As I pack my bags, midge repellent, bike and, crucially, myself for the scenic of journey north to take part in the RSABI Great Glen Challenge fundraiser (Friday, 25 August) there’s a few things running through my head writes Colin Ferguson, Regional chair of Dumfries and Galloway.
The first clearly is why having looked at the weather, which is to be ‘Scottish,’ and dwelled on the absence of training on my own part! Friday is almost certain to fall into the ‘type 2’ fun category where all will become clear after the fact rather than during it!
But the second reason - and unarguably the most important reason - is the cause we are all supporting. That’s not just the 16 of us from NFUS but everyone from all teams taking part, the organisers, the volunteers and crucially everyone who’s dug deep to hand over some hard-earned cash for a worthy charity.
While there’s a friendly rivalry on who’s team wins the challenge or who raises the most money, it’s a collective effort for a single cause.
RSABI performs an untold level of heavy lifting when it comes to supporting our rural communities, often unseen but always there when most needed.
There is no doubt that we all hope it may never be us but when it comes to our mental or financial health, we can never be sure it won’t be, and having RSABI there is vital to catch us, or someone we know, when we are at our very lowest. Whether it is the one-to-one confidential counselling or financial grants on offer, they are the lifeline that is essential for our industry.
For me though, the Great Glen itself is my tonic, exercise is my escape from the day-to-day. I don’t pretend to be the next Chris Hoy but the escape and reward of tackling a hill or distance on my bike is enough to forget the stresses of work and life.
And whilst you can’t be sure of the weather, you can always be sure of the stunning scenery in Scotland, that reminds us how important it is to appreciate what we have here at home.
The recent Farmstrong Scotland tour, which RSABI also supported, reminded us to notice the small things for our well-being, and when I am out on my bike it's those things that stay with me when I get home. Whether it is the wildlife and nature, the glistening water, someone offering a simple smile of encouragement or the wind on my face, it really does put a spring in my step.
But tomorrow, it is not just the exercise that I am looking forward to, it’s the taking part where I’ll find my joy, surrounded by friends and colleagues, bringing forward that community spirit that is so strong in our sector, and knowing that the sweat and sore muscles will all be worth it.
And if we needed an additional incentive, the push to complete the course and beat our rivals (not that the NFUS teams are competitive or anything!) will be driven by the knowledge we have your support and donations.
So as I get ready to enjoy my drive from Dumfries and Galloway to the Great Glen, hoping that I don’t get a flat tyre during my cycle (maybe I should pack the repair kit!), a heartfelt thank you to each and every person who has got behind us – see you on the other side!