President Luke Pretlove said the club’s gamble to schedule a meeting on Easter Sunday had paid dividends with more than 40 riders taking part.

Pretlove said the event was likely to become an annual one, such was its success.

“There were a few people around because it’s the nationals in Shepparton next week,” he said.

“There were a few travellers, some from Mount Gambier and New South Wales. It was a good little race meeting.”

Pretlove said the club used the family-friendly environment of Easter to showcase the latest evolution of BMX — pedal-less bikes called striders for children aged two to five.

He said the concept, first trialled in the US, where kids use their legs to propel the bike was beginning to take off. He said five youngsters, including his daughter Leilah, had participated over a modified course.

“It’s just snowballing,” he said. “It’s starting to become a lot more popular.

“It’s younger brothers and sisters who are having a go.”

Some of the winners from the day included Warrnambool’s Toby Fish in the eight-year-old boys’ class, Axel McKinnon in the 11-year-olds and Johanna Jephcott in the 11 girls. Blair Hewett was named the outstanding rider for the day.

grbest@fairfaxmedia.com.au