Biking to Market

With the arrival of warmer weather, everyone wants to maximize their time outdoors. For some, this means riding their bicycles to their favorite farmers market. By utilizing baskets, saddle bags and even a backpack, shoppers can stock up on local goods while getting to market on two wheels instead of four. In addition to exercise and sunshine, there’s an added bonus - not having to worry about a parking spot!Getting ThereFrom Bethesda to Georgetown, the Capital Crescent Trail is a 9-feet wide asphalt path providing easy access to Pike, Bethesda and Central Farm Market at Westfield Montgomery. For the Mosaic market, two popular trails - the Cross Country Trail and the W&OD offer plenty of bike access and low stress bike friendly street routes in and around Mosaic District.There are bike racks for parking at Westfield, Mosaic and Pike. At Bethesda, riders often use sign poles located on the market ground or stash their bike next to a keen vendor who will keep an eye on their bike while they shop.Packing is KeyOver the years I’ve seen everything from chefs balancing two whole pigs on either side of their rear tires to a mother toting two kids along with a week’s worth of groceries on a Surly Big Dummy. Bike culture abounds in the region and customers can be seen biking to market in the most brutal conditions. There is one thing on which they all agree - packing market bounty makes all the difference in getting it home intact.There are numerous ways to carry items on a bike - saddle bags on the front, back or both, a basket affixed to the front and/or rear and a backpack/messenger bag. Saddle bags that easily attach/detach to the frame can double as market bags which means you won’t be tempted to buy more than you can carry.Homemade or purchased equipment doesn’t matter as the laws of physics apply the same to both. Here are tips for carrying your purchases home from Central Farm Markets on your bicycle:

• Distribute the weight evenly, packing the heaviest and most durable items in the bottom of the carrier and the most delicate on top.
• Separate cold and warm goods, either in separate carriers or with a physical barrier. Keep cold items together. An insulated bag works great. Frozen products double as cold packs for perishable items such as cheeses, yogurt and milk.
• Consider double-bagging anything with the potential to break or leak.
• Carry a supply of rubber bands to add extra security to items such as eggs and to-go food containers. Small bungee cords are a plus for securing odd sized items. For delicate fruits that can bruise and glass containers, add a few sheets of bubble wrap to your totes for cushioning.