Bike Walk Bitterroot’s eighth annual Fork to Farm Bike Tour is happening on Sunday, September 17. Registration closes on Tuesday, September 12. Route map, registration, and ride information can be found at www.bikewalkbitterroot.org/forktofarm.
The 38-mile mixed surface (mostly paved) ride will include stops at four Bitterroot farms – Lilly of the Valley Homestead, Verdure Pastures, 7B’s Farmstead, and Aspen Grove Farm. The ride will begin and end at the Western Agriculture Research Center in Corvallis where riders will enjoy a locally sourced dinner provided by Mimi’s Portico; local beer, cider, and House of Ferments kombucha; and live music from Sara Jane and Co.
“Fork to Farm is a great way to explore scenic bike routes in the Bitterroot and connect with local farmers and value-added producers”, said Bike Walk Bitterroot President Amy Fox.
According to Fox, Fork to Farm is a relaxed affair. “It’s not a race, but rather a celebration of local cycling, local food, and local agriculture.
“One of the things I love about Fork to Farm is the community effort that goes into it’s success”, said Fork to Farm organizer Katrina Mendrey. “Without local partners, Fork to Farm would not happen – the Western Agriculture Research Center for donating their space; Tony Neaves and Annie Creighton for providing mechanic support; and all the farmers, local businesses, and volunteers who donate their time and resources. We’re humbled by the support this community has shown over the years.”
Mendrey says she is particularly excited about this year’s ride. “It’s shaping up to be a whole weekend celebrating agriculture and bikes.” On Saturday, September 16th from 7:00 – 10:00 P.M. the Rocky Mountain Grange #116 will have a harvest party with live music from Appalachian Americana artist Brooks Forsyth. Registered Fork to Farm riders will receive half off the $10 cover charge. “We’re pumped to partner with the Grange, they’re a great organization, bringing together the ag. community and supporting local non-profits like Bike Walk Bitterroot,” said Mendrey. “They’re sponsoring the Fork to Farm stop at Verdure Pastures and I’m looking forward to see what they’ll be cooking up.”
Typically, Fork to Farm proceeds fund Bike Walk Bitterroot’s efforts to make biking and walking safer and more accessible in the Bitterroot Valley. This year’s ride will have a more focused fund-raising goal in mind – the Robert A Leonardi (RAL) path extension on Golf Course Road.
Ravalli County and the Play Like Robert Foundation were recently awarded a $1.5 million grant for the RAL path extension which will start on Golf Course Road (near the entrance to the existing RAL Trail) and extend to Kurtz Lane and then north to Daly School. As part of the grant award the County and Play Like Robert Foundation still need to raise roughly $300,000 in match and seed funding for path maintenance. Between now and September 18th Bike Walk Bitterroot will match donations to the RAL path extension up to $5,000. Donations can be made at www.playlikerobert.org.
“We [Bike Walk Bitterroot] are happy to partner with the Play Like Robert Foundation to assist in reaching their funding raising goal,” said Fox. “A path along Golf Course Road will greatly improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly for children walking and biking to Daly Elementary”, said Fox. “We hope to exceed the $5,000 mark by the 18th and encourage people to donate to this vital project whether or not they ride in Fork to Farm.” “We’re grateful to Ravalli County and the Play Like Robert Foundation for making this project happen.”