Western Australia‰Ûªs premier offroad riding series for juniors kicks off on April 25 with a riding skills and coaching day at Bannister, about an hour‰Ûªs drive south-east of Perth.
The day will cater for all manner of riders, from those just starting out on 50cc Pee Wees right up to the more experienced riders on full-sized machines and will be conducted by a big team of coaches and assistants.
In addition to helping riders hone their skills, the day will also provide them with the compulsory five hours of coaching required by junior riders every year to renew their licence
And on the subject of racing, the 2009 WA junior season is set to be a cracker with a variety of events being held in some prime country that is not used by senior riders so it does not get too chopped up.
Most events are held on pristine farmland where virgin tracks are cut through paddocks, bushland and small creeks.
There is the opportunity to camp out at most events that gives kids and parents an opportunity to get away for the weekend and experience the great Australian bush in a social atmosphere.
Also this year, KTM has come on board as the major sponsor for the series and joins various other sponsors who provide prizes which can be won at each event.
The first competitive event will be a short course enduro in May at Quindanning that will include a timed special test.
In June, a cross country race will be held at Collie that is expected to be fast and technical.
A natural terrain motocross event will be held over hill and dale at Beverley in July.
Depending on the weather, an enduro has been pencilled in for Kirup, in the South-West, that has some awesome country but can get very muddy and soft if a lot of rain has fallen.
The WA Junior Offroad Riding Championship will be decided over six events.
For those who don‰Ûªt want to race, a non-competitive class will be arranged for most events.
Participants must be a member of the Trail and Enduro Motorcycle Club.
More information can be found at
www.trailandenduro.com.au
Main Photo: Jake Pratley on the gas on his KTM 65SX in the WA Junior Offroad Series
