With a variety of stressful challenges that come with farming and growing, a group of organisations have come together to offer the opportunity for farmers and growers to get off their farms and onto their bikes.
Rural Riders is a mountain biking initiative aimed at getting farmers and growers off the land. This year will be Rural Riders’ first year operating in Richmond and Kaiteriteri, and it’s building in numbers slowly.
“Rural Riders is based on the concept of Surfing for Farmers and I’m happy to be able to help to get this up and running for farmers and growers in our region,” Ministry of Primary Industries’ on-farm support for the Top of the South, Richard Clarkson says.
“Being in the farming industry we understand the stress and challenges that come with farming and growing, so we have created regular Rural Riders events to get off the farm, out in the fresh air, have a bit of fun, and enjoy some downtime together.”
Richard encourages anyone coming to bring their family or friends along to the free sessions.
“Bring the kids or a workmate, our coordinators will support all levels and abilities of riders. Depending on how many turn up we can head out as one or two separate groups to cater for kids and ability.
“There are a number of us that already get out and go for a ride which is great, it would be nice to get everyone off the farm going together to have a laugh and enjoy some downtime. Each ride ends with a cold refreshment and yarn.”
If you don’t have a mountain or e-bike there are local bikes available for hire.
“Don’t let not having a bike stop you, get in touch,” Richard adds.
“A break from the farm doesn’t have to be a vacation it can be as simple as having a good bike ride switching your farming brain off and trying something different. Time off-farm can prevent decision fatigue, restore your motivation, as well as increase productivity and creativity which helps with solutions or challenges that you may be facing.
“Come and join us, it would be great to have you come along for an hour or two on the track and a cold drink to finish.”
