Where’s My T-Shirt?

You may have noticed that when you registered for Cycle to Farm that you were offered a few additional options: extra meals and t-shirts.

Did you wonder why a t-shirt wasn’t included in your rider fee?

Never say never, but so far Cycle to Farm events have never included a t-shirt. We love going to group events ourselves, and we have a closet full of t-shirts from events. Many of you told us the same thing.

So from the beginning, Cycle to Farm has offered something special, something unique for each rider. In the first two years we offered musette bags, styled after the bags used in the Tour de France and other races on the grand tour. We still see them around town, usually for shopping bags. We even spotted one at the Farm Aid Concert in Raleigh last year.

For 2015 Cycle to Farm, every rider will receive a bowl. Handmade by a local artist, and perhaps filled with something yummy at the Fabulous After Party. Every bowl is unique, and every rider takes one home.

If you rode in the 2014 Sandy Mush edition of Cycle to Farm, you’ll recognize the style – although this year’s bowl is different than last years, it is created by the same artist — Dean Pieranunzi of Jones Pottery. Dean works under the supervision of Matt Jones.

We’re proud of the international acclaim that Matt has earned, and love his choice of studio: in the Sandy Mush of Buncombe County.

We’re trying to provide each rider with a memento that is usable, locally-sourced, and can actually be used. We love the pottery because of the literal connection with the land, through the clay, and the continuing theme of eating great food.

And of course, if you need a Cycle to Farm or Velo Girl Rides t-shirt, we do have them. Simply buy at time of registration or at the Velo Girl Rides tent at the Fabulous After Party.

 

About this blog entry: Jen Billstrom is the creator of Cycle to Farm®, a unique metric century (62 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.