PLENTY magazine Spring 2021 | Page 24

photo : wib middleton
On The Ag Reserve ’ s Wildcat Road , every season invites exploration and discovery .
Winery and to Sugarloaf Mountain find it in the Ag Reserve . And if you is one such hedgerow-rich rustic want a guaranteed supply of locally road that bears a lot of traffic . grown foods , look for a CSA farm —
Not surprisingly , bicycling the Community Supported Agriculture , roads of the Reserve is really popular . Dalis Davidson , owner of Danc- growing season even begins , and
where you buy a share before the
ing Leaf Farm in Barnesville and an can expect a weekly bag of whatever is in season . You help the farmer avid outdoorswoman says that , “ I love the Ag Reserve for its beauty bear the risks of the growing and wide open views . Cycling is season , and you get to look forward such a perfect way to take in the to the delightful surprise of which views , look over fields of hay or see fresh seasonal produce you find in that late afternoon light slanting in your bag ! Ag Reserve CSAs often the sky , making my bike shadows have pickup points downcounty if long . I like stopping at the orchards you don ’ t want to come and fetch — to grab a peach or an apple .” Dotted but then again , picking up directly around the Reserve are farms that from the farm is a perfect excuse to sell seasonal fruits and vegetables — drive some country roads . sometimes for sale in a market ,
Ed Hazelwood of Arlington , VA ,
other times ready for you to pick another enthusiastic cyclist says yourself . Whether its beer , wine or that he really enjoys “ the pastoral ice cream made on the farm , wool beauty as well as the low traffic from sheep lovingly raised here , roads . We like it so much , my wife lavender or cut flowers , you can and I drive our bikes nearly an hour just to ride in the Ag Reserve . It also has just enough rolling hills to keep the rides interesting and challenging .” Ed Comer of Bethesda mentions the views of Sugarloaf Mountain and of the more distant mountains as one of the sights he enjoys while cycling the Reserve . Andrew Hyde of Bethesda declares that one of his favorite bike rides “ encompasses the exciting contrast of coming down Mt . Nebo Road with all the lovely views — and seeing the large buildings across the river in Virginia — and then dropping down onto Hunting Quarter Road to ride in the river basin for a ways . Also , coming up Montevideo and discovering Rocklands Winery for the first time !”
And speaking of Rocklands Winery , Greg Glenn expresses that , “ As a resident , business owner , and farmer situated on an ‘ Exceptional Rustic Road ,’ I appreciate the historic heritage , stunning views , and natural beauty these rustic roads provide . Rocklands Farm is set in front of the one lane bridge on Montevideo Road . The narrow , unmarked road , as well as the hairpin turn and one lane bridge , are elements we appreciate that reinforce the ( its ) special charm . Though it is challenging to balance the various needs of the roads I think they provide a unique and meaningful heritage for our region .”
Bicyclists aren ’ t the only riders you may see along the slower roads of the Ag Reserve . Horseback riding is quite popular , and while there are many trails that riders use , you might see them riding the roads to get from one trail or farm to another . Allan Noble , current president of Equine Partners in Conservation ( EPIC ) reveals that ,
24 plenty I Spring sowing 2021