Thanks to all that joined us for a different but Joyful ride this year! See the wrap up (and become a late registrant) here.
Attention Ride for the Reserve fans.
For the past 12 years, cyclists have come from all over the region to Ride the Reserve's rustic roads, visit local farms and celebrate Montgomery County's landmark farm protection policy.
This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Montgomery County's treasured Ag Reserve!
We were hoping to have the best ride ever this year to celebrate....
But this year is different.
Covid 19 has small local farms pivoting and stepping up more than ever to meet local demand, some changing their entire business model overnight. The crisis has put an even finer point on the importance of local farms in our region. (Covid resources for farmers and consumers here)
The ride also must pivot, the ride will go on this year but because rider safety is goal number 1 (and 2 and 3 and....), we will not have a day-of event and won't be joining together for our popular post-ride picnic. In short - a very different experience. While we don't know how Covid will impact our world come Fall, we are planning the safest ride possible in hopes that we can return to normal next year. We thank last year's riders that weighed in to help us craft the ride options below....
For the past 12 years, cyclists have come from all over the region to Ride the Reserve's rustic roads, visit local farms and celebrate Montgomery County's landmark farm protection policy.
This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Montgomery County's treasured Ag Reserve!
We were hoping to have the best ride ever this year to celebrate....
But this year is different.
Covid 19 has small local farms pivoting and stepping up more than ever to meet local demand, some changing their entire business model overnight. The crisis has put an even finer point on the importance of local farms in our region. (Covid resources for farmers and consumers here)
The ride also must pivot, the ride will go on this year but because rider safety is goal number 1 (and 2 and 3 and....), we will not have a day-of event and won't be joining together for our popular post-ride picnic. In short - a very different experience. While we don't know how Covid will impact our world come Fall, we are planning the safest ride possible in hopes that we can return to normal next year. We thank last year's riders that weighed in to help us craft the ride options below....
Save the Date for a Distanced Ride
The ride will now be celebrated over two weeks in September - 9/12 -9/27 and registered riders can choose to be involved in three ways:
1.Ride the Reserve Riders will be emailed GPS files and cue sheets for rides in the Reserve of around 10, 20, 40 or 62 miles to be completed whenever you'd like over the two week event. As in past years these rides will go by farms that are open to the public where you can purchase items. Those wanting to organize small groups of riders may do so as permissible by county regulations in effect on those dates. We are planning fun photo op stops and possibly a scavenger hunt along each route.
2.Ride Elsewhere Riders can take on their chosen mileage outside of the Reserve, bike wherever you'd like in support of the Reserve.
3. Ride Online Join other Reserve riders and a ride leader on virtual platform Zwift to ride together on your stationary bike at home at an appointed date and time within the two weeks. (Registered riders can do Zwift and ride outdoors as well)
The ride will now be celebrated over two weeks in September - 9/12 -9/27 and registered riders can choose to be involved in three ways:
1.Ride the Reserve Riders will be emailed GPS files and cue sheets for rides in the Reserve of around 10, 20, 40 or 62 miles to be completed whenever you'd like over the two week event. As in past years these rides will go by farms that are open to the public where you can purchase items. Those wanting to organize small groups of riders may do so as permissible by county regulations in effect on those dates. We are planning fun photo op stops and possibly a scavenger hunt along each route.
2.Ride Elsewhere Riders can take on their chosen mileage outside of the Reserve, bike wherever you'd like in support of the Reserve.
3. Ride Online Join other Reserve riders and a ride leader on virtual platform Zwift to ride together on your stationary bike at home at an appointed date and time within the two weeks. (Registered riders can do Zwift and ride outdoors as well)
Ride Like the Reserve Depends On It...
Map by: Tina Thieme Brown - Morningstar Studio
The Agricultural Reserve is 100,000 acres of farmland and parkland set aside by Montgomery County back in the 80s to protect rapidly dwindling farmland. Montgomery Countryside Alliance is the small (but Mighty!) nonprofit that helps these farms on Metro's edge endure despite intense development pressure.
Every minute 3 acres of farmland is lost in America - the Ag Reserve is our chance to beat the trend
in Montgomery County - with your help.
in Montgomery County - with your help.
About the Farm Tour
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Please join Montgomery Countryside Alliance for the 13th anniversary of the Montgomery County Farm Tour featuring the family farms and orchards to benefit the Reserve and our quest to protect this special place. (What Has MCA Done for Me Lately?). You’ll enjoy quiet roads, rural landscapes with views of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Riders will choose among routes of around 10, 20, 40 and 62 miles including quiet, rolling landscapes dotted with the Reserve’s orchards, red barns and silos. Many of the routes include views of Sugarloaf Mountain. Beginners and experienced riders welcome! |
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Routes
Check out our Zoom Route Reveal Here - registered riders will have access to all cue sheets and GPS for the rides (from 8-62mi) |
Stops
Routes will go by local farms. Support local! Click here for the presentation we gave on farm stops. Here is the zoom where we present it along with a route overview. |
Please note - there are no refunds
REGISTRATION
ENJOY THE RIDE
You won’t see any shopping malls or big box department stores, because you’ll be cycling in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve, where fresh air, farms and quiet country roads are largely protected from the pressures of urban sprawl. Your registration supports our work to protect the farms and open space of the Reserve. Montgomery Countryside Alliance is a lean, award winning organization and we depend on the the support of local folks who care about local farms (that's you!). Come Ride With Us!
You won’t see any shopping malls or big box department stores, because you’ll be cycling in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve, where fresh air, farms and quiet country roads are largely protected from the pressures of urban sprawl. Your registration supports our work to protect the farms and open space of the Reserve. Montgomery Countryside Alliance is a lean, award winning organization and we depend on the the support of local folks who care about local farms (that's you!). Come Ride With Us!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, TO VOLUNTEER OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVENT
Contact Kristina at kristina@mocoalliance.org
Contact Kristina at kristina@mocoalliance.org
