Published: 6/22/2018 9:04:08 PM
GREENFIELD — If you like to help the hungry and take a scenic ride through the bucolic Greenfield countryside, then the inaugural Food Justice Bike Ride could be just your speed this Sunday.
The event, organized by founder Roark Herron, will be raising money for the Stone Soup Cafe, a pay-what-you-can community cafe in Greenfield. The event features two distances for cyclists to choose from, as well as free entry into the Just Roots Community Farm Spring Fest after the ride.
The event will allow riders to sign up on the day of the event, with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m.
A 43-mile ride begins at 8:30 a.m. that will go through several Franklin County towns, and a more leisurely 15-mile ride that starts at 9:30 a.m. will pass through Bernardston and Greenfield. The starting and end locations for both rides are at Just Roots Community Farm.
Cyclists are required to be 18 or older and must wear a helmet.
Herron said the inspiration to create the inaugural event came by watching what happens at Stone Soup Cafe every Saturday, where he also volunteers.
“It’s a great feeling to be able to participate in the process of getting nutritious food to people in need, which is what Stone Soup Cafe does for people every Saturday,” he said.
He said the cafe has brought together people from different backgrounds in life and in the process has provided them with nutritional and mental sustenance.
“Nutritious food is good for the body, the experience is good for the mind and good for the spirit,” Roark said. “It connects the three dots.”
Entry into the ride will be $30 on the day of the race and all proceeds benefit the Stone Soup Cafe. Entrants will receive a memento bracelet, as well as free entry into the Just Roots Community Farm Spring Fest beginning at 10 a.m.
Food will be provided by Stone Soup Cafe after the ride, which Roark said will be picnic fare such as turkey burgers. Refreshments will also be provided along the ride.
You can reach Dan Desrochers at:
ddesrochers@recorder.com or
413-772-0261, ext. 257.