Speed demons and lovers of the open road will flock to the tiny town of North Star this month for the annual trail ride.
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Around 1500 riders of all ages are expected to come along to the July 29-30 event, which has grown exponentially since its humble start in 2006.
“We decided to have a bit of a ride one Saturday afternoon and it sort of grew from there,” committee member Jeff Nixon said.
“Gradually every year we were doubling our numbers, and once we got up to 1000 we thought there’s no way we’ll get more…. we’ve been up around that 1400-1500 riders for the last five years now.”
Nixon said the tracks were a mixture of wide open spaces, hills and rocks, and were suitable for the most experienced riders down to the youngest.
“A lot of people, family groups, grandfathers, fathers, mothers, kids, grandkids, the whole lot ride as a group and that’s the beauty of it,” he said.
“Although the track has some difficult sections, we do have bypasses on those areas so it allows people to enjoy a much easier ride."
There is a 300 metre pee wee track, a six kilometre junior track and senior tracks of 20, 40 and 80 kilometres. Junior riders can take on the senior tracks, but adult accompaniment is recommended.
A non-competitive event, there is no pressure to be the fastest, and many attendees make good use of the barbecue in the 80 kilometre track fuel stop.
Based at the North Star Sporting Club food and drink will be available from Thursday onwards, with the actual ride on the Saturday and Sunday. Camping is allowed.
The cost for open tracks, 16 years and over is $90, for under 16 years is $70, while novice tracks is $50 and the pee wee track is $20. Online prepayment and registration is available on the North Star Trail Ride Facebook page, or race-goers can sign up on location.
Lucky door prizes will be up for grabs. Entrants are encouraged to bring substantial boots, safety gear such as goggles, gloves, a helmet, and water.