People in the rural sector are being encouraged to take time off the farm and get on their bikes.

Rural Riders, an initiative to get people in the rural sector off farm to improve their wellbeing, has returned to Central Otago in time for the warmer months. It includes two groups who ride fortnightly throughout summer.

Rabobank New Zealand agri manager Scott Levings, who runs the Alexandra-based group, said their first ride was last week.

“The days are a bit short and it's a bit cold, and we were a little bit slow to get going. But, it’s all about getting together, going for a ride and having fun.”

Scott said the five rural riders events in Alexandra last year attracted about a dozen people each time. 

A group of members have continued to meet up for rides following last year's organised outings.

The start and finish is at the Bantry St end of Pioneer Park, opposite the Rabobank office and Alexandra Four Square. The ride starts at 5.30pm and goes for an hour and a half.

Following the ride there is a barbecue, a cold drink and time for swapping yarns and laughs.

Scott said people of all genders and ages are welcome, all they need is a bike and helmet. 

“We tend to be older rather than younger . . . it's farmers, growers, locals in [horticulture], rural professionals and [fertiliser] reps.

“The gold is the guy or girl that rocks up on their kids bike, it might only be used to get to the bus stop . . . it’s the people who wouldn’t normally get off the farm, this gives them an excuse to do something [for their wellbeing].”

Single track mountain bike trails are a feature of the tracks used. PHOTO: Supplied 

The trails utilised are 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. 

Rural Riders was started after the ‘Surfing for Farmers’ (SFF) programme became successful. SFF runs for 13 weeks across 27 locations in New Zealand, and over the past five years 4159 farmers have surfed and 590 instructors have been involved.

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

Scott thanked sponsors including Matangi Station MTB Park who allow participants access to the park at no cost, and Rural Support Trust, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, FIL, GEA and Torpedo 7. 

For more information contact Scott 021 995 161 (Alexandra, rides are fortnightly on Tuesday, the next is October 31, 5.30pm) or Rowena 027 500 9992 (Naseby, rides are fortnightly, the next is November 14, 6pm).