A SOUTH Somerset farmer has traded his tractor for a bicycle in order to cycle across three time zones, one of the world’s most famous mountain ranges, and 3,000 miles.

Nick Bragg, of Frogmary Green Farm, conquered the breadth of Canada by bike in just 30 days, all the while raising £24,000 for a charity close to his heart.

With his mountainous mission, Nick was collecting cash for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

Every year, RABI gives out around £2million in grants and supports approximately 2,000 farmers and families.

A farmer can control many aspects of their farm, but when their finances are affected by unpredictable circumstances, the RABI is there to ease that pressure with their support and advice.

On his epic trek, Nick was joined by his wife Claire.

Siblings Ashley and Adele Martin of Adele Martin PT also joined him with Ashley completing the first three weeks and Adele taking over to tackle the Rockies.

Nick said: “The challenge has flown by unbelievably quickly and I am pleasantly surprised at what I achieved, plus immensely grateful for all the support from friends and family.

“My advice to any others considering a challenge like this is ‘do it’. Take that leap and surprise yourself. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve and do for others.

“Train, train, train and prepare for everything... including bears.”

Nick and Ashley set off from Montreal Olympic Stadium on June 21.

They faced strong headwinds for most of the journey and temperatures soared to 30 degrees.

Claire followed close behind in their motorhome, with food, clean clothes and plenty of water.

While they travelled through the Canadian National Parks and along the banks of Lake Superior, Nick stopped to enjoy the stunning scenery around him.

They spotted a variety wildlife including a wild moose and her calves, forest foxes, porcupines, armadillos, chinchillas, and bald eagles.

On their steepest day, they faced a 3,982ft climb to the Bombi summit and then a 5,036ft climb to Paylson summit, meaning they had climbed a total of 9,018ft.

On day 30, Nick and Adele triumphantly arrived at the Inukshuk monument in English bay on the Vancouver Waterfront.

Nick said: “The challenge has had an amazing impact on my life.

I’ve been given a chance to have a different outlook on life by getting away from the farming business.

I have been immensely grateful and lucky for the support from Claire my wife and to all our fantastic staff, thank you all so much.”

Nick is now back in Somerset and preparing himself for triathlon training.

You can still donate by visiting uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NickBragg.