VOLUNTEER
REGISTER
FUNDRAISING
THE RIDE
BIKE THE BARNS
see you next year!
WHAT IS BIKE THE BARNS?
Bike the Barns is FairShare CSA Coalition’s largest fundraiser. Proceeds from the ride benefit our organization and the Partner Shares Program, which helps low-income families afford farm-fresh veggies. When you sign up for Bike the Barns, you help families access food grown right in their community by a CSA farmer.
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The event features a full day of farm tours, gourmet local food, craft libations, on-farm activities and live music. Join us as we bike and bus to ensure fresh food for every family!
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Thank you for a wonderful ride in 2023! Save the date for next year's ride - Sunday, September 15, 2024.
MORE INFORMATION
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This year's riders started and ended the day in charming Badger Prairie County Park in Verona, WI.
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Upon exiting Verona, participants were treated to changing landscapes as rolling hills lead from forested valleys to exposed ridge lines. Some challenging ascents lead to extremely rewarding payoffs in the form of sweeping views and delicious food and beverages along the way.
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Riders could choose from two route options: a short route (36 miles) and a long route (57 miles).
Route maps and GPX files are available under "The Ride" tab.
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Bike the Barns is a charity bike ride, and you can put the "fun" in fundraising by registering as a fundraiser rider! Every dollar you raise goes directly to feeding families in our community.
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Schedule of the day:
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8 - 9:30 AM: Day-of registration and breakfast, Badger Prairie County Park
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9 AM: Long route riders depart
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10 AM: Short route riders depart
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The ride: 2-4 farm stops with food, beverage, music, and farm fun!
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2:30 - 6PM: After Party at Badger Prairie County Park
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REGIstration includes:
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Food: breakfast, snack stops, lunch, and after party meal + drink tickets​​
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Farm tours and interactive on-farm activities
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Live music at each stop
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Participant Gift Bag
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A well-marked and supported scenic bike route
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And a whole lot of fun!
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There is no same-day registration available this year.
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Have questions?
Call FairShare at (608) 226-0300 or email bikethebarns@csacoalition.org.
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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
AMERICAN WINE PROJECT // BAER INSURANCE // CALLIOPE ICE CREAM // GOMACRO // ISTHMUS
LOMBARDINOS // MAD CITY DREAM HOMES // MG & E FOUNDATION // QUINCE & APPLE
SITKA SEAFOOD MARKET // WORT // WORKING DRAFT BEER COMPANY
THE ROUTE
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All Bike the Barns participants departed from Badger Prairie County Park in Verona, WI this year.
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Upon exiting Verona, participants were treated to changing landscapes as rolling hills lead from forested valleys to exposed ridge lines. Some challenging ascents lead to extremely rewarding payoffs in the form of sweeping views and delicious food and beverages along the way.
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Riders could choose from two route options:
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This year's route featured farm stops at:
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Crossroads Community Farm
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Farley Center
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Prairie Bluff Farm (long route)
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Snug Haven Farm (long route)
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ROUTE CONDITIONS & RIDER SUPPORT
Each route is meticulously marked by FairShare staff & volunteers. Every turn is marked with both directional yard signs and color-coded route arrows on the pavement, and there are caution signs to warn riders of particular conditions, such as steep hills, sharp corners or loose gravel.
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Rider support is available throughout the ride, but riders are expected to be prepared to service their own bikes. Please bring extra tubes. On-bike support riders are embedded in the ride and routes are patrolled by support vehicles with amateur (HAM) radio operators. Professional bike mechanics are on site at each farm to provide mechanical support.
Mechanical support provided by:
THE FOOD
The Bike the Barns menu is seasonal, local, and fresh, and the food is sourced largely from FairShare’s organic farms. Madison-area restaurants and caterers will prepare the meals and provide locally produced craft beverages. Bike the Barns offers vegetarian options, but, while we will try, we cannot guarantee gluten-free, vegan, or non-dairy options across all farm stops.
Here is the sample menu for this year's ride. Please note, some food items might be slightly adjusted closer to the date of the ride depending on what produce our farms have available.
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2023 MENU
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Breakfast Snack​
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Maple Pecan Granola (Origin Breads) - vegan, wheat-free
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Coffee (Just Coffee)
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Crossroads Community Farm Snack
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Farm Girl "Caviar" Tostadas (Vibrant Veg) - vegan, gluten-free available
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Blueberry lemon balm or Ginger pear Kombucha (Rude Brew Kombucha)​
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Farley Center lunch
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Green chile chicken or Garlic zucchini & squash tacos, cilantro lime rice, and taco salad (Tex Tubb's Taco Palace) - vegan option available, gluten-free​
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Cold brew coffee floats (Just Coffee & Calliope Ice Cream)
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Prairie Bluff Farm snack
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Local fruit mousse with meringue (Brix Cider) - vegetarian, gluten-free
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Cinnamon Orange Black tea, Blueberry Herbal Fruit infusion (Telsaan Tea)
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Snug haven Farm snack
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Hummus or baba ghanouj snack tray (Bunky's Cafe) - vegan, gluten-free, nut-free
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Apple cider (Eplegaarden)
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Water stop snack
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Watermelon (Tipi Produce)
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Peanut butter chocolate chip mini-bars (GoMacro) - vegan, gluten-free
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After Party Tasting Menu (Riders get food and drink tickets to "spend" on items of their choice!)
