By Green Options Buffalo:
For the last two years, a growing group of bicyclists and local food enthusiasts have gathered in a parking lot near the Scajaquada bike path on a September Saturday morning. They put on their t-shirts, grab some snacks and drinks and gear up for a 30-mile bicycle excursion visiting local food growers, both urban and rural, called the Tour de Farms.
With Independent Health as its title sponsor, this years’ 3rd annual Tour de Farms is shaping up to be the biggest yet. The Tour stops at three select urban farming projects within city limits, then makes its way to the Oles farm in Alden where a feast and celebration takes place. Local food is cooked up by professional chefs, Flying Bison Brewing Company’s Rusty Chain draft is on tap and music and dancing is provided by the Outer Circle Orchestra.
A special bicycle tune-up for Tour de Farms riders also takes place at Green Options Buffalo’s Community Bicycle Workshop the evening before the ride. Tour de Farms riders are invited to tune up their bikes with Green Options Buffalo’s mechanics and trained volunteers. Flying Bison Brewing Company’s Rusty Chain draft will be on hand and rider registration and early check in will be taking place. For some, this pre-ride tune-up has become as much of a tradition as the ride itself, and is an opportunity to meet some of your fellow riders before you hit the pavement.
The 3rd Annual Tour de Farms ride kicks off at 9am this Saturday, September 17th, riders will launch at Buffalo State College Parking lot M on Grant St. near Letchworth. The optional bicycle tune-up is at 7pm Friday evening at 98 Colvin Ave. If you’re not up for the bicycle ride, you can just attend the local food celebration at 2pm at the Oles Farm 2112 County Line Rd. Alden, NY. Find out more details and register online at www.mass-ave.org.