THE latest installment of the School Holiday Coaching Day took place at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex, Broadford on Saturday, April 2.
68 eager young riders aged between 7 and 18 made their way to Broadford to go over the basics and the fundamentals of motorcycle riding.
“To have 68 young kids turn up to one of these days is huge!” Sport Development & Events Manager Mark Vallance said.
“The previous best, in terms of registrations, before today was 54. So it is great to see these days continue to grow and families continue to come back again and again,” Mark said.
On hand to put them through their paces was a team of ten coaches (Mark and Lisa Ferrari, Ben Stuttard, Ian Whitehead, Andrew Jones, David Marsicano, Miller Hinds and Meri Inglis) led by Mark Willingham and Olivia Chisholm.
“Our team of coaches did a fantastic job throughout the day with the large number of riders we had and I thought they all kept the kids interested and engaged throughout,” Mark continued.
The coaching was split into five different “stations” utilising the main MX track, the Junior MX track, the paddock area and also parts of the Enduro area.
“By using parts of the Enduro area there was the risk of spreading ourselves out too much but the day held together nicely,” Mark said.
Riders were put through Kick Start and Minikhana activities to go over essential skills such as braking, balance, cornering and throttle and clutch control. The more senior, or advanced, riders were also taken onto the main track where jumping and berms came into play.
“The days have a very laid-back and relaxed atmosphere and I feel that starts with myself and the coaches. If we’re relaxed then everyone else tends to also relax and they can simply have fun, the parents as well,” Mark added.
“With the day being aimed at any level of rider and not necessarily competitive riders, it isn’t an overly intense session for the riders. I like to think this is one of the positives of the day and why families keep coming back.”
The next School Holiday Coaching Day is due to take place on Saturday, July 9 at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex, Broadford. Registrations will open a month out from that date.