For the 11th year in a row, farms throughout Philadelphia are opening up to local cyclists this Saturday, September 10th to pedal through the city in celebration of urban agriculture as part of the Urban Farm Bike Ride. Hosted by Weavers Way Co-op and presented by Lindy Communities, the ride supports FOOD MOXIE, an area non-profit that provides farm, nutrition, and culinary education in partnership with Philadelphia public schools and emergency housing facilities.
There are 2 routes riders can choose from – a longer route (18.6 miles) and a shorter route (11.2 miles). Each route winds through Philadelphia’s streets, stopping to explore urban agricultural sites and chat with some of the farmers who help maintain the city’s vibrant farm landscape. In past years, the ride has attracted cycling enthusiasts from beyond the local scene, drawing riders from New York, Maryland, and New Jersey.
“Last year’s ride was a wonderful eye-opening experience,” said Mark Klempner, who rode last year and will be doing so again this year. “The variety of farms is broad, both visually and in their missions. Additionally, even as a lifelong Philadelphian, I felt I was touring a fascinating, unknown city seeing the transformations going on in many neighborhoods. Ending the tour with a beer and pizza fest just nailed it.”
Participants on this year’s routes include:
- Glenwood Green Acres
- Grow Philly
- Growing Together Garden
- La Finquita
- Life Do Grow/Philly Urban Creators
- Ralph Brooks Farm
- Strawberry Mansion Community Garden
- Sunday Breakfast Farm
“We look forward to the Urban Farm Bike Ride each year, and we’re eager to explore the farms on this year’s rides! The Bike Ride is a chance to revel in the incredible and diverse urban agriculture scene in Philly — a scene we’re honored to play a part in through our farms and gardens at Martin Luther King High School, Stenton Family Manor, W.B. Saul Agricultural High School, and more. We’re so grateful to the farms and our sponsors for their support” said Jill Fink, Executive Director for FOOD MOXIE.
Both routes for this year’s ride start and end at the Philadelphia Brewing Company, with riders, farmers, and sponsors coming together for an after party to cool down and debrief after pedaling around Philadelphia. Riders should plan to arrive at Philadelphia Brewing Company by 8:15AM on Saturday, September 10th; both routes should return to the brewery by 2:00PM. Ticket includes tour, t-shirt, snacks/water along the route, and after party beer and pizza. To purchase tickets in advance ($47) and scope out the routes, visit www.foodmoxie.org/bikeride. (Tickets are $50 the day of the ride.)
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