BRATTLEBORO — The third annual Tour de Heifer - a trio of scenic farm-to-farm rides - will again challenge dirt-road cyclists on Sunday, June 9.
The tour, organized by Strolling of the Heifers and taking place on Stroll Weekend, will include 15-mile, 30-mile and 60-mile options.
The longer routes are designed for seasoned riders: there's an elevation gain of nearly 4,200 feet on the 60-mile route, and 2,100 feet on the 30-miler. The 15-mile route is a challenging one for beginner riders, with nearly 1,400 feet of elevation gain.
West Brattleboro's Lilac Ridge Farm will serve as home base - the starting and ending point for all the loops. For non-cyclists, the Tour also offers a five-mile hiking excursion to the top of nearby Round Mountain.
“We're thrilled to be returning to Lilac Ridge,” said Orly Munzing, Strolling of the Heifers founder and executive director. “Last year, nearly 250 riders enjoyed the rides, the hikes and the wonderful farm-fresh lunches, and we'll be ready for even more this year.”
The Tour is a fundraiser for the Stroll's Vermont Farm/Food Business Plan Competition, a statewide contest designed to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.
The contest is presented in partnership with Vermont Technical College. It is now under way and will award a total of $60,000 in prizes on June 5.
The Tour includes the option for riders and hikers to fundraise.Contributions collected by participants will be split 50-50 between the participant's designated charity and the Stroll's business plan competition fund.
The Tour is a rain-or-shine event. Use of appropriate bikes is strongly recommended - mountain bikes, cross-bikes, or (maybe) road bikes fitted with 28mm knobby tires.