THE Mount Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club enjoyed a flying start to its new season after a successful opening grass track round at Mingbool on Sunday.
Around 100 riders jumped back on their bikes with excitement and tackled the technical and twisty course on Dycer Road.
After the season started three months behind schedule due to COVID-19, there was a vibrant atmosphere with bike enthusiasts coming out to watch and take part.
MGJMC president Richard Humphries said the event was the perfect way to resume proceedings.
“It was really good,” he said.
“We probably expected 100 entries with some riding in two classes and we did get around 100 riders with up to 130 bikes, so we certainly exceeded our expectations.
“The overall census of the day was fantastic.”
With 11 classes on display, sport-deprived community members had plenty of mud-flying action to enjoy and flocked to the property.
Humphires said the amount of spectators watching from the sidelines brought a big smile to his face.
“I was surprised by how many people actually came out and had a look,” he said.
“We probably had 50 cars lined up on the road just watching at one stage.
“The entries were fantastic, but to see families come out and enjoy their day was fantastic for the club.
“It was a pat on the back for the committee.”
Unfortunately not the entire day went to plan.
Due to the club switching to be aligned with the Australian Motorcyclist Association, riders were busy trying to sort out new memberships to compete.
Humprhies said the process created a small delay to the schedule, but did not dampen the day.
“We started around half an hour later than we wanted to because we were doing memberships and entries on the day which was very busy,” he said.
“At one stage the line up was 20 or 30 deep, but we got through it and finished up before 4pm, so it was not too late.
“The committee did a fantastic job and everyone helped out.
“We slept well on Sunday night.”
On the track Humphries was impressed with how the entire field rode on a slippery surface.
“The track was a little bit on the slippery side during the first few races, but by the end of the day it was perfect and the calibre of riders around the South East is really good,” he said.
“It was good to see Brad Thompson win the MX1 class.
“He has been a very good Mount Gambier rider since his junior days, while the usual guys like Kent Collins, Callum Morrison and Corey Gibbs also did well.
“One of our committee members has not been on a bike for around 30 years and got lapped, but to see his smile at the end of the day was great because he just thoroughly enjoyed it.
“It is not about winning and losing, it is just about being on the bike and having a safe environment to ride.”
After racing out of the blocks with a successful opening round, the MGJMC is keen to continue building the momentum through the season.
Humphries said the committee hopes to host another event in a couple weeks.
“We are trying to get it through council for July 19 or 25, but we will wait and see,” he said.
“Seeing there is not much happening around the place we are trying to keep people interested and the season moving.”
