Local Farms Welcome Cyclists

By Laurie Borst

It was a beautiful late summer morning last Saturday, September 9, when 92 bicyclists set out from Cannondale Bicycle Corporation in Bethel for the Tour des Farms event. Cyclists came from New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. One cyclist, who traveled from Staten Island, had just purchased a Cannondale bike and came because the routes kicked off at the Cannondale Corporation.

Cyclists had the choice of three routes: 10 miles, 25 miles, or the metric century, 100 kilometers/62 miles. Some cyclists were overheard talking about “modified” route lengths. The camaraderie among participants was evident as they shared information with each about side roads that are enjoyable rides or where to see some nice views.

Eleven Fairfield County farms were on the routes. Three Newtown farms — Castle Hill Farm, Ferris Acres Creamery, and Sticks and Stones Farm — were on the tour.

The event began at 9 am. By 11 am, Steve Paproski, owner of Castle Hill Farm on Sugar Lane, said he had been visited by about 40 cyclists. Mr Paproski handed out bottled water and coupons for use later in the fall when his corn maze opens.

Tom and Carolyn Strnad of Wolcott were taking the 62-mile route. Asked about the ride, Tom replied, “Newtown is beautiful, very scenic. We enjoyed seeing the steeples [on Main Street].”

At Ferris Acres Creamery, participants spoke of how gracious and welcoming the proprietors were at all the stops. Some said, for the first year, the event was well organized.

Bob Virgalla and his daughter, Marina, of Newtown and Paul Okrentowich and Steve Dowling of Trumbull shared a picnic table with a Creamery cat while they ate their ice creams. The Virgallas were planning to finish the 25-mile route while the gentlemen from Trumbull were going for the full 62 miles.

By noontime, Sticks and Stones Farm had only seen eight cyclists. The owners thought the fact that they were on the 62–mile route had cut down on the number of people willing to bicycle out their way. Brian, a cyclist from Redding who did make the trek, said the route was well marked.