The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) will take to the roads in September to raise funds and draw attention to its mission to support local family farms growing fresh fruit, vegetables, and humanely raised poultry, beef and pork.
Yesterday the PASA announced that its 3rd annual "Bike Fresh Bike Local Chester County" event will be held Sunday, September 26, 2010. The route will focus on viewing the lush farmland and beautiful autumnal landscapes of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Organized in collaboration with area bike clubs, the tour welcomes riders of all abilities with a choice of three different routes. The 75-mile ride is by far the most scenic, but also quite hilly and challenging even for seasoned riders. The 50-mile ride is moderately challenging, while the 25 is for more casual riders. New this year will be a “Family Fun” 5-mile ride.
All routes pass through Springton Manor Farm, initially part of the William Penn Manor. Springton has been in agricultural use since the early 1700’s. On this 300-acre farm, visitors can meet the animals and tour the Butterfly House.
“The route takes riders soaring along un-trafficked country roads next to small farms that tend to the land the way it should be tended, and raise the kind of foods we want our children to be eating,” says Royer Smith, one of the organizers.
“You’ll see bison and steers, horses and sheep, goats and chickens,” says Smith, a PASA supporter and executive chef at LaSalle University where he has staged local food events. “You’ll pass fields that were plowed by a farmer and his team of work horses, and you might have to slow down for horse-drawn vehicles on the road.”
The event will begin and end at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown. The $35 advance registration fee includes a tee shirt, rest stops that feature energy drinks and wholesome snacks, and a post-ride lunch of local foods and one complementary Victory microbrew (for those 21 and older). Some of the baked goods at the rest and re-fuel stops will be prepared and donated by the Philadelphia Public School culinary program.
Last year’s ride had 400 participants and this year organizers expect 600 to 800, so early registration is encouraged.
Bike Fresh Bike Local Chester County takes its name from the Buy Fresh Buy Local national educational campaign which promotes local foods and farmers by creating food guides, coordinating tasting events, organizing farmers’ markets and sponsoring farm tours.
Ride begins and ends at Victory Brewing Company, 420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown, PA 19335 from approximately 7 am to 4 pm.
For more information and to register, visit http://www.pasafarming.org/bikefresh.
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