Loading up at farmers' markets & cycling

[emily_in_nc]

We do the same...well, rather, we take "off" Saturdays except for a short utility ride to the Farmer's Market. We bought lovely things today -- lettuces, cherry tomatoes, nectarines, green beans, peppers, zucchini, onions. Then on the way back from that, we stop in at Grocery Outlet for some other items. We take our Bike Fridays with panniers and racks to haul the goodies back in. Fun!

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[Blueberry]

How do you get the big, fragile tomatoes home? I bought about 8 pounds of them (yes, we eat a lot of tomato) and, because I knew I would do that, I drove. These are the big ~2 pound each tomatoes - they have to be very gently handled. Any thoughts? I have standard panniers (ortlieb) at my disposal....

[Eden]

take hard sided containers that will fit flat in your panniers - tupperwear or some such and only put one layer in any one container?

[Blueberry]

take hard sided containers that will fit flat in your panniers - tupperwear or some such and only put one layer in any one container?

That's a good idea - I will try it. Might (seriously) put some cushioning in there (dish towels or something). I was joking that they need their own suspension system to my DH. Lovely produce - but sometimes a pita to transport.

[emily_in_nc]

Blueberry ~~ Bubble wrap! We used it extensively when we lived in Belize as we had only bicycles for transportation and rode on various bumpy unpaved roads, sandy paths, and cobblestones. With ripe tomatoes, wrap each one individually. You can wrap a towel, cloth bag, or larger piece of bubble wrap around the whole group of them, but individually wrap 'em for sure. You wouldn't believe all the stuff we have managed to get home safely with bubble wrap. Yes, there is the occasional "oopsie", but it's rare.

Good luck!

[Blueberry]

Emily- Great idea! Maybe combine the 2 (containers and bubble wrap) - since my panniers are tall and not fat (if that makes sense). Will give it a go on Wednesday at the mid-week market. It strikes me how fortunate I am to have this problem - lovely, fresh fruits and veggies available (and affordable to me) in quantities that make bringing them home challenging. We have been eating SO much fresh produce for the last couple of months - I don't love the heat, but I love the fruits and veggies of summer.

In unrelated very happy news, my non-cycling friend just bought a bike yesterday!! Woohoo for another person to ride with, and another happy cyclist on the roads!

[emily_in_nc]

Let us know how your experiment goes. Riding to the farmer's market is fun! Of course our Bike Fridays get lots of attention. I don't think we've been a week where at least one person didn't ask us about them.

Great about your friend too. Always nice to bring someone else into the fold!