One of Australia’s top MX coaches, Jades Oates will make the trek to Mudgee for a two day boot camp in February teaching the region’s riders all there is to know about motocross.
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Mudgee Dirtbikes President Jeff Dray says the event is the type of not to be missed opportunity that local riders should take advantage, especially ones of a younger age.
“It’s a great opportunity for local kids,” he said,
There’s a few kids travelling to come here as well because Jades is a very sought after coach. He’s very experienced and coaches the elite riders in Australia, and actually coaches the Australian team a lot of the time.
- Jeff Dray
Arrangements had been made last year to get Oates out to AREC but a clash in dates prevented the visit.
“He had travelled through Mudgee and liked the town and decided he wanted to use our facilities,” Dray said.
The two day camp will focus on both on and off bike training, making it an all-rounded event.
“It’s not all just about how to ride your motorbike, but a bit about preparation on your bike and fitness, health and wellbeing,” Dray said.
A lot of times you go to training events and you leave after one day and you tend to forget a lot of it, but with a second day they go over everything again and it really embeds it into the kids minds.
“It’s about safety too. It’s not about going fast, it’s about doing it properly. It’s like tennis and golf, you need to have the right technique then you don’t have to try as hard.”
With Mudgee Dirtbikes season penciled to take off in March, the camp is said to ensure competitors are in the right gear to approach the upcoming calendar.
“It’s a good kick off for the kids to get on the bike and get a bit off attitude adjustment as such to start the year,” Jeff said.
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Over the two days, groups will be formed based on ability with drills on offer across the board, but with only a capped number of 20 positions on offer, spots are filling up.
“Everyone gets some attention, you don’t turn up and there’s a hundred people,” Dray said.
We don’t normally get coaches of this calibre as such come to Mudgee very often.
While it use to be the case competitors under the age of seven had to have coaching, get paperwork filled and licencing, Dray says that’s all changed now for the better.
“They can basically turn up as long as they have the safety gear required and have a try and see if the kids like it,” he said.
The MX boot camp will be held on February 9 and 10 at AREC, with all ages accepted.
For more information, head to the Mudgee Dirtbikes Facebook page.
Bookings can be made at oatesmx.com.au.
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
