One part motivation, one part accountability, a friend that cycles with you through multiple days of intense climbs and sometimes triple digit heat is more than a friend, they’re family.
Tour de Family.
These are the words Cindy Jewell spoke during the final night of the 5th Annual Tour de Fresh as she described the feelings many of us were experiencing after 3 days of this incredible event.
If you haven’t heard about the 2018 Tour de Fresh yet from a colleague, friend or from the trade media, all you really need to know is that on July 22, a group of produce industry members came together with a shared mission to grow the numbers of salad bars in schools. Some of these people were friends, some acquaintances, and many were strangers, yet this group of people parted ways on July 30 as family. Each year we reflect upon the impact the Tour de Fresh has had on schools across the nation, but this year we’re reflecting on how this event is so much more than that: Tour de Fresh is a family; a place to call home.
This family twisted through the mountains of South Lake Tahoe before pushing through sweltering temperatures in central California to close out their four-day, 300 mile journey to raise funds for Salad Bars to Schools. They acknowledged each other’s successes by hosting a Ladies’ Night for the powerful group of women within the Tour de Family, and they pushed each other during times of struggle on those intense climbs. They even waited for each other on the side of the road to ensure no one rode alone! And when a sponsor’s van broke down at the end of the ride delaying a long drive home, the riders and sponsors rallied together to offer a helping hand and plenty of warm meals while the van was repaired.
As always, we are so humbled by the unwavering support shown by everyone involved with this event! The photos below will offer just a small glimpse at the fun the Tour de Family had during the event with more photos and videos to come!
Legacy riders celebrate 5 years of riding in the Tour de Fresh!
Riders are all smiles as they enjoy the views on Day One in Kirkwood, CA.
Riders are offered a spray of much needed water as temperatures begin to heat up!
We take care of our family – even when they can’t ride! Riders made sure to include “virtual riders” Ed and Robyn Purves in all the fun!
Girl power! The group of inspiring women poses at the starting line.
A glimpse at the uphill roads and hairpin turns riders endured over Mt. Hamilton.
Enjoying a rewarding view after that brutal series of hills!
Fairfax County Schools Foodservice Director Rodney Taylor along with Andrew Marshall from United Fresh joined us to celebrate on the final night of the ride.
The “Tour de Family” isn’t just our riders – it’s our amazing sponsors who support and cheer for us all along the way!
Riders offer high fives as they cross the finish line.
And this is why we do it! Helping children “choose fresh!”
Our “Tour de Family!”
At the finish line, the Tour de Fresh celebrated during the first ever Finish Line Festival in The Wharf Marketplace by presenting a check for $141,000 to the United Fresh Start Foundation. We’re thrilled that 4 schools districts in need will receive more than 40 salad bars and our work is never complete! The Tour de Family is working to reach their goal of placing 50 salad bars in schools and will be accepting donations through August 31.
The 2019 Tour de Fresh will take place in October 2019 prior to PMA Fresh Summit. If you’re interested in riding or sponsoring and becoming a part of our family, please reach out to TDF@Calgiant.com!
