FIVE member of the Portland BMX Club have gained some extensive racing experience after contesting the Track Attack Series in Melbourne.

They contested six race meetings in the space of nine days, coordinated by Eastern Region BMX.

Competition began on Saturday January 8 at Frankston, followed by round two the following day at Lilydale, two midweek night rounds at Park Orchards on Tuesday and Thursday, then onto Eastfield and Knox last weekend.

“It was a great experience for our riders,” Portland BMX Club spokeswoman Maddy Sutton said.

“They all rode really well, and it was good to have them back out there and getting some competition.

“There hasn’t been too many opportunities to go away and race the past couple of years because of COVID.”

Atley Sutton and Nash Silva both took part in the 7 sprockets division, while Lukas Jones placed sixth in the 9 boys division, Stella Middleton second in the 13 girls section and Jack Thorp 16th in the 17-29 men’s group.

“The younger three had not raced in Melbourne before, so that was an experience for them, and everyone was very happy with their results.

“Getting to race on those tracks is an experience in itself.

“They are all very different tracks to ours, a lot bigger overall with bigger start hills and bitumen berms.

“It was also great for our families to make new connections with people down there, and that will hopefully encourage them to come down here to Portland when we have a meet.”

Local racing returns to the Portland BMX Club track at Alexandra Park on Wednesday February 2 (registrations from 5.15pm to 5.45pm, racing starts at 6pm) with racing held every Wednesday during term one. Further details are available via the club’s Facebook page.

Come and try

The Portland BMX Club is hoping to boost its numbers further, holding a come-and-try day on Saturday February 5.

The pandemic was especially disastrous for the club, and saw numbers drop to just 12 riders.

The success of a come-and-try day in October, however, boosted numbers to over 30 riders, and the club is hoping to replicate this success with a second come-and-try day.

“We had a great success after our last come-and-try day,” said organiser Maddy Sutton.

“We went from 12 riders to over 30, and we’re really trying to boost the numbers again.

“We had a significant amount of younger children under eight join the club.”

The day will start at 2 o’clock, and it will be free to participate.

Riders of any age can participate, and the club can provide all necessary safety gear.

“We’ve got fresh blood on the committee, lots of riders, and we’re undergoing a major track resurfacing in January,” Sutton said.

“There’s never been a better time to join the club.”