Burrup Mountain Bike Club riders start Summer Series

The Burrup Mountain Bike Club met on Saturday afternoon for the first round of their Summer Series.

It consisted of a non-competitive ride around a pre-determined 5-6km course as many times as participants could, or wanted to, do within an hour.

The ride began with a mass start of 30 riders and then quickly led into a significant climb into the Baynton hills.

Riders were quite bunched up and some friendly competition ensued, including some stealthy sabotage in the form of brake-tapping and shirt-tugging by experienced riders Alan Kurilowski and Campbell Kidd.

The field spread out quickly though as the range of riders brought out their own tactics, skills and fitness to take on the hill.

Dirtmasters’ Caleb and Riley Azzopardi took on the hill for the first time with dad Josh showing them the way.

As the group crested the hill they were directed into some technical single track where all riders enjoyed the view from the heights while encouraging each other along.

Only one spill was reported when Dampier rider Alex Wright took evasive action around stalled rider Steve De Hennin in a rock garden, but there were no major injuries to either rider.

The rest of the course was more mellow with some areas of enjoyable winding single track to complete the loop.

There were many smiles as riders came over the finish line, most just once though a handful pushed for three laps.

The day had such positivity and the lax format encouraged all levels and ages of riders to have fun and connect with other members while participating in the sport.

The riders were treated to an amazing sunset as the participants welcomed new friendships and bid goodbye to female elite rider Cindy Morgan.

The BMBC hosts their Summer Series on the first Saturday afternoon of each month over summer.

For more information, go to burrupmtb.com.