After a successful Farm To Fork Fondo – Orange County, New York, the event heads to Vermont for their second event of the season. The Fondo will again be working to raise money for local agriculture causes while promoting the link between farms and a healthy, active lifestyle.
June’s rain soaked event may have looked more like a beautiful day in Belgium, it had a distinctly Italian feel. With sponsors like Bianchi and Colavita teaming up with Fine Cooking Magazine and New Holland Agriculture, all the bases were covered for bikes, food, and agriculture.
This weekend’s edition will have a little bit different feel, while still promoting local agriculture and the connection between farms and active lifestyles. Jamis will be on board as the bike sponsor, with the Jamis-Hagens Bermen Men’s Pro Cycling team handling the pro duties. Vermont native Ted King (Cannondale-Garmin), two-time Olympian Bobby Lea (Custom Velo) and retired Tour de France rider Andy Bishop (PDM-Ultima-Concorde)Â will also be along for the ride. New Holland Agriculture will be returning to headline the volunteer challenge.
Naturally, the location will also make for a unique experience. Â All courses are a few miles longer, and there looks to be some challenging climbs. If you plan to take on the Chet Warman Memorial Grand Fondo, be prepared to make four ascents on local mountain climbs on a route designed by former Jamis rider (and climbing specialist) Tyler Wren. Each climb will offer incredible views of the beautiful countryside. Regardless of the course you choose,
Throughout all of the courses, rest stops will be located at working farms and will provide riders with special treats and standard ride eats. These featured farms include:
- Sweet Georgia P’s – A family-owned and operated certified organic farm on a beautiful tract of land in the heart of Pittsfield. The family’s mission is to provide fresh, local certified organic produce and eggs produced by organically fed, pasture-raised chickens through their community supported agriculture (CSA) program. Sweet Georgia P’s will be supplying much of the ingredients for the gourmet post-ride barbecue and the Saturday night farm-to-fork feast.
- Liberty Hill Farm and Inn – Both a Dairy of Distinction working farm and a bed and breakfast inn. They are a member of the Cabot Cooperative and maintain a herd of 270 purebred Robeth Holstein cows.  Owner Beth Kennett educates her guests about Vermont agriculture and dairy farming. She makes seasonally fresh meals from locally-sourced ingredients and was named 2013 Innkeeper of the year by Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Sharp Vermont cheddar cheese sourced from Liberty Hill Farm and the other farmer-owner members of the Cabot Cooperative will be featured at an aid station stop, the gourmet post-ride barbecue and the Saturday night farm-to-fork feast.
- Mom & Pop’s World’s Best Maple Syrup – Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup in the United States, generating about 5.5% of the global supply annually. The Gendron family has made pure Vermont maple syrup in Rochester since 1918. Pop Gendron says, “We think it’s the best in the world. Try some and you’ll agree.” Mom & Pop will be hosting an aid station with syrup and candy samples. They plan to educate the passing riders on Vermont syrup grades and the health benefits of pure maple syrup.
- Neshobe River Winery – The Neshobe River Winery is located in the foothills of the Green Mountain National Forest. The family-owned vineyard produces award-winning wines from cold hearty varietals of grapes like Frontenac, Lacrescent, and Saint Croix.Wine-making in Vermont has grown rapidly over the last ten years, with 20 wineries now registered with the Vermont Grape and Wine Council.  The farm is also home to the Foley Brothers Brewery, a fledgling microbrewery, and the Inn at Neshobe River, a charming bed and breakfast in the property’s historic farmhouse. Neshobe will be hosting an aid station with beer and wine samples (only one per rider!).
- Ripton Country Store – The tiny and historic Ripton Country Store sells local farm products including cheese, maple syrup, honey, vegetables and beef jerky. They also offer poetry by Robert Frost, who used to summer in Ripton. The front porch is home to the local landmark ice freezer famously mislabeled “IEC.” The store is a part of the Vermont Alliance of Independent Country Stores and was featured in the New York Times as an example of a classic Vermont country store.  The Ripton Country Store will be an attraction stop aid station.
- Sandy’s Books & Bakery – Part of Local First Vermont, a network of local business owners, professionals, non-profit leaders and government representatives that is committed to preserving the character and prosperity of Vermont’s economy, community networks, and natural landscapes. Sandy’s is also a member of the Vermont Fresh Network, a group of Vermont chefs, farmers, food artisans and diners. In July their garden out back is overflowing with fresh greens, sugar peas and edible flowers, which they use .to make great seasonally-fresh food in the bakery.
- Kiss The Cow Farm – Kiss the Cow Farm is an organic dairy farm with a small grass-fed herd of Jersey cows. They also have a greenhouse, chicken coop, and beautiful sunflowers. Every summer Kiss the Cow hosts and trains volunteer farmers-in-training through Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Training roles include milking, haying, fencing and driving tractors, and interns are housed in a retrofitted old maple sugar house.
At the end of it all, you’ll return to an amazing feast along with your unique finisher medals.
Registration is capped at 500 riders, but there are still spots left. The weather looks like it will be beautiful this weekend, so why not sign up?
https://www.bikereg.com/farmforkfondo-vt
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year