Take it Easy on the Slow Food Summer Cycle Tours

Slow Food Vancouver has organized an exciting series of cycle tours this summer. The first two will be taking place this weekend. Participation in the cycle tours will be limited to 1000 cyclists per tour to ensure the farmers are not overwhelmed and participants have a quality experience. The cycle tours are increasingly popular so secure your participation by pre-registering. Click here to register. Only those who pre-register online are entered to win special prizes. Find details on each tour below.

Agassiz:

There is a new start location for this year’s Agassiz Cycle Tour event at the corner of Cameron and McCallum Road (on the way to the Agassiz Speedway). Click here for directions and map.
Returning to the Agassiz Cycle Tour this year is one of the tour’s most popular farms – Swift Aquaculture.
Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre in Agassiz will be hosting their 125 Year Anniversary Open House

Chilliwack:

LOVE LOCAL . . . LOVE WINE! On the Chilliwack Cycle Tour day you will meet Kim Murphy who was born and raised in Chilliwack and can often be found tasting and touring the bountiful wines of British Columbia. An avid wine fan, Kim was introduced to the fantastic wines of BC when there were only 16 wineries. Kim brings her favourites to the Pinot Noir Vineyard for you to try from her 100% British Columbia Sardis Park VQA Wine Store located in Sardis/Chilliwack. Swirl . . . Sip . . . and Savour! Graham, of Pinot Noir Vineyard, will also be on hand to enlighten you to the glorious satisfaction of operating a vineyard – not making wine! Step by step in 3 easy lessons! LOL.

Also on the Chilliwack Slow Food Cycle Tour this year, the McKeen family at Greendale Pottery – Home of Greendale Black Angus are pleased to have Executive Chef Tony Heesterman of the Chilliwack Coast Hotel’s “PRESTONS” preparing a fine menu selection showcasing their home-grown, all-natural Angus Beef. Starting at 11:30am, Chef Heesterman will be offering an exciting array of delicious canapés. As you sample the fine fare, relax and take in the ambience of the farm. Enjoy the music of their Guest Musicians from 11:30am to 2:30pm. This Clarinet Duo performs in a wide variety of musical genres including swing, classical, baroque, blues and funk.
- Chef Heesterman’s Menu will include:Beef Rouladen Skewer – Thin slices of Beef, lightly brushed with Dijon Mustard rolled with Gherkin and Red Wine Onion Confit – $3.00Spicy Teriyaki Beef Jerky – Thin strips of Spicy Teriyaki Beef Jerky Set on Organic Baby Greens and Roasted Shallot Vinaigrette – $5.00
  Pulled Beef Slider – Braised Beef in our House made BBQ sauce with Fried Red Onion and Bell Pepper Relish – $2.00
  Greendale Angus Chili with Fire Roasted Tomatoes and Artisan Bread – $2.00
  Grilled Vegetable Skewers – Yellow & Green Zucchini, Red onions, Bell Pepper Marinated in Fresh Herbs and Olive Oil – $2.00.

Join the Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tour on August 6, 2011 and experience the supernatural beauty of the Comox Valley and it’s rich culinary bounty. Hosted by the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition in partnership with the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market Association, Comox Valley Farmers’ Institute, and Discover Comox Valley. Enjoy the Comox Valley’s stunning coastline and rolling hills at this unique event promoting cycling and showcasing the outstanding agriculture community of the Comox Valley. Local producers will be opening their farms, many of which are not normally accessible, and inviting participants to experience farm markets, demonstrations and tours.

The Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tour is self-guided and includes 3 itinerary loops with each loop offering options for shorter or longer distances. Click here for more details.

Also, don’t forget to check out the Pemberton Slow Food Cycle Sunday on Sunday, August 21st. This was the inspiration to develop the Agassiz and Chilliwack Cycle Tours. Click here for more details.

Happy trails!