FREEPORT

The Farm to Fork Fondo bicycle race will take place at Freeport’s Wolfe’s Neck Farm on the weekend of Aug. 27-28. Brought to the state by Wrenegade Sports, this will be the first race of its kind to take place in Maine, and will highlight the area’s farm-to-table movement with pre and post-ride dinners on the farm. Other Farm to Fork Fondo races have taken place in Vermont, Pennsylvania and New York, but Wrenegade Sports’ president Tyler Wren has been wanting to bring the race to Maine for some time.

“We could not be more excited to bring the Farm to Fork Fondo series to Maine this summer,” said Wren. “This area of Maine has the perfect combination of beautiful farmland, proud rural communities and an exciting story to tell.”

Wren stresses that the Maine setting “highlights and supports the symbiotic relationship between cyclists, farmers and open space.”

“After founding the race when he retired from 13 years of professional biking, Tyler carefully looked at his model and decided that Maine really made sense as a destination,” said Sheila Brennan Nee of the Maine Sports Commission, who is helping to coordinate the race.

Wolfe’s Neck Farm, with their many miles of rolling hills and back-country trails and their promotion of fresh farm-to-table food, was an easy choice to host the race. The cap of 450 participants is expected to sell out.

After a farm-to-table meal is provided by 111 Catering on Saturday night at the Mallet Barn, bikers will rise Sunday morning and tackle trails between 10-100 miles, depending on skill level.

“Each difficulty level has a different route,” said Nee, “and each route is named for an Italian term.”

Races include the Gran Fondo (90 miles), Media Fondo (57 miles) and Piccollo Fondo (35 miles).

To keep the younger ones involved, there will also be a kids’ mini fondo which departs after the larger races. Race routes generally stick to back roads and will bring bikers as far inland as Auburn.

Local farms will also be hosting aid stations to provide water, sustenance and first aid along the way.

When the biking is done, there will be a lobster bake and barbeque on the farm, complete with live music, raffle prizes and local vendors. Other onsite activities include barnyard organic garden tours, hay-wagon tours, kayak and canoe rentals, nature trail hiking and oceanfront camping.

“There has been a resurgence in farming in this area,” said Nee. “This event is a great way to capitalize on Maine’s natural assets.”

Wrenegade Sports and Maine Sports Commission are already planning future events in the Pine Tree State.

“Even before the bikes hit the streets of Maine, Tyler and I had been in touch about what farms we’d like to possibly include next year,” said Nee. “What’s neat is the ripple effect of this. Bikers will want to visit other farms, and that way we can entice repeat cyclists, especially from out of state.”

Admission is still open to riders. The Gran Fondo race is $144, Media Fondo $124, and Piccollo Fondo $99. Each price includes meals. Wolfe Neck Farms will be providing lodging and camping for additional costs. For more information visit farmforkfondo.com.

bgooodridge@timesrecord.com

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