Sunday August 30th, 2026
When local farmers Michelle and Colby Townsend reached out with the idea of host a cycling ride from their farm, we were all in. Now in its third year, this unique event captures the true spirit of gravel – no race numbers, no start line jitters, just a fun day exploring beautiful country roads with a delicious farm-to-table meal.
This event offers an intimate look at a working local farm, paired with incredible gravel riding and a tasty post ride meal. Ride Workshop, Hayden Fresh Farm, and Mountain Tap Brewery come together to deepen your connection with local farmers, the cycling community, and the stunning landscape surrounding Hayden Fresh Farm.
The Farm
The Food
The Routes
Cost
$175 for the ‘Piglet’ and ‘Whole Hog’ routes.
$100 for meal only with optional 6 mile route.
What's included
• 2 route options with on course aid station and support crew
• Delicious post-ride meal
• Farm tours by Colby & Michelle Townsend
• Onsite mechanical support from Ride Workshop
What to expect
• Remote and quiet gravel roads
• A relaxed vibe with time to take in the views
• Event is held rain or shine and course will be modified as needed in event of mud
The Meal
• 3 pizza options from Mountain Tap’s mobile pizza oven:
Route Highlights & Challenge level
- 3 Course distances on county gravel roads
What To Bring
• Gravel bike equipped with 38c or larger tires
• Repair kit
• Water bottles x 2, ride snacks, and rain jacket
Our Rules
• Helmets are required
•All participants agree to follow traffic laws including single file operation when vehicles are present.
•No littering or public urination. Please leave no trace and hold it until the aid station!
• Share positive energy with other riders, volunteers, our farm hosts, and local residents
• Please respect the working farm hosting this event by staying in designated areas for the start and finish
• Help build stronger relationships and support for our ag community by sharing with others what you learned at our event
Lodging Discount
SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites Local Discount is our partner hotel, use promo code G2420 when booking on Marriott.com receive the discounted rate.
Schedule
7:00am – 7:45am Rider sign-in (no numbers needed since it’s not a race!)
7:30am – 8:00am Suggested start time. There are no participant numbers and no mass start, pls rollout at your leisure. If you think you will need more time to complete the route please do start earlier.
9:30am Aid station w/ bathroom available at mile 17 for **Cut off time at the aid station is 11:30AM for long course riders.
12:00pm Lunch from the Mountain Tap Pizza trailer (running until ~1:30pm)
12:00pm – 2:30pm Farm tours with Michelle and Colby Townsend
The farm
At Hayden Fresh Farm, south of Hayden, we want to provide fresh and nutritious products from our farm to your family. We do this by providing premium nutrition, a great environment, and caring management to all of our livestock. Our layers are cage free, with plenty of room to be happy chickens and are not fed any hormones or antibiotics. In the summer, our broilers, turkeys, and pigs have fresh grass, fresh air, and plenty of room to do what makes them happy.
-Colby & Michelle Townsend
The Food
Mountain Tap is excited to incorporate ingredients from Hayden Fresh Farm and create a fun and unique experience for the riders and guests of this year’s Fresh Farm Fondo event! The mobile wood-fired pizza trailer delivers artisanal Neapolitan-style pizzas, chef inspired appetizers, and desserts, while incorporating local ingredients.
The Routes
Having grown up on a farm I have always appreciated the hard work and care that yields quality ag products. Plus I love hanging with the animals! This event brings together elements I have always felt go hand in hand, while creating an opportunity to connect with and learn about an amazing farm operation right just outside of Steamboat Springs. And yes the gravel routes are going to blow your mind with beautiful scenery south of Hayden and into the Flat Tops!
– Corey Piscopo
2026 Routes held under Routt county Special Event permitting and may be modified based on weather.
FAQ
Assorted bars, chews, cold drinks, and fresh fruit.
Gravel bike with 40mm or larger tires are suggested. Bikes can be rented from Ride Workshop in Steamboat Springs at a special participant rate. E-bikes welcome and encouraged.
Routes will be modified or shortened as needed.
No outside animals allowed at the farm
Please follow instructions from the farm staff.
No, not a race. Please respect all rules of the road including staying single file and to the right side of the road when vehicles are present.
Sorry, no refunds if you can’t attend. You can transfer your entry to another rider.
If the weather is threatening or roads conditions are hazardous we will modify or cancel the ride, but still go ahead with the meal.