THEY came, they saw, they bunny-hopped.
Some were a bit goofy-footed and some struggled the rollers.
But they came to have fun – and that’s exactly what happened when more than 40 kids and twice as many parents and carers converged at the Moree Riders’ Track late Thursday afternoon.
The newly-formed Moree Riders’ Club staged its third come-and-try session in cracking spring weather as the club prepares for a 2025 season launch at Moree’s old velodrome site at the bottom of Endeavour Lane.
Club president, Steele Sutton, said good old-fashioned family fun was back on the agender.
“It’s been amazing. The numbers haven’t dropped off, with more than 40 riders each week,” Sutton said.
“The best thing about it all, is we’re seeing kids have fun on bikes – not on iPads. It’s fantastic.”
The come-and-try days – with another planned next Thursday, November 28 – have exceeded organisers’ expectations.
“I was expecting 15 kids the first week and we had 47,” Sutton said.
“We’ve got so many volunteers, and parents are jumping in and helping. We’re getting a bit more organised each week, and it’s all good fun.
“We have our next come-and-try day next week and next year we’ll kick off the new season. I think the numbers will stay strong, and probably grow by the look of it,” he said.
Well-known Moree rider Chris Thomas, who finished 18th in the World Downhill Championships at Cairns earlier this year, said the come-and-try days were all about have a good time.
“There’s no iPads, no phones and no game stations – it’s kids on bikes having a fat time outside,” Thomas said.
“The parents are engaged, the kids are engaged and everyone is having fun and enjoying the outdoors.
“This is just another awesome, fun thing kids can do in Moree. The roll-ups have been sensational, with 40 to 50 kids turning up to ride their bikes, and enjoy everything that makes riding bikes such a good time,” he said.
Sutton said Moree Riders’ Track will initially cater for mountain bikes and BMX bikes.
All riders must bring a helmet, enclosed shoes and a water bottle.
“All ages are welcome, with kids under 16 years of age to be accompanied by an adult,” Sutton said.
Requirements include an AusCycling license – prior to registration or on the night – and full-face helmet and enclosed shoes are mandatory.
Licensed registration can be trialled free for four weeks.
“We’ll run the come-and-tries this month and if people find that they like it, they can get a full license for next year when we start the new season,” Sutton said.
Moree Riders’ Track come-and-try nights
When: Thursday, November 28
Time: From 5pm onwards
Where: At the end of Endeavour Lane (turn right opposite town tennis courts).
Contact: Steele Sutton
Number: 0468 95041
Email: steelesutton@hotmail.com
License registration: https://auscycling.org.au
