Bike for the Bluegrass takes participants
on a trip through rich history, beautiful farms

By Sam Razor
KyForward Contributor

I am not a cycling aficionado but I have had the privilege of participating in the Bike for the Bluegrass the last two falls. Since I’m not an avid cyclist, why would someone like me enjoy a long bike ride? It is simple; I am a history fanatic. The opportunity to enjoy beautiful vistas and explore pieces of history that are not normally available is nearly irresistible.

For one Saturday each fall, a half dozen farms open their gates to the public to allow individuals and families to leisurely cycle their grounds and share in their history. Sometimes the stunning scenery makes it hard to remember but it is a great opportunity to interact, first hand, with some fantastic history.

A couple of quick trips to their websites provides an abridged history that offers plenty to whet the appetite of any outdoor-loving\history buff that might not already have plans on October 29.

Fasig-Tipton – Formed in 1898 by William B. Fasig and Edward A. Tipton, Fasig-Tipton Co. is North America’s oldest Thoroughbred auction company. In addition, to Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing stock, Fasig-Tipton initially sold high-class road and carriage horses. During World War II, breeders could not freely ship yearlings around the country. As a result, they suspended the Saratoga sale and held the sale in a tent at Keeneland Race Course in 1943.

Gainesway – The farm originally formed by John R. Gaines, the man behind the creation of the Breeders Cup, was located on Tates Creek Pike but this property was developed and the thoroughbred division moved to the present location on Paris Pike in Lexington. Gainesway’s tradition includes countless thoroughbred champions including the first Kentucky Derby winner Aristides in 1875. In 1989, a consolidation of property resulted in a Gainesway Farm that encompasses the former Greentree and Whitney farms.

The American Public Garden Association designates Gainesway Farm as an arboretum. The farm has over 1,500 acres of decorative plants, floral displays, and tree collections nurtured by a full-time horticulture staff. There are more than 45 different kinds of oaks, including a California Valley Oak and an Oglethorpe planted on the property.

Mt. Brilliant – Russell Cave and its natural spring lie on the property of Mt. Brilliant Farm, today owned by Greg Goodman. At a political rally at Russell Cave in 1843, Cassius Clay was heckling a speaker when he was attacked by Samuel Brown. Lucky to survive the surprise onslaught, Clay savagely returned the favor by attacking Brown. A trial acquitted Clay due to his acting in the manner suitable for a Kentuckian, as claimed by his cousin, the influential Henry Clay.

Also of interest is Man o’ War’s fully restored stallion barn. Although no longer housing horses, it is a must-see monument for those interested in horse racing history. The restored stallion barn features stalls where Man O’ War, Golden Broom & Crusader stood.

Castleton Lyons – In 1793, John Breckinridge purchased 2,467 acres of prime Kentucky farmland. Breckinridge was a dedicated thoroughbred breeder who became a United States Senator and served as Attorney General in the cabinet of President Thomas Jefferson. Upon his death in 1806, he assembled one of the country’s finest thoroughbred broodmare bands.

In 1840, David Castleman built the Greek revival mansion that is still a landmark of the farm. He also gave the farm a name based upon his family’s name—he called it “Castleton.”

U.K. Equine Campus of Maine Chance Farm – Before its purchase by the University of Kentucky, cosmetics magnate and horse racing devotee Elizabeth Arden (Graham) owned the farm. She reportedly pampered her thoroughbreds as much as her human customers, piping music into barns and instructing grooms to treat the animals’ legs with Arden skin cream products. By 1945, her horses were among the racing industry’s top money winners, and one of them, Jet Pilot, won the 1947 Kentucky Derby.

Following Arden’s death in 1966, University of Kentucky officials approved an offer of $2 million for the more than 700-acre property and on October 11, 1967, the University obtained the deed. More recently, UK’s Maine Chance Farm operates as a horse farm for teaching (programs associated with horse management, nutrition and health) and research.

Cobra Farm – The 340-acre farm is home to 75 horses, where it breeds and foals 35 mares each year. Cobra Farm has a rich history of breeding and raising thoroughbreds. It is the birthplace of Seattle Slew, producer of countless champions and the winner of the Triple Crown in 1977. Originally named White Horse Acres, the farm later became Due Process Stables and consisted of 82 acres. Cobra Farm expanded in 1999, adding the 145 acre Whileaway Farm, and in 2004, 113 acres from what that had been part of the Castleton Farm.

If you are interested in participating in the Bike for the Bluegrass visit here.

The Fayette Alliance and sponsors Graviss McDonald’s Restaurants, Green’s Toyota, Pedal the Planet, Good Foods Market and Café, Wallace Station, and Windy Corner Market present the 3rd Annual Bike for the Bluegrass.

When: Sat, October 29th, 2011 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: The event will start at Fasig-Tipton and continue through several area farms including Mt. Brilliant, Gainesway, Cobra, Castleton Lyons, and U.K. Equine Campus of Maine Chance Farm.