What does water buffalo yogurt, wine, bison jerky, and spirits all have in common? They are the products behind some of the 22+ food and beverage operations and growers that are opening their doors and farm gates to cyclists this September 26, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, during the 4th annual Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tour.
The event provides cyclists with unique behind the scenes access to some of the region’s most progressive, diverse and innovative operations. The list of on-site experiences is extensive including witnessing cows being milked at Lloydshaven Holsteins, meeting one of the regions only water buffalo herds at McClintocks Farm, or learning about the production processes of Canada’s only honey-based spirit producers at Wayward Distillation House.
Other participating businesses include 40 Knots Estate Winery, Anderton Nursery, Beaufort Estate Winery, Blue Moon Farm, Winery and Ciderworx, Clever Crow Farm, Coastal Black Estate Winey, Courtenay Country Market, Forbidden Brewing Co., Gladstone Brewing Co., Grassi Point Farm, Gunter Bros Meat Co., Innisfree Farm and Botanic Garden, Island Bison, Kehler Vegetable Company, New Spout Farm, Outback Nursery, Seaview Game Farm, Shelter Point Distillery, Just Like Moms Bakery, and Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt. The rides originates from the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds during the Saturday Comox Valley Farmers Market.
New for 2015, registered cyclists can build their own routes, and customize not only the distance, but the mix of operations they wish to experience. Families can choose from farms and businesses within a particular cluster to make the distances more friendly for younger riders, while more serious cyclists can create significant tours through the regions stunning country road network. Another new edition to the event is the Shopping Shuttle being sponsored by Ambassador Shuttle, allowing riders to purchase product along the way and not have to worry about weighing down their bikes.
Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism, with the support of the Comox Valley Farmers Market and the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition, supported the development of the event 4 years ago as a way to highlight some of the regions cycling features, drive awareness to the diverse food and beverage producers, while giving visitors another participatory event to support visitation to the area.
Early bird online registration is $10 until September 15, kids 15 and under are free. FMI and to register visit CVFarmCycleTour.com
(Contributed, photo courtesy of discovercomoxvalley.com)
