Pedal the Pioneer Valley Farm and Food Tour

Get on at the Start!  Join the first cycling food tour of the Pioneer Valley, a region known for its small, local farms, artisanal foods, and beautiful hills and valleys.  Pioneer Valley Food Tours and Ciclismo Classico, (Arlington-based, 30-year veteran of cycling tours in Europe) team up to create this celebration of the farms, food and scenic cycling terrain of Western Massachusetts for their 30th anniversary.   On this 3 day excursion, explore lively New England towns of the Connecticut River Valley and cycle through the hills and surrounding green fields, sampling the best local produce at the height of the summer harvest, plus farmstead cheeses, pasture raised meat, beer, cider, ice cream and more; with stops at farms, breweries and local cuisine fresh from the fields.   Registration Includes: All meals: Friday dinner + breakfast, lunch & dinner each day Tastings scheduled throughout ride at local farms & orchards, craft breweries, creameries and a winery Bike assembly/check in SAG (support) van throughout ride Optional extra loops for greater challenge A Pedal the Pioneer Valley souvenir shirt Group is limited to 18 riders. Ride level is intermediate.  See Route Maps below. Road bikes are recommended.   Bike rental can be arranged through Northampton Bicycles http://www.nohobike.com.  We recommend arriving early to pick up your rental bike and be fitted.   Bike rental is not included with registration. Event Schedule:  Friday 2:30pm: Meet for optional Warm Up Ride, Hotel NorthamptonBike assembly and checks, route review 14-16 miles, Northampton-Southampton-Easthampton4:30-5:30 Welcome Meet & Greet at Abandoned Brewery, EasthamptonReturn to Northampton7:00pm Dinner at farm to table restaurant, Northampton Saturday 7:30am Group breakfast in Northampton8:45 am meet at Hotel Northampton-Saturday route review9:00 depart for  Hadley-Sunderland-Deerfield-Montague-Amherst-NorthamptonApprox mileage: 40-45 milesTasting stops: Kitchen Garden Farm, BBC BreweryLunch at local restaurant-seasonal fareTasting in AmherstOptional extra loop3:30-4:00pm Return to Northampton 8:00pm Dinner at farm to table restaurant, Northampton Sunday 7:30am Group breakfast in Northampton8:45 am meet at Hotel Northampton-Sunday route review9:00 depart Northampton-Florence-Whately-Conway-Whately-HatfieldApprox mileage: 40 milesTasting stop at Pekarski's Picnic lunch at Clarkdale Orchard, Franklin CountyStop at Warm Colors ApiaryOptional extra loop3:00-5:30pm Wine tasting, Black Birch Vineyard and farewell dinner. Day 1: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/2492305753 Day 2: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/2492343241 Day 3: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/2497639966 Routes and stops may be subject to change.   Accomodations are not included with registration. See FAQs for information and special discounts on local accomodations.  FAQs Will this be an independent ride or guided? This is a guided ride, there will be two cycling guides with the group, as well as a food tour guide participating.   Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event? All ages welcome, provided they are capable riders (intermediate level suggested).  Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.     How can I contact the organiser with any questions? Email: Taste@pioneervalleyfoodtours.com or contact Deborah: (413) 320 7700   What's the refund policy? You may request a refund up to 30 days before the event start date.    Are meals included in the tour price? Yes all meals are included, from Friday evening through Sunday evening.   Are alcoholic beverages included in the tour price? Stops on the tour which include tastings are included in the tour price, however alcoholic beverages served with dinner will be an optional supplement. Are accomodations included with the tour? Accomodations are not included. Discount rates for Pedal the Pioneer Valley participants are available at several local hotels.  Details will be provided in the registration confirmation.