Anyone with photos or comments of the event can email them to webmaster@sjrcd.org |
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| South Jersey Tour des Farms 2009 was “Farmtastic” Three!! | |||
On Sept. 19, 2009, the South Jersey Resource and Conservation Development Council (SJRC&D) held its third annual Tour des Farms bike ride. This year’s ride was held in mid September instead of early September. Being later in the season, the morning was brisk, followed by a spectacular day in the low 70s. With this great weather we had over 240 riders. |
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The purpose of Tour des Farms is to send riders through agricultural areas and to acquaint them first-hand with farmers and locally grown produce. “We do this by designing bike routes that pass by local farm stands, where riders can buy produce using farm bucks. We then pick up the produce and bring it back to the museum” said Ken Taaffe, the event coordinator. |
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The event was sponsored jointly by the South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council and Burlington County. Three different routes (14, 29, and 54 miles), starting at the Jack Allen Early Country Living Museum in Vincentown, were available. The 14-mile ride through Southampton and Lumberton townships included two organic farms, Kumple’s vegetable stand, and a cranberry bog. The 29-mile route, traveling through Southampton and Springfield townships, visited the farms above, plus Budds K-n-P Farms, Homestead Nursery, and Lone Wolfe farm. Fifty-four-mile riders went as far as the Russo farm by the Mercer County line in Chesterfield Township. The Hlubik farm, Strawberry Hill Farm, and Pinelands Nursery were also possible stops.
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South Jersey RC&D Council and Burlington County worked together to organize this event. The Council’s main goal was to promote local agriculture. “It has been a great day and satisfying event,” said Jack Sworaski, SJRC&D Council Chair. “I definitely think we have provided an enjoyable family activity that raises public awareness of South Jersey’s agricultural industry and the need to protect and preserve this cherished resource. The Tour has becomes well established.” Added Jack,”We especially thank our volunteers and fellow Council members, who all pitched in”. |
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Burlington County similarly supports local agriculture. As the New Jersey County with the most acreage of farm preserved lands, the County wanted to highlight its farm preservation program. Ten out of the twelve route farms participate in the farm preservation program. Burlington County Freeholder Bill Haines stated “Burlington County has preserved over 25,000 acres of farmland, more then any other county in the state. Still, preserving farms is just one part of the farm preservation program. We also promote, encourage, and actively participate in programs like South Jersey Tour des Farms that help the local farm economy.” |
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| One new feature this year was having bike mechanics at the event. “Last year, we did not have a mechanic at the event due to scheduling conflicts,” stated Ken Taaffe, Event Coordinator. “This year we had mechanics from REI, the event sponsor, and Wheelies. Wheelies went on the route, fixing a number of flat tires, so riders could continue on the ride. Our thanks to REI and Wheelies for their help.” | |||
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| But even with mechanics on the route, fellow cyclists helped each other. One Tour des Farms rider had a flat on the route that another group of riders, called the “Cycling Enthusiasts of Delaware Valley,” assisted in repairing. | |||
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| All in all, the event turned out magnificently. The weather was spectacular, the produce was yummy, the turnout was excellent, and everyone had a good time. Take a look at our Tour des Farms 09 Photo Gallery. We will have approximately 120 additional pictures. You might see yourself!! | |||
Join us in 2010! |
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