What a wonderful event, thanks to all that participated and volunteered. Read on to hear what people are saying and check out some photos from those that participated. If you have an amazing shot you would like to share with us, send it over to slowfoodcycle@gmail.com and we'll try to post it. For tips on how to get the most out of next year's event, see section below.
"Slow Food thanks" Whistler Question - thanks from the organizers to all the volunteers, farmers and vendors, as well as the sponsors, for helping make this event happen.
"Record year for Slow Food" by Jesse Ferreras, Pique Newsmagazine - "We hoped that if people knew why it was so important to keep the land available for vegetable production, there'd be a lot more support for it"
"Getting to the root of it all at Anything Grows" by Brigitte Mah, Whistler Question - "...a potato is not just a potato. There is a history and a journey involved with each potato, and with fuel prices on the rise, the journey is becoming increasingly more relevant to members of the the two communities."
"Potatoes and bikes: a perfect pairing" by Megan Grittani-Livingston, Whistler Question - "There was the unique opportunity to learn where our food comes from, and meet the farmers who work hard to make it happen. There was the joy of sharing all of that with family members and friends new and old. Most of all, there was the obviously shared sense that the whole thing was a ton of fun."
"In Praise of Pemberton" by Jennifer Patterson, Westworld Magazine - "Where a community food-and-bike fest teaches locals and city folk to pedal fast and eat slow"
"Year of the Potato?" by Lisa Richardson, Kootenay Moutain Guide - "The United Nations declares 2008 Year of the Spud. Why mountain kin of the world should care."
"Huck or Cruise: You Choose" by Lisa Richardson, Whistler Magazine - "Whistler's cycle-cruiser experience culminates annually on the third Sunday in August with a pedal-pilgrimage back to the land."
"Know Your Grower" by Lisa Richardson, MountainLife Magazine - "If you want to change the world, it's been said, you must first change yourself. Or more precisely, change your dinner plans"
How to enjoy your Slow Food Cycle Sunday experience…
Get on a bike. The road is flat, the distractions numerous and enthralling, you have all day, and it rarely rains in August up here. In fact, for the 2007 event, it was raining almost everywhere else in southwestern BC except the Pemberton Meadows. Biking is perfect up here. Several participants over the past three years have amazed themselves at their ability to complete the ride. You can rent a bike in Pemberton (see website).
Arriving for Slow Food Cycle Sunday: If you are driving into town (we hope you are carpooling), look for signs and take parking directions from the volunteers you encounter throughout town. Once you are parked and on your bike (don’t lock your keys in the car), make your way to the Pemberton Community Centre for registration. Sign the waiver, collect your map, and off you go! There is no mass start, no tour guides. You start when you want, using your map to find your way. Open farms will have signs at the entrance. Please go only where invited.
Keep right! This is an open road. Farmers work on Sundays and tractors, cars and trucks are using it. Stay out of their way. Also, watch for horses. Slow Food Cycle Sunday participants are responsible for their own safety. Also, wear a helmet please - it's the law!
Bring some food and water. You are really getting away from it all by riding up the Pemberton Meadows Road. There is limited/no cell reception past km 12. Along the way, you will find many places that have food and drink, but be prepared for the fact that they could run out during the day. There may be long stretches (5km!) of road with no open farms. These stretches are opportunities to engage all your other senses…
Enjoy the adventure! Hard to get lost on this road, as there really is only the one road, so relax and enjoy what the day brings. Don’t expect to be given a schedule of events, or lunch reservations, or signage every block. Instead, look around, smell the greenery, spot eagles, feel the burn in your legs, breathe, enjoy the shade…Keep your wits about you, of course (every participant required to sign the waiver at registration), and have a great day.
Bring a pump and a patch kit. If you don’t know how to use them, bring them anyways and wait beside your bike at the side of the road until someone helps you. Then you can learn how to use the pump and the patch kit. You could wheel your way to the next farm, but be prepared for the fact that depending on the farmer, most are good at fixing tractors, but not so skilled with the bikes. They may be tempted to turn your sweet ride into a 2-wheeled hoeing device.
Got panniers? Use ‘em. Or strap on a milk crate, or a handlebar basket, or a trailer. A backpack can make your back very hot, especially when it is weighed down with all your Pemberton produce, baking and crafts.
The event is free. $30 will get you lunch and several snacks on the ride (see tip #4 for the caveat). Crafts, locally roasted coffee beans, vegetables and extra baking on top of that. Factor in donations to the shuttle bus driver, the roadside mechanic and the end of day tea at the Pony or Mt Currie Coffee Company. Some farmers may trade veggies for labour. Bike riding does not count as labour. Bring cash, not cards.
Dogs on farm etiquette primer. Pembertonians love dogs but please leave yours at home. For one thing, it is (up to) a 50km bike ride on a hot, open road. For another, your dog may be the most darling thing at home, but could turn into a livestock-chasing chicken killer at the drop of the leash, and for this reason they are not welcome on farms. Do not bring your dog to this event, please.
Plan your ride. On a nice day, with no head wind, it can take at least an hour to ride from the north end of the valley (the route turn-around) to the village of Pemberton. Don’t count on the shuttle bus to take you home at the end of the day from the top of the valley. We will only have 2 buses to service hundreds of riders. Priority will be given to the elderly and the injured. There is plenty to see all along the road, so don’t force yourself to go all the way to the end if you are doubtful about your ability to get back again. Especially with kids, and especially if it is hot. If you really want to get to the end arrange a shuttling system or start half way up the road. Green Road is about 12km from the start. Just don’t forget to register before you head up. Again, you are responsible for your own safety, so prepare yourself.
