Bike Methven has been enjoying something a little different in recent weeks by encouraging young children to give cycling a go.
Kids Chocolate Fish Racing has been running in weekly instalments for four weeks, each Tuesday evening.
The children taking part get in plenty of fun riding, and receive a chocolate fish as an added incentive.
The sessions are aimed at children three-years-old and up. The courses are determined by age, from easy to more challenging.
The first two sessions were held at Methven’s bike skills park, and moved this week to Mt Hutt Forest Bike Park, with the final session to be held once again at the Mt Hutt park next week.
Established more than 10 years ago, Bike Methven attracts enthusiasts who are interested in cross-country, endurance, downhill mountain biking and road cycling.
President Stuart Marr said he was impressed with the huge number of children who had become involved in the chocolate fish Tuesdays.
“We already have a lot of teenagers who are enjoying their mountain biking and it’s great to have the younger generation trying it out,’’ Marr said.
“To see the development of the kids over the past weeks has been amazing, and something we want to encourage more.”
The club was mostly made up of adults, so members wanted to focus on youngsters this month to encourage more children to get involved.
He said the chocolate fish racing attracted 33 kids last week, up to the age of 14.
There were thoughts of doing something similar again in March next year.
As for this year, the club plans to host a fundraising shuttle day on Saturday, with profits going towards the Mt Hutt track’s development and maintenance.
