Be warned! This sport is known to be highly infectious. Studies have found it usually starts with one child, then spreads to other siblings. Before parents realise it, the mere suggestion of going for a ride has kids turning off the TV and Playstation or worse, getting up early on weekends!
In extreme cases parents have succumbed to the "infection", buying their own bikes to join in for a family day out or, heaven forbid, a family dirt bike holiday in the country.
Early symptoms include: * Seeing an advertisement for a recreational dirt bike venue and hounding you to go,
* Saying they are happy to go shopping with you but "could we stop off at the local bike shop for a look"; and
* Calling you in to watch a dirt bike DVD, video or TV programme.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
Minikhana, not mini fun!
Hornsby Junior Dirt Bike Club is a minikhana club where riders, aged between 4-16, learn to the skills and gain knowledge to ride a dirt bike safely and competently.
Our club is uniquely placed to allow riders to learn how to handle their bike on flat event areas, motorcross track and through natural bush terrain. This is so important as it means your riders are exposed to different environments to build their skills such as foot placement, knowing when to accelerate or brake, body position, climb or descend a hill, rock or boulder and navigate a hazard so they can safely and effectively manage their rider across any farm or bush track in the country.
Riders can put their skills to the test and compete in events which are governed by Motorcycling Australia with set rules and objectives. Events are mostly skill based with mini-cross and acceleration tests thrown in. Riders soon understand that less speed and finishing without disqualification is a big step towards winning.
Generally, HJDBC aim to meet for one practice and one competition "ride day" per month from February to November. Riders practice and compete for points towards our two series, yearly championship.
Not the world championship, but close.
For riders looking for an extra challenge there are also monthly "interclub" events against riders from other Sydney Clubs. Held at different venues across the Sydney region, these events are run under the same rules as club competitions and are open to all riders that want to enter. With some 150 riders competing at these events, they are good-natured but keenly fought battles.
Winning competitors receive trophies awarded on the day and accrue points towards the yearly individual State and Club Minikhana Championships. In 2023, rider #150 finished off the year taking home the very prestigious Junior Male Rider of the year awarded by Motorcycling NSW whilst rider #34 was nominated for Junior Female of the Year Award. Both should be very proud of their achievements as we were of them! Go Hornsby!
Minikhana (Rated PG)
At Hornsby and all minkhana clubs, parental guidance isn't just recommended; it's a must. Each ride day, parents are required to marshal, score and supervise riders.