Even with the rain coming down in buckets, almost 500 riders came out to support agriculture through the Colavita|Fine Cooking Farm to Fork Fondo in Orange County, New York. With a motto of “happy tummies ride local”, the event hopes to promote the connection between local agriculture and active lifestyle. Beyond providing the fresh ingredients for healthy eating, the open farmland also provides cyclists with beautiful routes, usually with less traffic. The Cedar Lakes Estates was the host for this first time event, and the charming atmosphere made everyone feel at ease, despite the challenging conditions.

This first edition of the ride had a decidedly Italian feel to it, with Colavita and Bianchi being just a few of the many Italian sponsors of the event. It was fitting as the course almost made you feel as though you were riding through rolling hills in Northern Italy (although rain made it feel like a beautiful day in Belgium). Regardless of which route you had chosen, you better have brought your climbing legs. Even the Piccolo was more rolling hills than flat, and included at least a few decent climbs. All along the route, the rest stops were located at farms nestled into a picturesque backdrop near the Delaware Water Gap. Each of these farms are part of the local land trust that is dedicated to preserving farmland that provide local residents with fresh produce, dairy, and meat. Each stop was staffed by participants of the New Holland Agriculture Volunteer Challenge, who were competing for various local agricultural based causes. Colavita and Fine Cooking Magazine provided plenty of yummy treats for riders to snack on, along with the usual supply of energy gels and bars from GU and fruit.

Leading the way on the Grand Fondo route were the ladies of the Colavita|Bianchi Pro Women’s Cycling team and special guests multi-time US National Champion Tim Johnson and Canadian Olympian Lyne Bessett. Riders had the opportunity to ride and chat with them as they enjoyed the beautiful countryside. Upon return, participants were rewarded with one of the more unique medals I’ve seen, a wooden spoon with the Farm To Fork logo. After you had a chance to clean up and dry off, a feast prepared by Fine Cooking Magazine was waiting. This alone made it worth the wet ride.

Congrats to Tyler Wren and Wrenegade Sports for putting on a great event. On July 12th, the second Farm To Fork Fondo will be held in Pittsfield, VT. So far for this event, it has been announced that the Jamis-Hagens Berman Pro Men’s Team, Cannondale-Garmin’s Ted King, and Custom Velo’s two-time Olympian Bobby Lea, will be along for the ride. Jamis Bicycles will be sponsoring the event, and will be giving away three bicycles that all participants will be eligible to win. New Holland Agriculture will also continuing to sponsor the volunteer challenge. Spots are still available for this beautiful ride, and you will not be disappointed.

http://www.farmtoforkfondo.com

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