50ft-wide hay bale bike plan for Tour
FARM shop workers are gearing up to create a giant 50-foot bicycle to celebrate the Tour of Britain coming to the county.
The hay bale artwork will be created by those working at Harker’s Farm Shop on part of their land.
The Clipston-on-the-wolds piece will take several hours to build, using dozens of 70 stone round hay bales.
The idea came to fruition after race organisers launched a national competition in June for the best and most eye-catching land art along the route of this year’s race, the seventh stage of which starts in Rushcliffe on Saturday, September 8.
Farm shop owner Tracy Harker said: “We are so excited to celebrate the Tour of Britain visiting Rushcliffe and even more so that the cyclists will be racing close to us, so we really wanted to embrace the spirit of a national event on our doorstep.
“What better way to cheer them on than by putting our land and farm skills to use in a manner we hope many people will be able to appreciate?”
The 50-foot wide creation could now be captured by the live coverage on ITV4 that will follow the cyclists as they race through Toller- ton and Cotgrave near the farm.
Councillor Debbie Mason, deputy leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, met the family as they discussed their agricultural art further and praised their planned creation.
She said: “It is inspiring to see the Tour of Britain capturing the imagination of our communities and celebrations such as Harker’s Farm Shop’s land art are to be applauded for their innovation.
“There are so many of our towns and villages getting involved – the effort groups and individuals are putting into welcoming the tour is wonderful. I would encourage businesses, community groups, land owners and individuals to get involved and create land art wherever they can along the route.”
Councillor Kay Cutts, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, welcomed the farm shop’s plans and encouraged other landowners and residents across the county to get involved. She said: “At 215km, we are hosting the longest stage, so our county has a fantastic opportunity to showcase its creativity and have their efforts captured on live TV.
“National organisers were so inspired by the admirable efforts of our great county last year, they launched their national competition at the iconic Trent Bridge cricket ground to find the best and most eye-catching land art along the route of this year’s race.
“Last year we had so many examples of magical land art moments around the county provided by schools such as John Blow Primary School in Collingham and Newstead Primary School, not to mention Girton Sailing Club’s bike made of boats and of course, the much-talkedabout sheep creation by Coddington-based farmer Des Allen, which went viral on social media.
“It would be wonderful to see a Nottinghamshire winner – and whether anyone can top last year’s inspired sheep land art!”