Culinary Ride

Culinary Ride manifesto

Iowa towns have grown from the surrounding rich agricultural history as the locales where farmers and those sustained by their efforts convened and shared the products of their work. Through the industrialization of farming and the globalization of food markets, this connection is easier to overlook and take for granted. The Culinary Ride is an experience organized to contextualize Iowa City within the surrounding agriculture and raise our awareness of people and businesses who place high value on local goods and supporting their local agricultural economy. We hope to help cultivate this appreciation for the fertility of Iowa soil and to promote responsible urban, residential, and rural land use, showing future generations the importance of communities who work together to be self sustaining. We also love to ride bikes, and we believe that there is no better way to experience the beauty of Iowa than by bicycle.

The Culinary Ride is an event promoting mindful food culture. A unique feature of the Culinary Ride is that each year we change the route to showcase different farms and people practicing responsible land use. Each stop along the route is paired with local chefs and restaurants committed to locally sourced food. This year we’re showcasing 60 acres of restored prairie, a berry and vegetable farm, home gardens, a small town restaurant serving big time New Orleans cuisine, the future site of one of the only Midwest farmers attempting commercially raise organic hops, a local brewery, and bee keeping and honey production. This bicycle friendly route is an easy escape just of the Dubuque St. Trail to the rural countryside of Johnson and Iowa County. For those traveling the Beet-it-Up route this is a chance to experience local food served-up in the wilderness of Iowa. This last stop is nestled in the Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area and after a day of riding you have the option of setting up camp for the night. The route officially ends near the Dubuque St. Trail, which offers a stress free bike home.

What You Need To Know Page

Estimated arrival times are listed on the Farm Page. Ride at your own pace, however, please keep the time in mind especially if you are on the Beet-it-Up Route. We hope that in starting earlier this year that everyone will make it home before dark, but do bring lights just in case. Once you arrive at a stop, get some delicious food and take a tour of the farm. Bring your sporks and napkins you receive at check-in as we will not be provide plastic or paper of either.

What to Bring

Your spork and napkin that you get at registration!
H2O bottles
Extra tube
Patch repair kit and pump
Front and rear lights

Volunteers

In the event that assistance is needed, the Geoff's Bike and Ski truck will be circling the route. If you are struggling, use the sag wagon.

Be safe! Ride predictably. Go slow at turns. Stay on time. Always be aware. Call out your intentions. eg. "On your left!"

Cost: $45 Includes spork and napkin.

If you are parking: We ask that participants consider riding to the start. However, if this is not possible, please park at a near by business and ride your bike to the Park.

In order to make this a success we ask that you help us promote the benefit by telling your friends. We are happy to send official Culinary Ride email invitations if you provide us with a list of addresses. Emails will not be used for anything other than this event invite. Register at CulinaryRide.com

Thank you to all of our partners and supporters!

Website Provide by