by Jennifer Kingsley
Many avid cyclists are prepared for a rainy ride, but after a deluge on Friday night, heavy skies on Saturday and more rain in the forecast, participation in the Slow Food Farm Gate Tour was a little uncertain.
The event, scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, June 25th, proposed several cycling routes that would take bicyclists farm to farm in the Almonte area. The idea was to promote cycling and local food at the same time. It is a new event for this area, supported by Janet Duncan of Dunbrae farms – a champion of the Slow Food Movement – and Bike Month organizers including Rachel Sutton – who liased with farmers and helped plan the routes.
The menacing skies may have prevented some participants from attending, but the weather held, and the farms were ready to receive visitors – and give out treats. Lemon tarts at Rocky Rapids Farm, rhubarb cake at The Veggie Patch, cheesecake from Al and Pat Watson and other treats around the area kept families pedaling all afternoon.
"This is a building year," said Bike Month organizer Jeff Mills. He explained that support for the event has been strong and that it's "all about getting people out and about on their bikes", rain or shine.