A FARMER from Somerset, who is embarking on a cycling challenge alongside a Krone BiG X forager, to raise awareness and funds for RABI, launches his venture in Northumberland.

Nick Bragg, of Frogmary Green Farm, is starting his 1,000-mile route at Northumberland County Show on May 26, travelling south via Suffolk Show on May 30 and 31, before finishing at the Royal Cornwall Show on June 5.

Nick said the ambitious journey will span multiple counties and stop at several farm shops and Krone dealerships, to gather local community support and raise nationwide awareness of RABI’s vital work.

He 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 resiliences.

“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.”

To officially launch the challenge, Northumberland County Show secretary Kerry Robson says the forager will be leading the procession of ‘tractors through the ages’ display in the show’s main arena on May 25.

She said: “We are excited to showcase the BiG X at the show and support the vital work RABI does for the local community.”

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.

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 www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cycling-farmer-vs-krone-forager.

RABI regional manager, Zoe Gascoyne, 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.”

The team will be travelling through the region on the following dates and are encouraging the public to visit them at each stop:

May 25-26 May, Northumberland County Show; May 27, Fodder Farm Shop, Great Yorkshire Showground.

Follow the challenge via Krone and Frogmary Green Farm social media or by following the hashtag #CyclingFarmerAndForager.