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.
The Tour’s 60-mile and 30-mile challenge routes follow dirt roads with mimimal pavement. Both entail significant elevation change — nearly 7,000 feet for the 60-miler, and over 3,000 feet for the 30-miler.
All of the routes begin and end at Lilac Ridge Farm in West Brattleboro, and feature incredible views, farm and woodland terrain and New England villages (one with a covered bridge).
The Tour also offers a less challenging, but still hilly 15-mile country ride with paved hills and a scenic riverside dirt road section. This is an out-and-back ride to the Green River Bridge, and is suitable for cyclist of moderate ability.
The 60-mile ride has two short woods road sections. Both the 30 and 60-mile challenges are loop rides with opportunities for bailing out.
For families and people who love to walk, the Tour also offers a guided hike to the top of nearby Round Mountain.
For 2015, organizers have simplified the number of ride options by eliminating the “easy” 30-mile choice, as well as the “hard” 15-miler. Pricing for the 60 and 30-mile options has been equalized, so riders can now feel free to switch between those rides after they sign up, or to use some of the shortcuts to create a hybrid ride of intermediate length.
The tour is part of the annual Strolling of the Heifers Weekend, which takes place June 5-7 in the heart of New England — Brattleboro, Vermont. The centerpieces of the weekend are the world-famous Strolling of the Heifers Parade and the Slow Living Expo, both on Saturday, June 7. The Tour is made possible through sponsorship from Stroll Weekend Presenting Sponsor Merchants Bank; Key Sponsor Rudi’s Organic Bakery, many other donors of food and services, and the support of area cycling shops including Burrows Specialized Sports, West Hill Shop, Brattleboro Bike Shop, and Bicycles Unlimited.
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.
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!”).
The routes are:
- Heifer Classic 60+ 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.
Registration and information: Riders and hikers may register for the Tour at BikeReg.com — the registration page is reached most easily viawww.strollingoftheheifers.com/tour. Early bird rates are in effect through May 17, and are $15 for children on any route, and range from $25 to $45 for adults. Higher rates will be in effect after May 17 and on site.
If you have questions, please contact the Tour Coordinator, Hanna Thurber, by email at hannathurber@yahoo.com or by phone at 802-380-0502.
