As the days grow longer and the weather warms, Rural Riders is gearing up for another summer of cycling.
Founded by Ballance Agri-Nutrients in 2021, the charity now hosts events in 13 rural communities across Aotearoa New Zealand with Tokoroa and Oamaru joining in this summer.
Opportunities to gather and recharge can be rare in rural life. This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme ‘top up together’ is a timely reminder of the power of connection and its positive impact on wellbeing.
Starting the first weekend of November and running through to Easter 2026, Rural Riders gives farmers a chance to get active – stepping away from day-to-day mahi – and connect with others in a relaxed, low-key setting.
Hamish Clausen started Rural Riders while working as a Nutrient Specialist at Ballance Agri-Nutrients in 2021. He says the events are all about getting farmers and growers off the farm, getting some exercise and promoting health and wellbeing in the agriculture industry.
“We’ve really gained some traction, most of our locations run events weekly and attract between 10-30 people or more. We receive great feedback from farmers saying how beneficial they find the regular rides. I’ll have people come up to me and say ‘I really needed that tonight’.”
The events support physical and mental health, while also fostering social connection – something the World Health Organisation recently highlighted as a major public health issue with impacts comparable to smoking and obesity.
Dylan Hilhorst, a dairy farmer in Taupō, believes the simple act of getting off the farm does wonders.
“It’s the way that I clear my mind I find that when I’m able to get off farm and come along to one of the rides it really helps to take the pressure off.”
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first timer – everyone is welcome. Rural Riders invites farmers and growers to get off the farm, on a bike, and into a community of likeminded people this summer.
Rural Riders is proudly supported by Ballance, Rabobank, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Rural Support.
Key information:
Rural Riders host regular events in across Aotearoa New Zealand from 1 November through to Easter 2026.
If you’d like to take part search Rural Riders on Facebook or Instagram to find your local coordinator and ask to get added to the group chat or text list.
“It’s the way that I clear my mind I find that when I’m able to get off farm and come along to one of the rides it really helps to take the pressure off.” -Dylan Hilhorst.