Attracting visitors from all over Australia to compete, the annual Canetoad Classic will return to the Bundaberg BMX track on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July.
The BMX event is expected to see over 450 riders descend on the track across two-days where riders of all capabilities will challenge one another for a chance to win an infamous Canetoad Trophy exclusive to the Bundaberg BMX Club.
Bundaberg BMX Coach Mark Rohdmann said the event has been running since the mid-1980s and had fast become an anticipated annual event on the calendar.
“The Canetoad Classic is our yearly open day event where riders from around the state and other clubs can race on our track and race for our canetoad trophy,” Mark said.
“The club started in 1980 and I started then also and have been riding continuously since.
“For the past 18 years we have been running a special event in the competition called My Dad is Faster Than Your Dad which is for the over 35s.
“We put up a prize and you get to be the fastest dad for the year if you win.”
Mark encouraged the community to come out and watch some of the races as part of the event, with the two days in July set to be action-packed.
“The event is free entry and will be open to the public to come and watch from midday on the Saturday onwards, and all day on Sunday,” he said.
“All the kids from the other clubs and around the state will be here racing.
“There is a fairly big crowd, lots of kids and it is quite a fast, colourful and vibrant sport with people jumping and flying through the air.
“The kids love it and there are plenty of places for people to sit and watch.”
Bundaberg BMX Club’s Nikki Statham said BMX was a great sport for all, with young and old able to participate.
“You can start from the age of two and keep riding until you decide that you are too old,” Nikki said.
“It is a great way to keep active and you get to meet amazing new people.
“You can compete competitively or just for fun.”
Becoming a member of the club is easy, with a free trial available for new members.
“You can become a member of the Bundaberg BMX Club or sponsor some races for this event, either stop in on a Friday night race meet or contact us via Facebook,” Nikki said.
“We welcome new members and we have a four-week free trial membership for anyone who is interested in coming down to try.
“You will need enclosed shoes, a long sleeve shirt, pants, helmet, gloves and we have some hire bikes available also.”
Nominations for the Canetoad Classic close on Tuesday 5 July, with mini wheelers and sprockets closing on Saturday 2 July.
You can find out more about Bundaberg BMX here.
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