How this ride got started
Slow Food Cycle Sunday was founded in 2005. It was started by Anna Helmer and Lisa Richardson, two Pemberton residents concerned that irreplaceable farmland is under consistent development pressures. The bike ride is a way to inform people of the importance of farmland, to give townspeople an opportunity to spend the day in the country and to give farmers and consumers a chance to connect.
This event was inspired by the principles of Slow Food, an organization that Anna is actively involved with. Slow Food is a global, grassroots association with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.
Want to see more?
Watch this great video produced by Andrea Wing of Flailer Films to learn about why our local food is so important.
Meet Organizers Anna Helmer and Niki Vankerk
Bonny Makarewicz Photo
Anna and Niki power the pedals behind this event. Anna is an organic potato farmer whose passion is to inspire an appreciation of well grown, good tasting food. She started this event as a way to get more people to stand up for saving farmland. She is the lifeblood of the event and works with the farmers and vendors to open this backstage pass to food production. Niki is a computer consultant with an appreciation for good food and exquisite logistics. She provides the structure and technical support for the ride, handling all things involving a computer and desk.
They are supported by key team members:
- Lisa Ankeny of Sumire Design (all things graphical and web related)
- Jill Brooksbank and the Village of Pemberton (all things Registration related)
- Bettina Falloon (volunteer coordinator)
- Pemberton Search and Rescue (keeping us safe on the ride)
