Archive for July, 2010
Getting up close and personal with meat & dairy
I rolled up to Tide Mill Farm in Maine on a sunny afternoon in late July. Within moments of my arrival, I had jumped into my first real encounter with a livestock farm… from milking cows, to slaughtering chickens. I even shot a video of how they slaughter the chickens, which I urge you to watch if you’ve never seen this happen before.
Time for a Reality Check
After my first month on the road, it’s time for some restrategizing as I think I am sometimes in over my head with the ambitions I first set out with.
Portland, Maine bursts with Local Flavour
Quite the random turn of events…A ride through rains speeds me to Maine, where I enjoy a couple nights in a hotel, my first lobster dinner, and I stumble upon some unexpected food activists who put me to work.
Hardwick, VT: The Center for Agricultural Economy
The recently formed Center for Agricultural Economy is helping bring together a burgeoning local sustainable food system here in Northern Vermont. With all the key players gung ho – from farmers, composters, restaurateurs, and a supportive community – some big changes are happening in this small town.
Harwick, VT: Social change starts with people
As much as this trip is about food, it is even more so about the people. My bike brings me up to Hardwick, Vermont where I am impressed by the budding local food system, but even more taken by the power of community and good conversation.
Bread & Puppet: Preposterous Political Theatre
Hidden away in the remote hills of Northern Vermont lives the semi-surreal world of Bread & Puppet… politically charge theater that will fuel your fire for revolution.
It’s my bike trip and I’ll blog if I want to
Some deep reflecting on how I want to live my life on this bike trip gives rise to a re-evaluation of how connected to technology I want to be. (Warning: This may not be good news for my most loyal blog readers!)
Burlington, VT: The Intervale
The Intervale is fertile valley located a stone’s throw from downtown Burlington. It’s home to a dozen small, community-oriented organic farms and an armload of food system development programs. The Intervale Center coordinates it all – their many programs are definitely worth a gander.
Burlington, VT: A food and bike-lovers’ paradise
Booting around Burlington on a bike was made easy thanks to its progressive programs and trails. Plus, I discover that this city’s got it goin’ on when it comes to food.
Lakes, Farming, and Smiling Faces greet me in Vermont
Another really hot day is tempered with not one, but TWO swims in Lake Champlain. The next day I trade biking in for farming and enjoy a visit at Blue Heron Farm where good food and hard work are the ingredients for a better world.
Day 1 on the road: Leaving Montreal
Challenge #1 when bicycle touring: You are too busy biking, eating, sleeping, or otherwise living freely to hunker down and write on your blog. And so, five days after my departure from Montreal, I am writing my first entry ‘from the road’. First up, I finally trek out of Montreal into the unknown of rural Quebec.
Protests as Activism for Social Change
Given all the conflicting coverage and the controversy and buzz around last weekend’s G20 events in Toronto, I feel compelled to put forward my perspective on the issue…and in particular, with whether protests are an effective means of advocating for ‘change’. Tens of thousands took to the streets in Toronto in protest of the G8/G20 [...]
des belles jours à Montréal
My tour begins a la belle province. I’m having trouble leaving this city both because I love it and because I still have lots to do to prepare! The past several days have been spent in bike shops, rolling around the many bike lanes, and enjoying good conversation with folks who share my vision for a better world.
I’m Really Doing It: leaving Toronto, that is
After much ado, I finally did it. I rolled on out of this city and started the bike tour. Today was more of two short bike rides and a 5 hour train ride to Montreal. Wow, It’s hard to believe that I’ve actually up and left. No where to go from here but on an adventure!
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