Riders at the Moree Riders Track, where BMX and mountain-bike riders will return for the club’s 2026 Friday night season. Image: Moree Riders Club
The first race of Moree Riders Club’s new season will not begin when the starting gate drops.
For the first two Friday nights, the focus will be on learning the track, building confidence and giving riders time to sharpen their skills before competition begins.
The club will open its 2026 season at the Moree Riders Track on Friday, September 4, with BMX and mountain-bike riders of different ages and experience levels welcome to take part. The first two weeks will centre on fun activities, games, challenges and practical riding skills, giving newcomers a chance to get comfortable on the track before the program moves into racing.
The opening night is built around “ride with a friend”, followed by “race a friend” on September 11. From there, the season steps up gradually, with riders completing timed hot laps on September 18 before the first round of division racing on September 25.
Club president Steele Sutton said the early sessions were designed to make the track approachable for riders who may be new to racing, while still giving more experienced riders room to develop their skills.
Once competition begins, riders will not simply be grouped by age. Their hot-lap times will be used to place them alongside others of a similar ability, creating divisions intended to keep the racing close and competitive.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re 40 or 14,” Mr Sutton said.
“If you’re the same time in your hot lap, you’ll be in the same group.”
The club expects divisions to generally contain about five riders, although numbers can be adjusted depending on how closely lap times match. Some races will start the whole division together, while others will use a staggered start, giving slower riders a head start and leaving the fastest riders to chase them down.
Mr Sutton said the staggered format had worked well in the past because it gave developing riders a chance to race near the front while still giving stronger riders something to chase.
Riders do not need a BMX bike to take part. Mountain bikes are welcome too.
“Often if they think BMX track, they’ll think only a BMX,” Mr Sutton said. “But we have both. Our track is suited for both.”
The club now refers to the venue as the Moree Riders Track rather than the Moree BMX Track, reflecting the mix of bikes that can use it.
The track sits off Endeavour Lane, with access past the tennis courts before turning right at the end of the lane.
The opening weeks will also include practical skills coaching. Mr Sutton said former world champion Bree Pring had put her hand up to help younger riders with skills including riding down the starting ramp, handling the berms and moving safely around the track.
“She’s put her hand up to help kids,” he said.
For riders who have never raced, or who are still building confidence, that coaching gives them a chance to learn the track before the stopwatch becomes important.
A free AusCycling trial membership is available for newcomers, covering the opening part of the season. Mr Sutton encouraged riders and families to register before arriving where possible, although volunteers will be available to help on the night. Riders can find details and register through the AusCycling free trial membership page.
The club also has some bikes and helmets available to loan, helping remove one of the practical barriers for people who want to try the sport before buying their own equipment.
After the trial, riders who want to continue will need a paid membership. Active Kids vouchers can be used towards the cost, and Mr Sutton said the club also plans to use sponsorship support to help some regular riders with membership fees.
Missing the first few weeks does not mean missing the season.
“Join at any point through the eight weeks, you’re more than welcome to come and try,” Mr Sutton said.
Late starters can still be timed and placed into a suitable division, although they will have missed any competition points already awarded.
After the September 25 division round and the school holiday break, racing returns on October 16 and October 23 before the AFF Club Championships on October 30.
The championships bring another change in format. Instead of riders being grouped by lap time, the club titles are contested in age groups, with a one-off race deciding the result.
The season finishes on November 6 with awards, team challenges, a Christmas party and the Santa Chaser. In that race, riders set off ahead of a faster chaser and try to stay clear to the finish, with those who are caught or passed eliminated along the way.
Mr Sutton said the format had been popular with riders in the past.
Behind the racing, the new committee is also trying to build a club people want to return to.
Mr Sutton thanked local businesses and sponsors for backing the club’s plans, saying the response from the Moree community had been strong.
“I’ve had nothing but great experiences with businesses in this town,” he said. “If you put forward a vision that’s good, they’re on board.”
Friday night sign-on starts at 5pm, with riding from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Helmets are required, with full-face helmets preferred, and riders are asked to wear long pants, a long-sleeved top and gloves and bring a water bottle. Children attending need to have an adult with them, while spectators are welcome.
More information and weekly updates are available through Moree Riders on Facebook. The club can also be contacted at [email protected], or through president Steele Sutton on 0468 915 041.
For Mr Sutton, the aim is broader than results on a score sheet.
“We want to get people activated on the bike,” he said.
