South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, Columbus, NJ

Pedal South Jersey for Produce

Columbus, NJ — Fall is a great time to hop on your bike and pedal through Burlington County's picturesque farm belt with fellow riders during the Fourth Annual South Jersey Tour des Farms set for Saturday, September 11, 2010.

Designed to raise awareness and support for South Jersey agricultural lands, the day-long tour is being hosted by the Burlington County Freeholders and the South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council (SJRCD), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting South Jersey's natural resources.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Jack Allen Memorial Early Country Living Museum on Landing Street in Vincentown and participants have three marked routes to choose from: a 15-mile route; a 29-mile route; and a 54-mile route. And once again, riders will have plenty to see during their travels through some of the state's most beautiful and productive farmland. Stops along the way will include a cranberry farm, vegetable farms, "pick it yourself" orchards, an organic farm, nurseries, and a community-supported agriculture farm. Riders will also be able to shop for local produce and other items during the trip, and "farm bucks" (day-of-the-event coupons) will be provided by organizers who will pick up their purchases and deliver them to the Jack Allen Museum starting point.

The tour is limited to the first 325 entries and all participants must be at least 12 years of age, wear helmets, sign release forms and follow the rules of the road. Riders are also encouraged to carry their own water bottles. The cost in advance is $40 per person, $60 per couple, and $15 for each additional family member under 18. The cost on the day of the event is $45 per person, $70 per couple and $15 for each additional family member under 18. At registration, each rider will receive a ride t-shirt and five "farm bucks," which may be redeemed at all farm stops on the tour day only. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010.

The SJRCD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to the protection and preservation of South Jersey's natural resources. Proceeds from the fourth annual Tour des Farms will support activities of the South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council's "Farming for the Future" mini-grant program. To pre-register, or for more information, go to http://www.sjrcd.org/tourdesfarms or www.active.com, or call (609) 267-1639, ext. 5.

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