Enjoy two-wheeled touring & behind-the-scenes access during Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tour

August 9 & 10, 2014

 

Comox Valley farmers are opening their back gates for an in-depth, behind the scenes tour where cyclists can explore, taste and experience the best of farm life and product during the fourth annual Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tour, Aug. 9 & 10, 2014.

 

The Comox Valley has long been known for its ideal climatic conditions that enable a year-round growing season and its diverse agricultural offerings. With more than 450 farms, a number of annual culinary events have elevated this region to global prominence and in February 2015, the Comox Valley will play host to the Island Agricultural Show.  A robust local agricultural industry, it will produce over $31.5M in primary production annually.

 

It is also a region known for its stunning setting –verdant sea level routes with the Beaufort Mountains as a back drop – that make the Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tour an excellent option for families, as well as causal cyclists looking for a relaxing weekend of touring. Cyclists are introduced to a range of farmers and producers that make their living from the soil and often sell their products at the bustling Comox Valley Farmers’ Market as well as the many restaurants that showcase regional ingredients with characteristic creative flare.

 

“Each year, the Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tour continues to grow and, regardless of the route chosen, each has an amazing variety of farm product to see, explore, taste and possibly buy,” says Tyler Johns, Chair of the Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tour Organizing Committee. “In 2014, I think cyclists will also enjoy the upgraded self-guided user-friendly maps, the addition of Beaufort Winery and CV Beekeepers Association, and more musical entertainment along the way. All the tours will naturally begin at the Farmers’ Market.”

This year, Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tours include three options:

Saturday, Aug. 9:

• Rural Ramble: The shortest loop among the Farm Cycle Tour options at only 21 Km, the Rural Ramble is the perfect option for families and casual cyclists. The tour takes cyclists through fields that include a dairy, berry farm, winery, and meat producer. Allot 2 hours leisurely riding between 10am to 2pm.
• Back Roads Bliss: This route can be done in loops ranging from 29 to 55 Km, and features the largest number of farms. Farms along the Back Roads Bliss tour include dairy, berries, perennial plants, sprouts, garlic, and wine. Allot 3 hours moderate riding between 9am to 4pm.

Sunday, Aug. 10:

• Bayviews: Ranging in length from 15 to 45 Km, the Bayviews route lives up to its name, featuring views of the Salish Sea. The Bayviews Farm Cycle Tour is designed to be customized, allowing cyclists to visit as many farms as they wish, along with a number of stops to rest and recharge. Stops can include dairy, cinnamon buns, seasonal produce, ice cream, coffee, baked goods, berries and a ‘food oasis’. Allot 3 hours between 9am to 4pm.

 

The cost to participate is $15 per person, per tour (limit one tour per day). Two-day registration is $25 while kids under 15 ride free. The tours will happen rain or shine.

 

Why run when you can Stay and Cycle! Travellers staying for the weekend can take advantage of various accommodation options near to the Farmers’ Market. So whether one brings a bike or rents one, the routes literally begin right outside the door, which may also make it tempting to return to a spa or relax and dine on a farm fresh meal.

 

Those who register by Thursday, July 31 will be entered into the Early Bird Contest and have a chance to win an interactive cooking and pasta making experience with Sarah Walsh of Prontissima Pasta Studio located in TinTown. The winner and nine friends will learn about the ingredients, processes and magic of creating various types and shapes of fresh, flavoured pasta.

 

All tickets, Early Bird Registration Contest details, and accommodation options can be booked online or through the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre by calling 1-855-400-2882, or visiting www.cvfarmcycletour.com. One can also join the conversation at #CVFarmCycle.

 

About the Comox Valley

Located halfway up Vancouver Island’s east coast, the Comox Valley is well known for its culinary bounty from land and sea. Coupled with arts, music and sporting events, and stunning alpine to ocean resorts and spas, the region is a place of supernatural beauty that offers rich culinary, cultural and outdoor experiences. Comprised of three communities: Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland, and surrounding rural areas of the Comox Valley Regional District, the Destination Marketing Advisory Committee identified in its 2014 plans, an increased focus on creating or expanding destination level events and festivals as an important building block essential for increasing awareness, visitation and economic activity in the region. For more information, visit www.discovercomoxvalley.com.