Scenic splendour bonus for cyclists

from The Farmlander - April 2022

Weed battle highlights importance of cleaning

In February close to 24,000 people across New Zealand joined the Aotearoa Bike Challenge. Farmlands was there, with workplace involvement a key part of the initiative and a bit of friendly rivalry along the way too.

The challenge pits individuals and workplaces against each other to earn the most points by riding and encouraging others to do the same. You can ride anywhere, anytime – just 10 minutes is enough to take part. International group Love To Ride is the key organiser. It runs programmes in over a dozen countries, using behaviour change principles to encourage cycling. For health and wellbeing, the challenge was a great way for Farmlands staff to keep active during the shift to the COVID-19 red traffic light setting and also build stronger ties to team-mates across the country. The challenge was also a great opportunity to reduce Farmlands’ carbon footprint. The total challenge numbers speak for themselves – 3,992,546 kilometres cycled and 210,735 kilograms of carbon dioxide saved.It was the stories behind the rides and the amazing scenery on offer around New Zealand that really generated excitement for the initiative. Farmlands Calf Expert Karen Fraser tied her planned 6-day Alps to Ocean trip from Aoraki to Oamaru in with the challenge, clocking up a mighty 525km during the month. “Completing a good chunk of k's in some of the best scenery in New Zealand was a real highlight and checking out the cows and youngstock that were feasting on some pretty yummy feed!” Famous faces were also discovered along the way. Casey Bland, from Farmlands Westport, ran into reality television star and gold miner Parker Shnabel during one of his rides. “He’s well-known to everyone here on the West Coast. I had a lovely chat to him after he tried his first huhu grub. If I wasn't out for my bike ride, as part of the challenge, I’d never have had the opportunity to meet him,” Casey says. Pip Broadbridge, Business Manager at Farmlands Winton, was also inspired after taking part in the challenge. “It’s been just the motivation I needed to get out on my bike more regularly. We have such awesome cycle trails down here; we are so lucky.” The Aotearoa Bike Challenge will most assuredly be back for 2023 but in the meantime, when you’ve got a spare minute, jump on your bike and enjoy the amazing autumn scenery that New Zealand is world famous for.

| Farmlands' Karen Fraser at the end of her Alps to Ocean trip from Aoraki to Oamaru. | Farmlands Winton Business Manager Pip Broadbridge was also inspired by the challenge.