Tour de Farms 2023 Another Huge Success

Once again, we had another successful Tour de Farms for 2023, Bike Fort Collins welcomed back many familiar faces and celebrated the new friends we made along the way. Extra support from all our sponsors HSD Law, Purpose Brewing & Cellars, OtterCares, Recycled Cycle and Fitness, ENT Credit Union, Go West T-Shirt Co. and Fortified Collaborations 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, it was 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 Purpose Brewing & Cellars on the morning of September 17th enroute to some of the best urban farms in Fort Collins. The 30-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. (i.e crossing Carpenter Rd. at Allott Ave.)

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 zucchini carrot bread & mouthwatering melons grown on the farm as they learned more about the history and success of Belafonte Farm from owner & farmer, Dennis Lacerte. Next the riders headed to Somewhere in La Mancha where they were greeting by the many animals raised on the farm, from over 100 heritage birds, alpacas, to the family cow; Dulcinea, a mini-Jersey cow. Riders enjoyed a choice of meat or vegetarian egg strata and quick pickles, while learning about sustainable agriculture from owners Danielle North and her husband Matt. Leaving Somewhere in La Mancha, riders of all ages and abilities made their way to Pryor Farm (another Poudre Valley Community Farm) where they enjoyed a toast bar with Chevre (from Cabri Creamery), honey, jam and fresh sliced tomatoes and talked about the farms transformation with Cabri Creamery owner, Kristin Maxwell. On the Vine at Richmond Farms marked the final farm visit where riders were gracously received by the owners Debbie and Bob, who served up a cooling corn and tomato salad, all grown on the 3+ acre plot. After a fun and lesson filled ride, cyclist headed back to Purpose Brewing & Cellars, for some well-deserved lunch from Fat Tomato, a local food truck featuring cubanos, tacos, and so much more! …. And of course a cold beer or two from Purpose Brewing & Cellars.

Tour de Farms 2023 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 Purpose Brewing and Cellars, 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 2024!

Find more event pics by Joel Blocker Photography HERE

MANY THANKS TO…

….Our farm hosts:

• Flores del Sol/Belafonte Farm
• Somewhere in La Mancha
• Pryor Farm
• On the Vine at Richmond Farms

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

….And again, our sponsors: