Sign up for a fabulous bike tour of the Chester County countryside and a celebration of local foods. PASA’s 3rd Annual “Bike Fresh Bike Local” ride is set to take place on Sunday, September 26. Choose from a 25, 50 or 75 mile ride beginning and ending at Victory Brewing Co. in Downingtown, followed by a delicious meal of local food and 1 (one) complementary Victory beer (for those 21 years or older).
The “Bike Fresh Bike Local” is guaranteed to be family friendly and is a real community effort. Proceeds support PASA’s work in SE Pennsylvania on behalf of family farms growing fresh fruit, vegetables, and humanely raised poultry, beef and pork.
Last year’s ride attracted over 400 riders, many of who reported it was “the best and most beautiful ride ever.” The route takes riders “soaring along un-trafficked country roads next to small farms that tend to the land the way it should be tended, and raise the kind of foods we want our children to be eating,” says Royer Smith, one of the ”Bike Fresh Bike Local” organizers.
“You’ll see bison and steers, horses and sheep, goats and chickens,” says Smith, a PASA supporter and executive chef at LaSalle University where he has staged local food events. “You’ll pass fields that were plowed by a farmer and his team of work horses, and you might have to slow down for horse-drawn vehicles on the road.”
The 75-mile ride is by far the most scenic, but also quite hilly and challenging even for seasoned riders. The 50-mile offers more moderate challenges, while the 25 is for more casual riders. All routes pass through Springton Manor Farm, initially part of the William Penn Manor. Springton has been in agricultural use since the early 1700’s. On this 300-acre farm, you can meet the animals and tour the Butterfly House.
This year, they anticipate between 600 and 800 riders this year so it is bound to be quite a lively, fun, and locally delicious day. They are especially proud to be expanding the foods contributed by the Philadelphia Public School culinary program. Students will be showing off their skills with donated baked goods featured at the ride “rest and re-fuel” stops.
In conjunction with Victory Brewing co-owner Bill Covaleski, PASA is making a dedicated effort to get more chefs on bikes, especially those serving local foods in their restaurants. Get out and ride, burn some calories, and then enjoy great food and beer in the company of happy local food lovers and cyclists.
Cost: $35 advance registration, available until Sept. 20th (includes free Buy Fresh Buy Local tee-shirt) / $40 day of event registration includes ride and lunch. Space is limited so reserve ahead online at www.pasafarming/bikefresh.
All proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA). Founded in 1992, the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) is one of the largest member-based, sustainable farming organizations in the nation. PASA works primarily within the Commonwealth and has approximately 6000 members including individuals, students, non-profit organizations, and business members. PASA is a 501(c) 3 membership organization serving both farmers and consumers, and reaches large audiences with 12 statewide Buy Fresh Buy Local chapters, Farm-Based Education summer programs and regional activities.
