Tour Austin farms by bike

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Saturday kicks of the third annual Eat Local Week. The yearly event encourages the public to buy produce and meat from local farmers. And this weekend there's an easy way to check out some of Austin's local farms like Boggy Creek.

It’s nestled a mere two and half miles from the state Capitol and right now is the busy harvesting season.

"We're harvesting lettuce and spinach all kinds of salad mixes, beets,, and probably have baby carrots for Saturday," said Boggy Creek Farms Co-owner Carol Ann Sayle.

Saturday could be one of their biggest days when the Urban Farm Bike Tour comes through.

"It's a family friendly self guided tour of many of Austin's urban farms and jewels," said Edible Austin Magazine Publisher Marla Camp.

"We have all sorts of community gardens that are scattered around the route. Those will also be on the maps," said Director of Advocacy for Bicycle Sports Shop Leslie Luciano.

The tour, which costs $25 per person or $40 per family, will help kick off Eat Local Week.

"I think it's important for people to see where the food is grown and talk to the farmers who grow it," said Camp. "Over 60 restaurants and markets are participating this year, all featuring locally sourced items all week long."

All of the money raised benefits Urban Roots - a nonprofit that teaches high school students about organic farming and life skills.

Eat Local Week wraps up next Saturday Dec. 12 at the Austin Farmer’s Market downtown. KXAN’s Kate Weidaw will take part in a cook-off against KGSR’s Brian Beck. The event starts at 10 a.m.