Somerset farmer in training for 3,000-mile cycling challenge across Canada in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution

Somerset farmer, Nick Bragg, has set himself the pedal busting challenge of cycling 3,000 miles across Canada in 30 days to raise awareness and funds for the welfare charity, The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I).

The challenge starts in Montreal on 21st June 2019 and will see Nick and his trusty bicycle travel 3,000 miles across 6 states, through the mountainous terrain of The Rockies and finish by the iconic stone sculpture, Inukshuk, on the Vancouver waterfront.

Nick and his wife Claire own and run Frogmary Green Farm in South Petherton and have been supporting R.A.B.I for many years through events hosted on the farm, such as the Great British Beef Week Supper. Nick’s self-appointed Trio of Triathlons last year raised over £1600 for the charity. The fantastic support he received during his Triathlon challenge and the money raised for R.A.B.I was all the motivation he needed to devise this endurance cycling challenge in Canada.Nick says of the challenge: “After the enjoyment and self-satisfaction of completing the Trio of Triathlons, I realised my body, at 50 plus, was still fit enough to be challenged. So, on the dark evenings of November, I slowly came up with this challenge. What’s not to like about Canada? English speaking, beautiful farming countryside to cycle through and generally flat apart from the Rocky Mountains! You never can tell what’s around the corner, so to raise money for a farming charity that supports others less fortunate than myself gives me great pleasure.”

R.A.B.I has been supporting farming people in financial need for 158 years with over £2m in grants paid to 1,260 individuals and families in financial hardship in 2017 alone.

Paul Burrows, R.A.B.I CEO, commented: “Nick’s commitment and dedication to R.A.B.I is truly remarkable. It’s because of wonderful supporters like him that we are able to do so much for those in financial need in the farming sector. The Great British Beef Week supper that Nick and his wife Claire host each year at their Somerset farm takes great planning but is always a wonderful occasion. Cycling across Canada sounds daunting but it’s a challenge I know Nick will rise to. The very fact that he is undertaking such a gruelling physical and mental personal test in R.A.B.I’s name is extremely humbling. As well as raising funds for R.A.B.I Nick is also great at raising awareness. Now, through his efforts, even people in The Rockies will get to learn a little about what we do!”

Nick is has ramped up his triathlon training regime and is embarking on his yearlong physical fitness plan in readiness for his challenge next year. He will keep his followers informed of his progress with a training blog and through information on Frogmary Green Farm’s social media channels. The Summer Party, held on the farm on Saturday 21st July, marked 11 months until the start of Nick’s challenge and party goers enjoyed the first opportunity to get involved and support Nick’s challenge there.

For more information on Nick’s Cycling Challenge and to donate, visit www.https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search NICK BRAGG