GREEN Thumbs and would-be gardeners can saddle up for a ride with a difference.
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Backyard vegie gardens and fruit orchards will be open to the public as part of the Patch to Patch Ride at Beechworth on November 12.
People ride from patch to patch, gather some knowledge, galvanise their green thumb and be inspired to grow their own food.
Beechworth Food Co-op president Jade Miles said the third annual event was a collaboration between the co-op and Beechworth Urban Landcare and Sustainability Group.
Ms Miles said nine vegetable gardens within Beechworth town limits would be open to the public this year.
“It’s really focused on growing food and empowering people to grow their own food,” she said.
“We’ve got everything from the small grower to the all-encompassing sustainable property.
“We’ve got a completely self-sufficient grower who has preserved all of their food with integrated permaculture systems.”
Ms Miles said participants could learn from the owners of the town’s most inspiring backyard gardens and orchards.
“All of the gardens are in Beechworth, with one just off the rail trail by two-and-a-half kilometres,” Ms Miles said.
A Patch to Patch Precinct will be set up from 9am until 3pm at the Old Railway Station, Railway Parade.
Ms Miles said cyclists could buy their tickets and pick up a map before they headed out around the circuit.
Stanley business Garden State Pop Up Cafe will operate at the precinct.
Owner Louise Friend will serve food made with ingredients sourced from the Beechworth Food Co-op and surrounds.
The popular Prisoners on the Run vegetable seedlings will be available for sale throughout the day.
Beechworth Food Co-op will offer its hand-picked, organic and sulfur-free trail mix for participants.
Beechworth Urban Landcare members will also provide information about native vegetation and membership of the group.
Ms Miles said people were encouraged to ride a bike around the circuit but it wasn’t compulsory.
She said the town map listed gardens with no car parking for those who could not ride.
Tickets and ride maps can be bought on the day at the Patch to Patch Precinct.
A family ticket costs $20, adults $10 and children $5. Free entry to the precinct.
Money raised will support Beechworth Food Co-op and Beechworth Urban Landcare and Sustainability Group, both community-run not-for-profits.