Rural communities in Tasmania will benefit from Active Farmers’ successful Ride for Resilience, which surpassed fundraising targets despite the challenges of Covid.

Active Farmers will be able to invest more into mental and physical health outcomes for farming communities after more than $70,000 was raised through the event, which involved 30 riders covering over 370km in three days.

Active Farmers CEO Ginny Stevens said the event would continue to build on the success of this year’s ride. 

“Our vision at Active Farmers is to build stronger and more resilient farming communities by improving physical health, mental health and connectedness,” Mrs Stevens said.

"This ride showcased exactly that! Not only did it raise awareness of our vision, but we have raised approximately $76,000, which is well above our initial target of $50,000. 

“I'm absolutely wrapped with how the event went and how the funds raised will help Active Farmers continue to grow and innovate.”

The peloton was slightly less than first anticipated due to Covid isolation requirements, but those that did take part covered the Northern Midlands, Meander Valley and East Tamar.

They were led by Ride Ambassador and Paralympic champion Michael Milton and former professional rider Will Clarke who has swapped his bike for boots as a farmer in the Midlands.

“Riders commented how great it was riding with Will Clarke and how down to earth and patient he was given a lot of the riders were far less experienced than he is,” Mrs Stevens said.

“Michael Milton was an inspiration to all. He spoke at the dinner on Thursday night and had the whole room hanging onto every word,” Ms Stevens said.

“Then to see him out on the Tassie roads for three days, and tackling some pretty good climbs and elevations was amazing. He said that the ride into Tamar Ridge Cellar Door at the end of the event was the second worst finish to a charity bike ride he has done, but to watch him do it after riding 86km in the lead up to it, and how he zig zagged up the drive is something I will never forget.”

For more details on Active Farmers in your community and to stay up-to-date with planning for the next ride, visit the website.

Fundraising will continue until the end of April and donations can be made via – www.activefarmers.com.au/ridetassie2021