THERE have been plenty of little Dirt Critters getting out to explore trails and nature more in the wake of an iso-trend. Now the Ballarat-Sebastopol Cycling Club junior mountain-bikers are preparing to unite for a family adventure ride to help fight cancer with their bikes.
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Ballarat Cycle Classic mountain bike ambassador Antanas Spokevicius said the 28-kilometre family friendly ride was a great way for children and their loved ones to get on the bike and try mountain biking in a safe environment.
The Classic's adventure ride travels along the Yarrowee Trail to Gong Gong reservoir. Mr Spokevicius said the course was not technically challenging, more like a trail ride, but a great introduction to the sport with "smiley, happy marshalls" along the way.
It's a nice way to get together with friends and do it that way - kids motivate each other and get things done.
- Antanas Spokevicius, Ballarat Cycle Classic ambassador
"It's a nice way to get together with friends and do it that way - kids motivate each other and get things done," Mr Spokevicius said.
"...It's been great to see more people get out on mountain bikes and this is a great chance to use them, to enjoy a bike ride and do it for a great community cause."
The Classic is the major fundraiser for Ballarat's homegrown Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, which receives no government funding. FECRI is Australia's only regional centre working on internationally-recognised cancer research.
OTHER CLASSIC INSPIRATION
There is a program of different road rides, runs and walks to suit all abilities. This includes a lap of Lake Wendouree ride and a pet-friendly walk about the lake.
Mountain biking events varying for skills and experience. Mr Spokevicius said the 30km ride had a bit of climbing and was predominantly based on fire trails while the 40km and 50km events step up in skill and fitness demands.
Ballarat-Sebastopol Cycling Club has experienced a resurgence in junior mountain bikers via the Dirt Critters program which trains about 100 children and has a waiting list due to COVID restrictions.
Mr Spokevicius works with the Sprockets, mostly prep and grade one-aged riders, in teaching them about body position, corners and other basic techniques. He said it was great to see their skills as they progressed through the program.
It's really cool to see kids connect with nature and develop a real understanding of their patch, that connection to place.
- Antanas Spokevicius, Ballarat Cycle Classic ambassador
"Being out in the bush, it's really cool to see kids connect with nature and develop a real understanding of their patch, that connection to place," Mr Spokevicius said. "We know 'green time' is great for mental health but there's also that higher awareness and respect for the environment that kids grow up in."
Ballarat Cycle Classic will ride on March 14 after an initial postponement due to Victoria's snap lockdown.
Every cent from event registrations funds FECRI's work in unravelling cancer and making in-roads to improve treatment.
The Classic has raised more than $2 million within the past 14 years.
More details: ballaratcycleclassic.com.au.
