Rural Riders, a mountain biking initiative geared toward getting farmers off-farm, is coming into its second yr and is ready to kick off once more for summer season with Ashburton classes starting October 30.
Rural Riders chairperson Hamish Clausen says the initiative is gaining traction, complementing Browsing for Farmers, which operates in coastal areas nationwide.
“Lots of people don’t have surfboards or entry to the seaside, however they do have bikes,” Clausen says.
Originating in Taupo in 2021, Rural Riders now has teams with facilitators throughout the nation, together with three South Island places – Ashburton, Naseby and Alexandra.
All that’s required is a motorcycle and a helmet, and for those who don’t have entry to a motorcycle, Rural Riders can typically rent one for you.
Riders of all ages and ranges of expertise are welcome to attend, with weekly classes working over summer season.
“We have now folks exhibiting up with their entire household; our youngest youngsters could be six, seven or eight years outdated.”
Riders can observe the primary group or select one other observe extra suited to their expertise stage.
Riders then meet up on the finish of the session for a BBQ and an opportunity to attach.
Whereas the initiative isn’t instantly geared toward bettering psychological well being and wellbeing, the advantages are apparent.
“It’s selling good well being and wellbeing within the rural neighborhood.
“Simply being on the market and having the ability to vent and speak to like-minded folks does a lot for the mind,” Clausen stated.
Alexandra facilitator Latoya Grant stated the turnout finally yr’s rides was good contemplating the initiative was in its first yr and expects numbers to proceed to develop.
Grant grew to become concerned with Rural Riders after seeing the stress farmers had been beneath day by day in her position as a fertiliser rep.
The focus required for bodily exercise supplies folks with a wholesome distraction from the stress they might be dealing with on their farm or of their dwelling life.
“Getting folks off the farm adjustments their perspective, particularly if they’re doing one thing utterly completely different and never considering or speaking about farming.
“Biking and browsing are a basic instance.
“You must concentrate on what you’re doing in that second, or it will probably finish badly.”
The place to search out Rural Riders
The Rural Riders Fb web page
Ashburton:
Contact: Caitlin Adam 0274661049
Assembly Day: Mondays
Venue: The Mountain Bike Park
By Claire Inkson