Burlington County Times
SOUTHAMPTON — Cyclists and farm-stand owners are gearing up for Burlington County's second annual Tour des Farms.
Unlike the Tour de France, this bicycling event isn't a 23-day competition. It's a one-day tour of the county's farmbelt, with stops at farm stands along the way.
This year's event will be held Sept. 6 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event begins and ends at the Jack Allen Memorial Early Country Living Museum on Landing Street. Riders can choose from one of three tours: a 13-mile route, a 25-mile route or a 50-mile route.
The rain date is Sept. 7.
“The tour is designed to raise awareness and support for South Jersey agricultural lands,” Freeholder Bill Haines said. “Many of the farms included on the tour participate in Burlington County's farm-preservation program.”
Ken Taaffe, coordinator of the South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council in Mansfield, brought the idea of a Tour des Farms to the county Board of Freeholders after learning of a similar event in Connecticut.
Taaffe, a county resident and cyclist, said the 50-mile loop goes as far as Chesterfield and includes stops at 13 farm stands. The 25-mile route travels through Pemberton Township and stops at eight farm stands. On the 13-mile route, riders will stay in Southampton and visit five farm stands.
Taaffe said farm stands that participated in the inaugural tour last year loved it.
“It gave them a few extra bucks, but I think it was just the idea of bringing a new audience to them and the publicity,” he said. “Each one of these farm stands grows their own vegetables and brings them in, and most of them are on deed-restricted farms.”
The 2007 Tour des Farms drew 192 riders.
Taaffe said riders go out in small groups with maps of the routes. The routes are also clearly marked with paint, and this year event staff will be placed at each farm stand to help keep riders on track.
Participants must be at least 12 years old. They must wear helmets, sign release forms and bring their own water bottles.
The registration fees before Sept. 4 are $40 for individuals, $60 for couples and $15 for each additional family member. After Sept. 4, the fees are $45 for individuals, $70 for couples and $15 for each additional family member.
Each participant gets a T-shirt and five “farm bucks” that can be used to buy produce or other items at the farm stands. Purchases will be delivered to the Jack Allen museum so that the riders do not have to tote them as they complete their routes.
The event is limited to 275 participants. Proceeds support the South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council's “Farming for the Future” grant program.
To register or for information, visit http://www.active.com/ or www.sjrcd.org/touresdesfarms or call (609) 267-1639, ext. 110.
E-mail: mhayes@phillyBurbs.com
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