THE newly-formed Moree Riders Club held a working bee on Saturday at the old BMX track at the site of the former Moree velodrome – and come-and-try days will be held next month to launch the complex.

A new committee was recently elected, with a vison to revitalise the site, now known as the Moree Riders’ Track.

Club president Steele Sutton said Moree Riders’ Track will initially cater for mountain bikes and BMX bikes.

“There’s a lot of work being carried out at the new grounds and our working bee means we’re getting closer and closer to opening Moree Riders’ Track to the public,” Sutton said.

He said community support getting the project off the bike rack and out on the track has been overwhelming.

“Support has been wonderful, especially from teacher Dan Church and St Philomena’s School. Dan and the school have been restoring donated bikes for kids to use that may not have a bike,” Sutton said.

“Todd Mitchell and Jock’s Hire have been fantastic and the committee thanks Moree council general manager, Kelvin Tytherleigh, and council staff for their ongoing support in track restoration and maintenance.”

Voluntary labour and machinery at the working bee was kindly supplied by Rob Kemp Land Forming and Simon and Kylie, from SG&KJ Smith.

(from left) Jamie Beck, Rob Kemp, Rodney Van den Heuvel, Mason Beck, Jordan Hunt and Steele Sutton at the Moree Riders’ Track working bee on Saturday.

Also on the recently-formed committee is vice-president Jordan Hunt, treasurer Julie Rushby, secretary Emily Hunt and committee members Gabi Sutton and Darren Hart.

Sutton said the club will stage a series of try-out nights next month.

“There will be three come-and-try nights on consecutive weeks in November,” Sutton said.

Try-out nights will be held November 7-14-21 – Thursdays – with a 5pm-6pm sign-on timeslot for new riders.

Events will be conducted between 6pm and 7pm.

“The nights will consist of fun challenges and races for all ages. If you can ride a bike, then you are welcome,” Sutton laughed.

“The nights are not just for kids, either, as we will group riders on ability rather than age.”

Riders are encouraged to take up the free AusCycling four-week license before purchasing a 12 month equivalent.

“Active kids vouchers can be used for 12-month licenses as well,” Sutton said.

The club encourages pre-registration through the following link: https://auscycling.org.au.

“Help with registration will also be available on the come-and-try nights,” Sutton said.

Club nights will recommence at the start of Term 1 next year.

“The committee has decided club nights will be in Terms 1 and 4 during the school year to provide another option to cricket and athletics, and not to overlap with winter sports like league, union and soccer,” Sutton said.

Moree Riders’ Track Club president Steele Sutton at the working bee on Saturday.

Requirements for club nights include an AusCycling license – prior registration or at one of the nights – and helmet and enclosed shoes are mandatory.

“Children must have adult supervision and mountain bikes and BMX bikes are welcome,” Sutton said.

“The club will also have spare bikes and helmets available.”

A sausage sizzle and refreshments will also be available for purchase at the come-and-try club nights.

Moree Riders’ Track come-and-try nights

When: Consecutive Thursdays, November 7-14-21

Time: From 5pm onwards

Where: At the end of Endeavour Lane (turn right opposite town tennis courts).

Contact: Steele Sutton

Number: 0468 95041

Email: [email protected]

License registration: https://auscycling.org.au