Its only a wee start of thing in its second year and already theyre expecting the equivalent of about half the population of Pemberton to wheel slowly, very slowly into the valley Sunday for the Slow Food Cycle.
What started as a nub of an idea during a chance meeting between Lisa Richardson and Anna Helmer is grabbing a lot of imaginations. Never mind all the precociousness and potential politics of agrifoodietourismlocavorizationess that can lurk around an event like this. It stalwartly remains a one-of-a-kind, born-and-bred Pemberton thing thats one heck of a lot of fun on just about every sensory level, including your sense of history and common sense.
If you didnt make it the inaugural year, the weatherman says this weekend is looking fine so drag out your two-wheeler and latch up with the bus heading up to the valley on Sunday thank you, Whistler-Blackcomb Envirofund and Glacier Coach Lines. How happy is that? You dont even have to drive your gas guzzler, so you can snooze and cruise all the way back when your belly is full and your mind is empty and your cheeks are tingling from the sun and wind.
So if youre wondering what you might be getting yourselves into, heres the lowdown.
First of all, dont worry about the number of humans on wheels who may show up Lisa reminds us all that its a nice big valley with lots of little side trails and zippety-do-da detours, to contend with as you like. Besides, not only does everyone cycle to their own rhythm, they dont descend in a herd.
However, those in the know suggest you meander over to Pemberton Community Centre to register and pick up a map at some reasonable hour, say before 10. In the morning, just to be clear. But given its a laid-back country kind of day, whenever you roll out will be fine. That said, consider yourself warned that laggards might miss out on Linda Ronaynes amazing cinnamon buns.
But lets start at the top, or the end, as it were, some 25 clicks up Pemberton Meadows Road from the starting point. This by way of encouraging you to get a good nights sleep and not drink too much wine at the previous days Feast of Fields, for last year many a good soul gave it up about halfway up the valley and missed a lot of the food and fun.
Already Im presuming you are armed with some combination of the following: a bottle of water; a pocketful of change for donations or even a few bills if you want to buy a serious lunch or two; some chopsticks for sampling; maybe paper towel or wet wipes if you have kids; a camera for the amazing views; hat; sunscreen; your appetite and curiosity.
Dont worry about a patch kit and all that. Pemberton Bike Co. mechanics will be cruising the route. And if you plain run out of steam and start draggin, you can hitch the saggin wagon.
But for now lets get back to the top of the valley, where Marty and Andrea van Loon will be hosting lunch, catered by Pembertons own Pony Espresso, on their beautiful seed potato farm.
It just doesnt get much more Pemberton than this. For the valley, named for Joseph Despard Pemberton, a surveyor-general for the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1850s, turned to seed potatoes for its livelihood soon after the northern gold rush trickled away and the accompanying influx of people settled down.
The van Loon farm is stunning, says Lisa, with a creek running through the property. Plus Marty and Andrea are welcoming hosts who can explain all the ins and outs of potato farming, and the Pony Espresso is sure to put on a great spread.
As you wheel back toward town, stop by the farm at the Hurley Pass turnoff. Denise van Loon will have whipped up some pretty amazing muffins and baked treats to tempt you. From there you can take one of those whimsical detours up to Dolores Loss special farm, crossing waterfalls along the Lillooet River on the way. Dolores will introduce you to her alpacas and bees, and let you try bubblegum honey fresh from the hive. Dont worry, all the turnoffs will be well-marked with signs.
Back on Pemberton Meadows Road, youll discover a blazingly good barbecue at Bob Mitchell and Don Millards "happy beef" ranch. And how perfectly Pemberton is that? While certification and all that monkey business is great, when all is said and done, dont we all just want the simple goodness and good taste of food that comes from happy, healthy places? So bring on the happy beef, and the happy veggies, and the happy buns of Pemberton.
Next along youll find Johnny and Michelle Beks Shaw Creek Farm, with a display on seed potato farming and valley history set up in an old cabin theyve refurbished. The Beks are third generation farmers and Michelle works at the seed potato lab, so they know their Pemberton and their potatoes. Theyll also have a bar with Happy Planet juices (see? I told you this was a happy place) to raise money for Trips for Kids.
Then theres Bradley Organic Farms. Theyre partnering with C3 rafting to offer a raft float on the Lillooet River back to the community centre for a mere $20. Your bikes will be shuttled back for you, but before you raft away, enjoy the barbecue lamb, felt-making displays and sheepherding demos.
Further along, you will have no doubt worked up an appetite again, ready for Andrew Richardsons (of Araxi) samplings of all things potato at Helmers wonderful organic farm. Next door, Chef Hans Sterli from the Westin will be using all fresh ingredients grown right there at Across the Creek Organics to dazzle your taste buds and idea of "local".
All this and were only at the halfway point. In the front half of your cycle, youll have already sampled some of Pemberton Valley Coffee Co.s coffee, McEwans fresh produce, honey from "Duck" Dennis, Scott Latimer's organic garlic, and more, including the aforementioned amazing cinnamon buns, that is, if you havent gotten up too late.
But dont get all wound up about missing something whatever you discover will be a homegrown treat, Pemberton style, giving you plenty to ride home about.
For Slow Food Cycle details: www.slowfoodcyclesunday.com
Glenda Bartosh is an award-winning freelance writer who once biked across Bali, eating a good deal of rice along the way.