Bob and Debi Miller shared their lifetime of farming experience and dedication to urban agriculture and sent the riders on their way back to Stodgy. Winding back into town, riders arrived in time for lunch from Caupona Bakery & Smokery, a locally farm sourced food truck featuring artisan sandwiches made with freshly baked bread…. And of course a cold beer from renowned, Stodgy Brewing. 

A proper recount of Tour de Farms 2021 would not be complete without adequate praise for the jovial community of volunteers who truly made it all happen. Beginning with the early morning set-up crew at Stodgy, to the guy with the camera who 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 2022!

Find more event pics by Joel Blocker Photography HERE

MANY THANKS TO…

….Our in-kind donors: 

• Capouna Bakery
• Noosa Yogurt   
• Just Plain Ola

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

….And again, our sponsors: