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On November 2nd, the 13th annual Tour de Dirt rolls out from Chantilly Farm in Floyd County. The annual event takes place on mostly dirt roads; providing gravel bike, cross bike, and mountain bike riders the chance to explore lesser-known roads and beautiful mountain views while touring parts of Floyd County that many visitors never get to see. More than 50% of this ride will be held on unpaved state roads.
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Over the years, Tour de Dirt has grown from a grassroots ride to a full-blown bike tour event featuring four course lengths, five aid stations, and an after-party. And new this year, all proceeds will go to support the local non-profit ‘Plenty!’ Farm & Food Pantry.
Tour de Dirt founder and cycling guru, Paul Sullivan, says that what started years ago as a training ride for the local Moonstompers cycling team has evolved into an end-of-season, fall group ride for all ages and all types of riders. “This will be the fourth year the event has been held at Chantilly Farm. Since then, the event has grown; attracting more and more riders. Last year there were close to one hundred folks at the start! I figured that it was time for Tour de Dirt to raise money for a good cause.”
Plenty! nourishes the community and feeds hungry neighbors by growing and sharing food in Floyd County. As a 501c3 non-profit, Plenty! currently supports more than three hundred families per month through its food pantry, portable produce deliveries, portable pantry, and community lunches. Plenty! provides an important safety net for those experiencing food insecurity in our community.
Plenty! understands that there are many reasons a person might need assistance, such as a sudden loss of income due to a layoff, uncovered medical expense, or the death of a loved one that was also the primary provider. Many times, families need only temporary help. While a significant portion of the 585 families who received Plenty! assistance last year struggle to feed their families on an ongoing basis, 36% visited the food pantry only once! With food and community at the core of what they do, Plenty! is excited to join with Tour de Dirt to raise money to help support their mission.
Tour de Dirt appeals to cyclists who can ride at least fourteen miles on unpaved roads that feature a number of hills. Riders can count on gaining about one-hundred feet of elevation for every mile ridden in Floyd County. Riders should be fit, but tour founder
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Paul insists, “This is not a race. We are enjoying the fall scenery as we explore lesser known roads and byways.” He says, “we have always had the ‘Full Pull’ (80 miles) be a very long and serious ride, but with up to five aid stations and bail out points, it’s lots of fun and can still appeal to more than just the hard-core rider.”
Shorter lengths this year will include the Funn (18 mile), the Lite (39 mile) and the Fiddy (55 mile) rides in addition to the Full Pull. Beginner riders can enjoy the two-mile prologue around Chantilly Farm that starts the race.
Tickets include up to four aid stations plus a meal and beverage at the ‘Power Up Plenty!’ Chili Fest after-party, held inside the Chantilly barn. Chili, both meat and vegetarian, will be served in ceramic dishes that were handmade by local potters and Virginia Tech students. Guests are welcome to take these home after the event.
Food and live music featuring local artists will begin at noon and continue throughout the afternoon, with beverages available for purchase from Tour de Dirt sponsor, Deschutes Brewery. The chili after-party will be open to the public with $12 tickets, available in advance and at the door, for those not registered for the bike tour.
Register for Tour de Dirt and buy extra meal tickets at https://www.bikereg.com/tour-de-dirt
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One of the great things about beginning and ending the ride at Chantilly Farm is that the venue provides the opportunity for participants to bring their RV’s or tents and camp for the weekend. For more information about the Chantilly Farm, visit chantillyfarm.com.
Tour de Dirt • bikereg.com/tour-de-dirt
Plenty! • plentylocal.org/tour-de-dirt/