CLUB NEWS: Public Meeting called on future of “Dirt Bike Club”

A Public Meeting is to be staged in the Rugby area next week to discuss the future of the hugely popular “Dirt Bike Club” – which has proved a massive hit with Rugby youngsters this summer.

Youngsters have been flocking to the Saturday morning bike club in increasing numbers since the club was launched in early July. The Dirt Bike Club is staged at Bretford Playing Fields, Brandon Rd, Bretford (CV23 0LA), from 10am-11.30am.

Riders learn bike handling skills, race tactics and a chance to race for the new Brandon Bees junior Cycle Speedway team. Its increasing popularity has already seen the Dirt Bike Club extended beyond its initial six weeks run.

Now the organisers, the booming Coventry Cycle Speedway club, are to stage a Public Meeting to discuss the future of the club. They are calling upon local residents, parents and former Cycle Speedway riders to attend the meeting.

The Public Meeting will be held this Tuesday evening, 20th September, at 7.30pm at the White Lion Public House, 32 Broad Street, Brinklow, Warwickshire. Under 18s can only attend with their parents.

Andy Drewett, a spokesman for the Coventry Cycle Speedway club, said: “We are both delighted and staggered with the huge success of the Dirt Bike Club. Youngsters have attended in ever increasing numbers and we have been congratulated by many local parents.

“We have literally taken scores of local youngsters off the streets in the long school summer holiday period and introduced them to a thrilling, healthy and exciting cycle sport. They have loved it.

“However, we are all volunteers and we already run a thriving club in Coventry. We are urging everyone with an interest in this amazing new youth provision in the Rugby area to come along to the meeting and have their say.

“We wish to chart the next development of this outstandingly successful venture. It will be for local people and parents to decide the best way forward at the meeting.

“We are hoping that the parents of the new riders and local volunteers will play an increasing role in the running of the activities – but it is for them to decide at what level they wish to get involved. At all times, they can be assured of our full support”.

Organisers and volunteers have rescued the formerly defunct track, returned it to pristine condition and originated the highly successful Saturday morning `Dirt Bike Club`, which has won support from the Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Sports Partnership and British Cycling.

Staged at its picturesque location, and spurred on by the national boom in cycling and Britain’s cycling medal successes at the recent Olympic Games, it has attracted youngsters from Rugby and its surrounding villages – and as far afield as Hinckley, Stratford Upon Avon and Daventry.

Meanwhile, the Dirt Bike Club continues this Saturday (17th September) for the penultimate scheduled staging of the club. For more information on the Brandon Bees Cycle Speedway club and the Dirt Bike Club, please ring: 07400 993999.