Last Sunday, almost 300 cyclists from on and off coast took part in the first-ever Sunshine Coast Slow Food Cycle put on by Transportation Choices Sunshine Coast (TraC). After registering and receiving their map, participants rode their bikes to explore 14 local food producers scattered around the Gibsons area. They fed goats, made their own pizzas, enjoyed refreshments under shady trees, and purchased fresh farm products, all the while experiencing the joys of cycling and learning about local food production. At the Persephone after party, many cyclists mentioned how much fun they had visiting farms they never even knew existed in their neighbourhood. Others commented on the sense of community spirit the event generated. Venues were also extremely pleased with the event.
Gail Stewart of Gail’s Pies happily noted, “At one point I had 40 people wanting to buy pie!” TraC organizers are grateful to the sponsors who stepped up to support the event, including founding sponsor – the Sunshine Coast Credit Union, and are already planning next year’s event. TraC is a local member-based organization that works to support healthy communities and reduce the Coast’s carbon footprint by promoting more active and sustainable transportation alternatives for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.
