Rural folk are being encouraged to jump on their bike all in the name of improving wellbeing.

Rural Riders is an initiative to get people in the rural sector off farm to improve their wellbeing - and a group is riding fortnightly in Alexandra this summer.

Rural Riders chair Hamish Clausen said the organisation was looking for someone to coordinate the Naseby group, after last year's person stepped down due to having too much on this summer. 

“The Naseby group is having the summer off… [we’re] always open to someone else taking the reins though"

The Alexandra group was underway and is free to join in. All you need to bring is a bike, water bottle and a helmet.

The group utilises local cycle trails the Alexandra-Clyde river track, Boot Hill, The Roxburgh Gorge (to Doctors Point), the Alexandra Airport trails and Matangi Station MTB Park. 

Each night’s adventure is determined based on group size and ability.  

In its fourth year, Rural Riders was started after the success of the ‘Surfing for Farmers’ (SFF) programme.

SFF runs for 13 weeks in 27 locations throughout New Zealand, with 8000 farmers and growers taking to the waves the past eight years.

For those with no access to the coast, getting together for a ride provided the same opportunity to take a break from their businesses, enjoy exercising and connect with others in the rural sector.

People in the rural sector can find dates and locations on the Rural Riders Facebook page.

To find out more about the coordinating role for Naseby email [email protected]

Read more: Rangitahi bike ambassadors programme rolling out

Read more: Low entries blow to Goldrush, Prospector

Check out Things to do on The Central App for cycling trails information.

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