Registration is now open for the fifth annual Tour de Heifer, which, organizers say, includes Vermont's most challenging dirt road cycling rides.
The Tour is organized as a fund-raiser for Strolling of the Heifers, and takes place on Sunday of Strolling of the Heifers Weekend, June 7.
All of the routes begin and end at Lilac Ridge Farm in West Brattleboro. For 2015, organizers have simplified the number of ride options by eliminating the “easy” 30-mile choice, as well as the “hard” 15-miler.
The 2015 routes are:
• Heifer Classic 60-plus mile Ride: A very challenging ride for experienced riders, which starts at 8 a.m. (Slower riders are encouraged to start as early as 7 a.m.) This route has nearly 7,000 feet of elevation gain, and minimal pavement.
• The 30-mile Green River Challenge: A challenging ride for experienced riders, starting at 9 a.m. It has about 3,300 feet of elevation gain, and minimal pavement.
• The 15-mile Family Ride: This is an out-and-back ride, starting at 10 a.m., designed for families with moderately experienced cyclists. It includes about 1,250 feet of elevation gain over a mix of rolling paved roads and nearly level dirt roads along the Green River.
• For walkers: 5-mile Road and Trail Stroll: The guided hike starts 10:30 a.m., from Lilac Ridge Farm to the top of nearby Round Mountain, and then back via Ames Hill Road and Abbot Road. The climb to the summit is about 750 vertical feet and is rewarded by scenic vistas to the east, across the town of Brattleboro to Mt. Wantastiquet and Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire.
All of the Tour de Heifer routes include substantial stretches of dirt roads. Use of mountain bikes, cross-bikes, or road bikes fitted with 28mm knobby tires is recommended. No highway travel is involved in any of the routes.
All of the rides include a great, farm-fresh lunch served at Lilac Ridge Farm (except for the 60-milers, who will have a lunch waiting for them midway at Green River). Upon returning to Lilac Ridge, riders will also be entertained by the duo Alan Greenleaf and the Doctor (with their perennial favorite, “The Heifers are Coming to Town!”).
Proceeds from the Tour de Heifer will benefit the Stroll's programs to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in farm and food enterprises throughout Vermont.
Strolling of the Heifers and the Tour de Heifer promote and encourage connecting directly with local farms, farmers and food enterprises who supply healthy local food, and using pedal power as an alternative means of local transportation and exercise.