Last month at Tri-Mania, I was lucky enough to sneak away from my table for a few minutes to chat with the folks from the Farm to Fork Fondo. I had never heard of this cycling event – but I was eyeing the name of the booth across the aisle and wanted to learn more. When I found out what the event was all about, I knew I wanted to be a part of it (and grab a promo code for you all) so I reached out to them about being a ride ambassador!
Seriously, this cycling series encompasses all the things I love:
1. It’s an endurance event for all levels.
Whether you’re a beginner or are regularly out conquering century rides, there are distances for all levels. Depending on the location, the shorter distance (the ramble ride) is anywhere from 9-12 miles, while the longest distance (the gran fondo) is anywhere from 87 to 109 miles. There are two intermediate distances as well – the piccolo fondo and the medio fondo – for each ride. And it’s not a race, but rather a ride that’s meant to be enjoyed and savored, making it ideal for riders of any level. {That said, there’ll be timed segments on the course if you’re competitive edge is calling out.}
2. You can choose from four amazing locations in the Northeast that highlight natural beauty.
I love that this series focuses on beautiful, pastoral landscapes and rural country roads. As someone that has spent much of the last 15 years living in the city or busy suburban areas, it’s nice to get out and enjoy the quiet rolling paths. I had a hard time deciding which ride I wanted to do because all of the locations look so amazing. You can choose from:
- Hudson Valley at Pennings Farm on 6/26/16
- Vermont at Riverside Farm on 7/17/16
- Pennsylvania Dutch at The Country Barn on 8/6/16 (see photo below!)
- Maine at Wolfe’s Neck Farm on 8/28/16
3. The series is passionate about connecting us with local food and supporting local farms!
This is my favorite part – as a dietitian I have a professional affection for local products, and as a rider I think this is what sets this series apart from others. There is an emphasis on the farm to fork connection at multiple points in the weekend, including farm stop aid stations that highlight local treats along all the courses and post-ride barbeques featuring local food at the host farm/barn venues. You can also purchase an add-on ticket for an amazing dinner the night before.
Plus, there is also a fun volunteer competition where teams of volunteers participate on behalf of local farms to make sure all the cyclists have a great ride by being as cheerful and enthusiastic as possible. Cyclists vote for their favorite volunteer teams at the end and the ride donates money back to the farms that they were ‘competing’ on behalf of. (Love this concept)
Join me for the Hudson Valley ride – or try one of the other three locations!
I’ll be tackling the 36 mile Piccolo Fondo in the Hudson Valley ride and would love for some of you to join me out there. I grew up in the Poughkeepsie area (Wappingers Falls to be exact), so it’ll be nice to make a trip back for this race. The venue, Pennings Farm, is only about an hour from where I grew up. I’ll be able to visit some family and friends that weekend (and hopefully convince ‘em to ride along with me).
I decided on the 36 mile distance since I’ll finish my half marathon training with my race on May 1st, giving me about two months to get ready for this ride. I was debating about going for one of the longer distances, but I’m not the strongest cyclist and would rather enjoy the training and event than feel pressured about a longer distance.
Farm to Fork Fondo Promo Code!
I’ve got an exclusive Farm to Fork Fondo promo code for you all, so get excited – just use code SNACKINGINSNEAKERS to get 10% off any of the four 2016 events! This code is valid through May 31. If you sign up, I’d love to hear which ride you’ll be doing.
*Note – promo code is valid for the Piccolo, Medio or Gran Fondo distances – it is not valid for the Ramble Ride.*
With that entry, here are just some of the amazing perks as a registered rider…
- Well-marked and well-supported ride with GPS timed segments
- Aid stations at local farms + post-ride BBQ
- Farm to Fork Fondo t-shirt (because come on – it’s always fun to strut around the next day showing off what you’ve accomplished)
- Sag wagons (just in case!)
- Raffle tickets for prizes (including two Bianchi bikes!) {you guys know I’m all about race raffles – I’m a lucky lady!}
- Commemorative finisher’s prize
Go ahead and browse the Farm to Fork Fondo site, pick a ride, and let’s get out there. Also, don’t forget to follow along with me on Instagram on June 26th as I share photos from the Hudson Valley ride.
Share with me: Have you ever done the Farm to Fork Fondo? What would you like most about this ride? Of the four locations, which one would you / will you do?
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Farm to Fork Fondo / Wrenegade Sports. I received a complimentary ride entry and a discount code for my followers in exchange for blog posts and social shares. As always, I only partner with brands I believe in and support.
Wow, this sounds like a really fun event! I like cycling, but I’d never want to do it competitively, so I like the idea of having a more fun ride. I’m not too far from Pennsylvania Dutch Country so I’ll have to see if this is an option for me in August!
I’m a very slow cyclist so I’m not competitive at all when it comes to that. I like that a lot of cycling events – this one especially – focus on the ride (rather than a race). I hope you’ll get out there and try the PA Dutch Country event! 🙂
What a cool event! I’m not an event type person, but if I was, this would be awesome.
Thanks Brianna! If you decide to jump out of your comfort zone and sign up for an event, definitely consider this one! 🙂
This is such a cool idea! If you were doing the race in Maine I would totally join you!
You should totally sign up for the Maine one anyway! I’m sure you can get a fun group together for it.
What a fun event! Love how local farmers are supporting athletics and then refueling them with delicious farm-fresh food!
I know – I love this concept so much! (Both as an athlete and as a dietitian!)
Oh that sounds so much fun!
I definitely need to take my bike in for a tune up so I can start riding again this year.
Someone else just said the same thing to me today about taking their bike in for a tune up – it’s that time of year 🙂 I’ve lucked out that my husband is pretty bike savvy and takes care of it for me.
This looks so cool! A ride like this would be a great way to break into group cycling. I wish I was closer.
I love that it’s low pressure, which makes it great for anyone who hasn’t yet done a group cycling event.
I’m in love with the name of it! Farm to Fork! Clever!
Me too! 🙂
I don’t know exactly what that tiny little pizza thing is…but I want it! Badly. Looks like a cool event.
Hahaha one of the add-on things they offer is a gourmet pizza making class the evening before the ride! It looks so tasty, right?
This looks like an awesome event! Wish I was closer to one, and that dinner, amazing!
Keep it in mind as a good excuse for a little weekend away! 😉
Christopher and I are in, Chrissy! we will do the 12 mile! Looking forward to it!
Yahoo!! Can’t wait to see you guys there.
Hey, is the coupon code not working? Trying to use it now, and its saying it is expired. Signing up for Lancaster.
I just tried to use it as well – but says it’s expired. Any ideas Chrissy?!
Hi Katie – Contacting them to fix this right now – I’ll reach back out to you as soon as it’s good to go!
Thanks Chrissy, super excited about this – leaning towards the 55 mile ‘medio fondo’ route!
I know, this event will be SO fun! Promo code should be all set now – let me know if you have any problems 🙂
Hi Michael – I’m going to contact them asap to get this fixed and then I’ll get back to you. So sorry for the inconvenience! 🙂
Hi Michael – it should be fixed now! Let me know if you have any issues 🙂
Worked fantastic! thank you so much!!
I just registered for the VT one!!! I think I may be in for the PA Dutch one too because I have a friend with family close by. I’m giving them a shot because they look so pretty and I need some long rides before IMMT! There is nothing better than a supported long ride! I saw them at TriMania but wasn’t sure as a triathlete that I would fit into the cycling world like this but I’m going to take the chance. Everything looks amazing!
Yay!!! I think you’re going to love them Lauren. And I think they’ll be perfect for a fun way to get some long rides in for IMMT. 🙂