- Location: O’Hara grounds in downtown Hamilton
- Purpose: A fun, community-focused ride celebrating local farmers and supporting a healthy, active lifestyle.
Course Description
- Distance: Flexible options ranging from leisurely family rides to longer, 25-30+ mile routes.
- Terrain: A mix of rolling paved backroads and well-maintained gravel, offering scenic, low-traffic routes through rural agricultural areas.
- Experience: The ride is designed for all skill levels, from families and casual cruisers to active road cyclists.
Event Highlights & Perks
- Farm-to-Table Stops: Multiple stops at local farms offering fresh, local snacks, samples, and direct conversations with the farmers.
- Fully Supported: Marked routes, SAG vehicles, and rest stops to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Post-Ride Celebration: A lively finish area (e.g., at a local brewery or park) featuring local food, live music, and cold refreshments.
- Kid-Friendly: A "mini" route or shorter loop option is often available for young riders.
Participant Details
- Registration: Sign up early online. Fees typically include a tour t-shirt, route map/GPS file, and all farm samples.
- Bike Type: Gravel bikes, hybrid bikes, and mountain bikes are ideal, though road bikes with durable tires are sufficient for the gravel portions.
- What to Bring: Helmet (required), water bottles, spare tube/pump, and a camera for the stunning Montana scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tour de Farms a competitive race or a casual ride?
Tour de Farms is a non-competitive, scenic ride designed for enjoyment and community connection. There are no race categories, timing, or winners - just a fun day exploring the Bitterroot valley and celebrating local agriculture at your own pace.
What kind of roads will we be riding on?
The 35-mile route features a mix of paved and gravel roads, so you'll experience both smooth pavement and some unpaved sections. With approximately 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the terrain is moderately rolling rather than flat or extremely mountainous.
What bike do I need for this ride?
A gravel bike, hybrid, or mountain bike works well for this mixed-road terrain. If you have a road bike, wider tires will provide better traction on the gravel sections, though the route is designed to be accessible to riders with various bike types.
How many farm stops are there, and what will we experience?
There are 5-6 farm stops throughout the ride where you'll enjoy local food and beverages while learning about local agriculture and meeting the farmers. It's a great opportunity to taste what our community grows and understand the farming story behind it.
Is there a post-ride celebration, and can my family join?
Yes! The ride concludes with a buffet-style dinner at O'Hara grounds in downtown Hamilton. Families and friends of riders are welcome to join the celebration, making it a full community event where everyone can enjoy good food and camaraderie together.
Where do we start and end?
Both the start and finish are at O'Hara grounds in downtown Hamilton, making it easy to park and gather before and after the ride. This central location also serves as the hub for the post-ride celebration.
Is this ride suitable for families with children?
Tour de Farms is a family-friendly event designed to celebrate community and agriculture. The non-competitive nature and scenic stops make it enjoyable for riders of various ages and fitness levels - check the event website for specific recommendations on age and rider experience to help you prepare.
Reviews
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The first 5 cyclists to review within 72 hours after this event receive a free Starbucks or Dunkin gift card ($10 value).
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