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Farmhouse Andouille Sausage & Cheesy Red Flint Grits or Three Sisters Medley & Red Flint Grits (TradeRoots Kitchen) - vegan option available, gluten-free
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Sweet Thai Basil Chili Sauce Chix Kebab or Veggiez Primavera with Local Grains (Just Veggiez) - vegan
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Cilantro Olive Rice Bowl with Braised Vegetables, choice of tofu or chicken (Madame Chu) - vegan available, gluten-free
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Roasted Beet Salad or Zucchini/Summer Squash Orzo (Merchant) - vegetarian
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Mini Donuts (Level 5 Donuts) - vegan
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Future Fruit Farm Pear Sorbet or Elderberry Ice Cream (The Frozen Local) - vegan (sorbet)
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Wine (provided by American Wine Project)
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Beer (Working Draft Beer Company)
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WiscoPop & Sprecher soda
FUNDRAISING
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Bike the Barns is FairShare’s largest fundraiser. The money raised through Bike the Barns supports The Partner Shares Program, which helps low-income families gain affordable access to farm-fresh veggies. Each year, hundreds of bikers, bus riders, volunteers, and farmers come together during this special day to eat, drink, and pedal together in the name of fresh food access.
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What does it mean to be a fundraiser rider?
As a fundraiser rider, you pay $75 up front and pledge to raise at least $75 by the day of the ride. We’ll help you set up your fundraising page and provide you with tools, resources, and templates to get you on your way to helping families eat delicious veggies.
Fundraising begins the day registration opens, and riders can continue to raise funds up until the day of the ride. Share your page online, ask folks to write a check, or do a mile pledge. Every dollar makes a difference, and the more you share your fundraising story, the more money you can raise in support of fresh food for every family!
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Why should I register as a fundraiser rider?
In addition to the feeling of doing good in your community and helping feed your neighbors, fundraiser riders also get:
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A commemorative Bike the Barns sticker
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Entered to win a Schwinn Marshall electric bike when you raise $100 or more
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The chance to earn sweet prizes and gear with our fundraising challenges
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Support from us to help you reach your goal!
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THE CAUSE
Fresh, high quality produce has become more difficult to access as households with limited budgets feel the strain of rising costs. The Partner Shares Program makes farm-fresh food accessible and affordable.
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THE GOAL
Fundraising through Bike the Barns is the Partner Shares Program’s largest source of funding. We hope to raise $50,000 this year to provide critical financial support to families struggling to access fresh, locally produced fruits and vegetables.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
Your fundraising efforts go directly toward ensuring households have a consistent supply of nutritious food through CSA. Set up a fundraising page, or make a donation to a fundraiser rider to help all families access farm-fresh food!
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CHECK OUT OUR FUNDRAISING TOOLKIT For More information & resources
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FUNDRAISING PRIZES
Fundraising levels are cumulative based on the amount you raise. Prizes will be awarded in September, but keep an eye out for extra fundraising prize challenges throughout the summer for even more chances to win awesome prizes!
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Fundraiser riders who register for Bike the Barns agree to raise at least $75. All fundraising prizes listed below are awarded based on the total amount raised by August 31, 2023.
$100+
CHARGE IT UP
Thanks to our Premier Sponsor Schwinn, one lucky fundraiser rider will be randomly selected to win a Marshall electric bike! You went beyond the minimum, now enjoy it to the max.
$250
KEEP ON PEDALING
For those who can’t get enough BTB, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy your 2024 Bike the Barns fundraiser rider registration on us, and keep pedaling to feed families in your community.
$500
LOCAVORES' DELIGHT
Locavores delight in this bounty of expertly crafted goods highlighting the best of our regional artisans! From salty to sweet, there's something for everyone in these Local Food Packs.
$1,000
RIDER'S CHOICE
You've raised some serious funds to connect familes to fresh food. Now let us thank you by presenting you with a choice between some seriously awesome prizes!
Options include: Pasture & Plenty Meal Kit, a stay at Circle M Farm, Stateline Distillery Private Tour & Tasting, Schwinn Daytripper Cargo Trailer & Commuter Pannier Set.
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MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON
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We are busily putting together a great route filled with biking, food, community, music, farms, and more! Check back soon for more detailed event information, and make sure to mark your calendars for June 1st when registration opens!
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SIGN UP TO GET NOTIFIED
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GET INVOLVED
BE PART OF THE FUN
FairShare CSA Coalition is a small team – we couldn’t pull off this grand event without our amazing community of volunteers and supporters!
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Perks of volunteering include:
-Helping ensure food for every family!
-Spending a day outdoors with food + farm enthusiasts
-Receive a custom Bike the Barns swag item and gourmet, farm-fresh food at the event
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VOLUNTEER ROLES
Though Bike the Barns is a single day event, there are many ways to volunteer before, during, or after the ride.
Volunteers assist with:
1) Marking the route
2) Stuffing rider bags and helping with pre-registration
3) Farm stop logistics
4) Food & beverage preparation & service
5) Participating on the rider support teams, and more!
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VOLUNTEER WITH A GROUP
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If you or your organization would like to support this spectacular event by volunteering as a group, please complete the volunteer signup form or send questions to beth@csacoalition.org.
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We will contact you with details on signing up for specific day-of-event tasks closer to the day of the ride.