Midcoast Maine Tour de Farms Sept. 30

Mon, 09/25/2017 - 4:15pm

The 18th annual Midcoast Maine Tour de Farms will take place Saturday, Sept. 30, from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cyclists and food lovers can enjoy an early fall bike ride through the rolling Midcoast countryside while supporting local farmers and producers. The Morris Farm Trust of Wiscasset sponsors the annual cycling tour, which offers 17-, 42-, and 56-mile rides and optional stops at local farms, orchards, and creameries.

Experienced riders will enjoy beautiful but challenging 56- and 42-mile routes. The 17-mile family ride, which begins and ends at Sheepscot General Store, is perfect for families with older children. For parents with small children, The Morris Farm will offer an on-site Bicycle Camp, which kids can attend while their parents ride. The camp will engage kids in farm chores such as milking goats, a bicycle safety class and obstacle course, and making bicycle-powered ice cream.

Cyclists can purchase fresh goods at stops including Goranson’s, Sheepscot General Store, Bailey’s Orchard, Fuzzy Udder Creamery, Chase Farm Bakery, Hamilton Farm and Barred Owl Creamery, and Oxbow Brewery. Volunteers will courier cyclists’ purchases back to the Morris Farm.

After the ride, the Morris Farm will hold a barbecue featuring foods grown and made locally, including vegetarian options. The acoustic musical duo Well-Seasoned will provide entertainment. Non-riders are welcome to attend the barbecue, too.

The Morris Farm Trust is both a working farm and an educational resource for the communities of Midcoast Maine. A nonprofit, educational membership organization, the Morris Farm Trust promotes the values of sustainable agriculture and stewardship of the earth through education, demonstration and community involvement. All proceeds from the ride benefit The Morris Farm Trust’s community programming.

To register for the event, please visit www.morrisfarm.org/tourdefarms2017. The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 1.