Maitland Tenambit BMX Club, which has more than 200 licensed riders, has had its first meet of the season and expected its ranks to grow further in 2015.

The club hosted a come-and-try day last Saturday and ­attracted about 30 people who expressed interest in joining.

“We’re one of the biggest clubs in the state,” club president Darren Muncaster said.

“We have between 100 and 130 riders each Friday night.”

BMX is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia and is one of the only sports where total family participation can take place, providing fun for all ages from two-year-old mini-wheelers to veterans over 60. 

It is a fast, fun action sport with jumps and turns on a dirt track that can be between 300 and 400 metres long. It incorporates the excitement and spectacle of motocross without the noise. 

The sport does not discriminate between boys and girls or mums and dads, and provides great exercise for kids and adults alike.

Muncaster has been involved in the sport for 17 years.

“Everyone I’ve ever met in BMX is keen to help in whatever way they can,” he said.

“The riders are rivals on the track but great mates off it.

“That includes kids, women and men.”

BMX in Australia continues to grow on the back of fantastic international success thanks to stars like reigning world champion and Olympic silver medallist Sam Willoughby (SA), and 2013 world champion and reigning world cup series champion Caroline Buchanan (ACT).

Unlike other sports BMX riders of all levels and abilities have the opportunity to compete each weekend in events coordinated by clubs and zones and annually at the state, national and world championships.

“Once you get into the sport you get to see a bit of the country,” Muncaster said.

“You can also see a bit of the world if you want to.”

For more information visit www.bmxnsw.com.au/

maitland­tenambit.