Is This Where We Turn?
One of the distinctive features of the Cycle to Farm experience is the Map of the Route. Riders often tell us that it is beautiful, and inquire if there is a clean and fresh copy that they can take home as a memory of their accomplishment. We agree.
So for the first time at Cycle to Farm we are offering a large, 11” by 17” version of the beautiful map for riders to take home.
Subject to availability, there is no additional charge for this. Please contact us in advance to ensure we have one reserved for you.
The Story of the Cycle to Farm Map
The map came to be as the result of a collaboration between Jen Billstrom, event director, and Amelia Janes, a professional cartographer and the owner of Earth Illustrated. Amelia lives in Black Mountain.
Of course, the map for a bicycle event needs to tell you where to go.
Most of the time you’ll see riders in front of you, making a turn. And the pavement is marked too. But what about when you’re not sure of where you are?
That’s when you bring your map out, and figure out if you’re still on the route.
Our mapmaker has taught us that maps are an art form, with as much consideration for what is left off… as for what is included.
By removing words, features, roads, and information that isn’t needed by our cyclists on the day of the ride, visual clutter is reduced and the map becomes more effective!
For instance: recognizable landmarks such as rivers, the county line, communities and major roads are included, so you have more information to determine where you are. Smaller roads that are not part of the Cycle to Farm route are not included on the map. Or if they are, the roads are shaded grey and not named.
Key information interesting to cyclists is included such as the location of fire stations, Farm Stops, and summits of the climbs.
One challenge that our mapmaker solved was how to indicate the direction of travel along the route: small arrows on the right side of the roads on the map show which way to go.
And green boxes every 5 miles indicate where you are in the ride, from mile 0 to mile 63.
The Cue Sheet
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, flip your map over, and you will find “turn by turn” directions.
Your Cue Sheet corresponds with the map, showing mileage between each turn (or significant landmark). It also shows your total mileage since the Start.
Since most of you will be focused on your next opportunity to eat and shop, the five Farm Stops are highlighted — and correspond to numbered icons on the map (look for a yellow barn).
Your Map Maker
Amelia (Amy to her friends) is modest, but we’re proud to tell you that she is the president of the Board of Directors of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, co-author of an award-winning atlas of history for Wisconsin, and author of a chapter on Illustrating Earth Sciences in the Handbook of Scientific Illustration. Amy has a Masters in Fine Arts and has produced maps, diagrams, shaded relief and illustrations for use in history, geography and earth sciences.
That’s your map maker: another member of the Cycle to Farm community helping and improving your experience. Amy will be volunteering on Saturday, July 18, so if you meet her, thank her for her beautiful work on the map.
p.s. remember that if you want to be sure to get the 11” by 17” format map at Cycle to Farm, reserve yours in advance by sending email to Jen@VeloGirlRides.com.
About this blog entry: Jen Billstrom is the creator of Cycle to Farm®, a unique metric century (63 mile) group ride that uses local farms as rest stops. Farmers offer their product for sale, and Cycle to Farm volunteers transport purchases by the cyclists back to the Finish, where the community joins in a farm to table meal at the Fabulous After Party. The event promotes local farms and benefits the development of Greenways. This year the event is on Saturday, July 18 in Black Mountain. For more information, see CycleToFarm.org.