Your Scenic Summer Ride Can Support Connecticut Farmers and Help Tackle Food Insecurity
Statewide – Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development (CT RC&D) is a statewide nonprofit agriculture and environmental organization focused on sustainable Connecticut communities and rural prosperity. On July 1st, they’re launching the 3rd Annual Tour des Farms Fundraiser, a bicycle (2020 to include motorcycle and car) ride designed to benefit and promote local farms and rural businesses, all while addressing food insecurity in our state.
As a program, Tour des Farms aims to move around Connecticut, ensuring diverse regional promotion. Last year they held the ride in Connecticut’s Quiet Corner, and for the ride’s reemergence in 2018, participants biked farms throughout the Litchfield Hills.
However, this year is a bit different. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, CT RC&D is hosting a summer long statewide Tour des Farms event for riders to enjoy at their own pace and schedule. The event will include eight regional routes, each featuring 6-10 farms throughout the state. That’s over 75 farms getting direct support from their communities!
These rides aren’t just for avid cyclists – routes are listed with their level of difficulty, and each is just as fun on a motorcycle or in a car. Participants can practice physical distancing guidelines while getting outside and exploring all Connecticut agriculture has to offer.
More information about the ride and registration details can be found at tourdesfarms.org. Some highlights include: a printable Tour des Farms Passport; customizable bib; access to CT RC&D’s Ride With GPS Cycling Club with “Make Your Own Route” options where you can design a map to amplify your favorite farms and rides; downloadable cue sheets for the best lunch and hydration stops; and a chance to win a farm-filled gift basket, among other prizes, for completing a ride on your TdF Passport.
In lieu of the typical $75 registration fee, CT RC&D is asking for participants to consider donating to the 2020 Connecticut Tour des Farms Program Fund. In response to the impact on so many Connecticut families, CT RC&D is donating the cost of staff time to organize this signature recreational event for your summer fun and discovery of Connecticut’s farms. 100% of proceeds directly supports local farmers and our communities who need it most. Through University of Connecticut Extension’s “Operation Community Impact” and other Connecticut food security initiatives, local produce, food products, and dairy will be distributed to local and regional soup kitchens. With food insecurity on the rise and farmer sales channels drying up, this donation effort allows everyone to help our local farmers thrive while keeping our communities fed with healthy, fresh food.
This year, CT RC&D is making it easy to bike, ride, and roll to your local farms.
Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (CT RC&D), is a 501(c)(3) not for profit
organization. EIN Number: 06‐0976326
Article by Connecticut Resource Conservation & Development