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Andi Reisdorf: What was the inspiration for Bike the Yards? Julie Tomaro: I love the many creative uses for lawns beyond the basic grass that was once the definition of a well-kept yard. I especially love when lawns are abundantly planted with a variety of different kinds of plants, from food for humans to food for our feathered and pollinating friends. The name Bike The Yards was inspired by Bike The Barns, which is a local annual fundraiser where participants visit farms by bicycle in support of community supported agriculture. We like to say Bike the Yards is the little sibling to the Bike the Barns event.
AR: How long is the route, and what is the pace like? JT: We bike only a couple miles, and we ride at a relatively slow pace. Most of the houses we stop at are only a few minutes from the previous one, and the ride from the last house back to the start is about 10 minutes. This is a ride designed for young and old alike - our youngest rider was six years old and had no trouble!
AR: What makes a yard worth visiting in your eyes? JT: We love to see diversity in the gardens we visit. From different styles of raised beds, to the blending of food plants and flowers, to general gardening styles. I always look for a good mix to showcase the unique variety and creativity of people in our community. This year we will check in on some of the gardens we’ve visited years prior, and we’ll visit some gardeners that will be new to our route!
AR: What is your favorite part of Bike the Yards? JT: The first year riding as a pack of 20 people through the neighborhoods of Viroqua was so fun! It’s a great feeling to take off with a herd of folks on bikes!
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