A NEW season gets underway for the Gympie Motorcycle Club this weekend and club spokesperson Donna Jeremey is itching to go.

“This weekend is the first race for the season and the first round of the Yamaha Sprint Cross Country Enduro Series,” she said.

The event will be hosted by the Gympie club on Col Bryant’s property, south of Kenilworth.

More than 200 riders are anticipated to take part in the event, ensuring an exciting start to the year.

The last few days of rain has Jeremey hoping it doesn’t impose itself on the event.

“Hopefully the rain won’t put a damper on things,” she said.

Quite possibly, the rain may have an upside.

“If anything, it will be an advantage with dust not being an issue,” Jeremey said.

Meanwhile, Jeremey is using the club’s first meet of the year to clear up any concerns Kenilworth residents may have about motorcycles in the area.

“These rides aren’t just for anyone,” she said.

To participate, competitors must hold a current Motorcycling Australia official licence and be a member of a motorcycle club.

The events themselves are subject to stringent control.

“All bikes are scrutineered before the race by officials and all safety gear is checked,” Jeremey said.

Officials from Motorcycling Queensland are also in attendance and should a rider do the wrong thing, they will be asked to pack up and leave.

“It is also law for the Queensland Ambulance to attend,” Jeremey said, “so it’s just not a ride for the cowboys to attend.”

It’s an important message the Gympie Motorcycle Club is eager for Kenilworth residents to take note of as it’s not normally the responsible riders taking part in events that are the source of concern.