SFT

Upcoming SFT events

1 Comment

As my pace of pedaling begins to mellow, the true work of the SFT will now begin. Rather than riding 50+ miles a day, I’ll be relatively stationary for the next week and a half in Sonoma County, California. Plans include visiting local schools and learning about the area’s sustainable ag initiatives.

SFT Schedule – September

  • 9/13 – Windsor School Visit
  • 9/14 – National Heirloom Expo, Santa Rosa
  • 9/15 – Occidental School Visit
  • 9/16 – Windsor School Rally
  • 9/18 & 19 – Farm Visits, Davis area
  • 9/20 – Davis School Visit & Bike/Walk Day
  • 9/21 – Davis Media Reception
  • 9/22 – Davis High School Visit
  • 9/26 to 29 – SFT Central Valley

A group effort

3 Comments

Bike touring alone has its benefits: following a schedule while traveling solo is a cinch and finding a campsite is never a problem. However, there are times, especially when grinding up a long highway grade, when a girl sure could use a bit of external motivation. Such was the case for me last week.

I was traveling south through the Redwoods on the Coastal Highway and had heard rumors of a killer climb in my immediate future. In order to waylay the inevitable lung-buster I had stopped at a roadside café to refuel and gather my courage. While browsing the surprisingly healthful aisles of the mini mart, I happened upon a couple of other cyclists immediately recognizable by their spandex and sunburns. Rick and Debbie were headed south just like myself and as luck would have it, Rick was a seasoned coastal bike tourer and knew of the terrain that awaited us only a few miles up the road: 2,000 vertical, 3.5 miles of climbing and narrow roads with no shoulder. He recommended that we tackle the monster hill as a group since with cyclists there is safety in numbers.

Although I had already pedaled almost 40 miles and was considering stopping for the day, I agreed to his suggestion and steeled myself for a tough afternoon in the saddle. After a delectable meal of fresh oysters and other delights (be sure to stop at xxx if traveling along Route 101 in Humboldt County), we acquired a 4th member of our party – an enthusiastic Reid of a guy (haha… loving this pun. He IS tall!) – and hit the road.

Our group settled into a groove and though I was assuredly the weak link, they never left me behind. As we spun slowly up the seemingly never-ending climb, we had plenty of time to chat and found commonalities such as Nordic skiing, life in Santa Barbara and sustainable living. Though my legs complained mercilessly as the miles crept by, the company of these new found friends kept my spirit afloat. After what seemed to be an eternity, we enjoyed an exhilarating descent and finally zoomed around the final corner to reveal a dazzling view of the Pacific.

We had miles left to pedal that day, but as we stopped for photos and I gazed around at our sweaty, smiling faces, I knew that the positive spirit of our ragtag group would buoy us along to our final destination for the evening. And so it did.

 Memories were made and new friendships formed during our conquering of Leggett Pass. Such is life lived by bicycle. Big thanks to my cycling companions that helped keep the School Food Tour moving forward on a challenging day. Pedal on, friends!

The Orman Guest Ranch – Crescent City, CA

Leave a comment

Laughter echoed inside a large barn and chickens squawked as I pedaled down the misty gravel driveway of the Orman Guest Ranch. Needing a day of respite and email catch-up, I jumped at the chance to set up camp on this quiet rural property just outside of Crescent City, California. I did not intend to start SFT farm visits so quickly into my journey, but when opportunity knocks, you must answer!

The 1930s era Ford tractor that greeted me at the entrance left a smile on my face. It's nearly identical to the tractor that I learned to drive on years ago!

The proprietors of the ranch – Konnie and Keith – were warm and welcoming with pleasant smiles and big belly laughs. After I was settled at site #7, Konnie offered to give me a tour of the Ranch. We set off to meander through the fields but our walk was immediately thwarted we rounded the first corner and met, Keith, covered in plaster. He was in the midst of a remodel project and needed our help, stat. 30 minutes later with a lot of elbow grease and a bit of luck we had the wall securely in place and Konnie and I returned to our walkabout.

Plentiful space and food for all the animals at Orman Ranch.

We meandered through the property and Konnie pointed out major highlights. The property has campsites for tenters or RVs, horse stables and fields for a variety of livestock. The couple raises goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits & cattle. The meat and eggs are free-range, grass fed and all of the animals have vast pasture to graze upon. Konnie explained how they rotate the animals’ locations on the property in order to keep the land healthy.

Various breeds of chickens pecked about in the yard.

When asked about who buys their products, Konnie explained that their customers are a mix between individuals and local businesses. She said that breaking into the local market has been a bit slow, but demand has picked up as the word about the quality of their products spreads. Surprisingly, Konnie informed me that the best advertisement for their business has been the release of the documentary Food, Inc. The Ormans have a list of people waiting for their sustainably raised meat and eggs; they bring an obvious passion and joy to both farming and hospitality.

Each horse that they take on for boarding has its own 1/4 to 1/2 acre paddock with shelter. Deluxe equine accommodations!

And speaking of hospitality… I was lucky enough to occupy the site directly next to two of the kindest couples a traveler could be lucky enough to meet. Joe & Joanne (married 54 years) were traveling with Mike and Dawn (married 52 years) from Wyoming in a dualie truck with large trailer in tow. The trailer was not your typical cozy motor home but rather, it contained two motorcycles that the couples used to tour the countryside when they arrived at their destination. They informed me that their priority was fun and not comfort – instantly I knew we were going to be good friends. These folks shared their scrumptious dinner with me that included BBQ ribs and fresh berry cobbler from the Dutch Oven.

Dessert, hot out of (in?) the oven. Courtesy of my favorite campsite neighbors!

After a great meal and equally fine conversation, I slept peacefully, knowing that I was surrounded by both happy people and animals. Sincere thanks to the Ormans and my favorite camping neighbors for a great stay in the Crescent City area!

For more information about the Orman Guest Ranch, please visit their website: http://www.ormanranch.net/