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Cycling farmer to pass through Harrogate on 1,000-mile charity challenge

Somerset farmer, Nick Bragg (right).

A cycling farmer who is setting out on a remarkable charity challenge is set to pass through Harrogate on his 1,000-mile journey.

Somerset farmer, Nick Bragg, of Frogmary Green Farm, will be cycling alongside a Krone BiG X forager to fundraise for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

The challenge involves a 1,000-mile route starting at Northumberland County Show on 26th May, travelling south via Suffolk Show before finishing at the Royal Cornwall Show on 5th June.

And Nick will be stopping off at Harrogate farm shop Fodder on Sunday 26th May.

Nick said:

“In 2019 I cycled 3,000 miles across Canada for the charity, so I was ready for the next challenge. 

“Lots of people have cycled from John O’Groats to Lands End, so I wanted to go one step further by using the forager to symbolise the agricultural community’s strength and resilience.”

He added:

“With the support of Krone, we designed the event to engage a wide audience, beyond the farming community, and hope to collaborate with both farming personalities and celebrities to help garner support.”

The 11-day route has required careful planning to accommodate both cyclists and Mr Bragg’s 3.2m wide Krone BiG X forager, neither of which are allowed on the motorway.

He explains the mapped route consists of multiple hills, totalling an elevation of over 5,000ft, making the journey extremely tough yet inspiring:

“I’m clocking up around 20 hours of fitness training a week to prepare myself for the challenge. I just really hope it’s not still raining by then!”

Also cycling the route for support will be three of Mr Bragg’s farming friends, while a wide range of drivers will take the wheel of the forager.

With the support of key sponsors, the challenge aims to raise over £10,000 for RABI and donations can be made via: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cycling-farmer-vs-krone-forager?utm_term=dPYpM7zXk.

RABI regional manager, Zoe Gascoyne, applauds Mr Bragg’s determination.

She said: 

“The challenge is an enormous undertaking in aid of the farming community across the UK and RABI is gratified to be the recipient of the funds raised.”

After the official launch of the challenge at Northumberland County Show Nick sets off for Fodder in Harrogate.

Allister Nixon, CEO of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society – the registered charity which owns Fodder café and farm shop – said: 

“We are delighted to support Nick and his epic fundraising mission which is set to raise money for RABI, a charity close to our hearts here at YAS. 

“We would encourage everyone to come and support them and cheer them on as they arrive here at lunchtime that day. Good luck Nick!”

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