Simply put, "Farmada" is an affectionate term for a little town north of Detroit, Michigan, called "Armada". We're a little place but we've got a whole lot of grit. Farmada is a lifestyle that continues that grit while reminding us not to stay satisfied with a routine or expectation. 

 

It's FARMada--not FARmada. :) And on that note, although Farmada was inspired by a small town, it was born in Detroit. In came to life in the hustle, bustle, and brightness of a downtown coffee shop. Funny when it should've been born in a field. But the two need each other--the rural and urban need each other. Farmada is about the notion that instead of becoming what one isn't and remaining what one is, we should instead further and deepen what we are. Revel in our talents and strengths and let others utilize them for good. Stay you. Become you, but better.

 

Small town soul; big city vision. 

The Farmada logo--simple as it is, was inspired by an aerial view of a field. Combined with natural elements like wood (yes, inspired by a table at Great Lakes Coffee in Detroit), the modern simplicity of the design overlaid on wood implies that every industry has an organic start. 

Small towns--organic as they seem--are nothing more than big cities without the traffic and skyscrapers. They were still built by people. Underneath lies the same natural earth in which all foundations have their start. We don't need the city alone to realize our dreams. Ideas can start organically and become real while still in an organic phase.

To be honest, my friends and I really weren't sure what to do with the term Farmada. It was under a bit of scrutiny since we were branding an identity+lifestyle, but it was often mistaken for the town. We aren't branding Armada, but just a way of life. However, that bit of pressure encouraged us to do something immediately tangible with the term so we could sense that Farmada was definitely something real.

And with that, we created the Farmada Freeride: A community of Metro Detroit bicyclists exploring rural countrysides and sharing common bonds on two wheels. 

Farmada is an identity defined by the lives and styles of every human who shares it. Small town soul, big city vision. An embodiment of action, organic energy, and authenticity, Farmada Freerides get momentum from a community of driven amplifiers all gathering around one common interest: Bicycling. 

[ join the group ] https://www.facebook.com/groups/587686357940575/

Every week from April through October, under sun and rain, over fields and gravel roads, the Farmada Freeride seeks to tighten the community of bicyclists in Metro Detroit while expanding awareness that biking is not only a form of enjoyment and exercise, but also a method of commuting and exploring new corners of the Great Lakes State.

Our weekly rides picked up traction. Although we were small, we were passionately vision-driven. One of our riders came to me with unbeatable motivation to not just enjoy the rides, but to make non-motorized transportation a safer, more respected experience. 

 

To keep the story short, our first event--Handlebar Happy Hour--will be a 'test the waters' type of event. We hope to bring together folks we only know by Facebook avatar and name, and other bicycling enthusiasts we've never met. With monthly get-togethers, we'll eventually create a community voice which will collectively be heard through the county and witnessed in the action we take towards making Macomb County bikeable. 

One of our Facebook followers went so far as to make a group ride to the event. I found out and made him a graphic for his event. ;) Farmada-approved.

We DO plan to have shirts....soon. When you have no money, you have to think of creative ways to make things happen. We're still thinking. ;) But here are some baseline ideas. 

Thanks for reading ~

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/farmadafreeride">Join Farmada</a>