Like to eat? Like to ride? The 2015 Tour de Taste: 9th Annual Pedaling Picnic to Benefit Bikers, Foodies, and the Upper Valley Trails Alliance welcomes all to join this popular, scenic, progressive pedaling picnic through the Connecticut River Valley.

Enjoy the autumn foliage and beautiful scenery at your own pace, meet local food producers and community members, and stop at local farms and restaurants along the way to taste delicious harvest bounty. Choose one of three routes: Tour de Taste Classic Loop (20 miles), River Road Extension – designed for advanced riders (34 miles), or the family-friendly Lake Morey Loop (6 miles).

Enrollment is limited and fills quickly. Registration includes an incredible menu of locally produced foods. Registration/Check-in is available online until September 10, or if space is still available on the day of the event, from 10 to 11am. Routes start and finish at the Samuel Morey Elementary School in Fairlee, Vermont, with a sweet treat at the end. All riders must preregister and be on the road by 11am and done by 4pm.

Food hosts, farms, and restaurants are signing up for the 2015 event now. Here’s a sampling of the food venues, with more expected:

• Carpenter & Main 
  
• Canoe Club
  
• Ariana's Restaurant
  
• Lake Morey Country Club
  
• Boloco
  
• The Lyme Inn
  
• Lou's Restaurant & Bakery
  
• The Local Buzz
• Killdeer Farm
  

The Three Rides for Tour de Taste 2015

Tour de Taste Classic Loop

The most popular route travels through the scenic Connecticut River Valley in a 20-mile loop. The route on secondary roads and state highways is moderate, with one long uphill climb on East Thetford Road into Lyme. Road support is provided. Scenic stops in North Thetford, Lyme, Orford, and Fairlee, where local producers showcase and share delicious food.

River Road Extension

An extension of the popular Classic Loop, this 34-mile ride is designed for advanced riders who want more mileage. Still considered moderate on state routes and secondary roads with a few more hills than the Classic, plus an additional stop for a break and a long view of the river. Road support is provided, as well as great food along the way.

Lake Morey Loop

Our Lake Morey Loop for families with young cyclists, new cyclists, or for those who want a very leisurely bike ride around the lake is 6 miles long. An easy ride, this one avoids Route 5 completely, has 2 short hills and minimal auto traffic. Road support is available. Enjoy several stops along the way, so you can take your time, rest, and relax. You can even take a short hike on one of our local treasures, the Cross Rivendell Trail. The loop includes delicious food provided by local producers. Save room for dessert back at the school!

Riders will not be allowed to change routes on the day of the event. If you’re riding with young children, please read the route descriptions carefully before registering.

Click here for map of the routes or here for tickets. Please sign up by September 20.

Member of the Upper Valley Trails Alliance

13 years and over – $27.50

Youth 4 to 12 – $17.50

All children 3 and under ­– Free

Non-Upper Valley Alliance Member, 4 and over ­– $35.00

Memberships to Upper Valley Trails Alliance

Individual Annual – $30.00

Family Annual – $50.00

Volunteer and Ride for Free

Volunteer opportunities are available for the Tour. To volunteer and ride, sign up using the “volunteer” ticket and a 2.5-hour volunteer block. If you want to volunteer and are not interested in riding, use the email option at the bottom of the page.