2009 Tour de Taste: A Pedaling Picnic

Join us for our very popular, scenic, progressive pedaling picnic through the Connecticut River Valley. Enjoy the autumn foliage and beautiful scenery at your own pace, meet local food producers and community members, and stop at local farms and restaurants along the way to taste delicious harvest bounty.

Now in its third year, the Tour de Taste is more appetizing than ever! New this year are: a stop at Stella's Restaurant in Lyme; a longer River Road Extension route option; and by popular request, a safer, family-friendly ride around Lake Morey that avoids Route 5. Please see below for information on other new features this year as well as a synopsis of the three routes (when registering you will be required to identify which route you will be riding).

For your convenience and safety, we provide detailed route maps, directions, and support vehicles. Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 13, 2009 and register now for this popular UVTA event - enrollment is limited and will fill fast!

Your registration includes an incredible menu of locally-produced foods. Please see the full menu below for details.

Choose from three great rides!

Lake Morey Loop

We have redesigned our Lake Morey Loop for families with young cyclists, new cyclists, or for those who want a very leisurely bike ride around the lake. 6 miles. Easy. Avoids Route 5 completely. 2 short hills. Minimal auto traffic. Road support. Enjoy several stops along the way, so you can take your time, rest, and relax. You can even take a short hike on one of our local treasures, the Rivendell Trail! Includes delicious food provided by local producers. And, be sure to save room for dessert back at the school!

Tour de Taste Classic Loop *UPDATED*

Our most popular route has a new look for 2009! Travel the scenic Connecticut River Valley in this 20-mile loop. Moderate. Some secondary roads, some state highways. Road support. Visit scenic stops in North Thetford, Lyme, Orford, and Fairlee while you enjoy plenty of delicious food that showcases many local producers, including Stella’s Restaurant pizza!  

River Road Extension *NEW*

An extension of our very popular Classic Loop, this 34-mile ride is designed for those who want a bit more mileage. Moderate, with a few more hills than our Classic, but with an additional stop to refresh yourself while you admire a spectacular, long view of the river. Includes state routes and secondary roads. Road support. Fortify yourself with great food along the way, of course!

All routes start and finish at the Samuel Morey Elementary School in Fairlee VT. In addition to the menu items (included in the registration fee), riders will have an opportunity to shop for and purchase goods at select food stops, which will be delivered back to the school at the end of the day. All cyclists enjoy a sweet treat at the end of the ride!