Tokio Millennium Re held their final Youth Mountain Bike Series of the season last weekend, in partnership with Bicycle Works and the Bermuda Bicycle Association.

Makao Butterfield, of West Pembroke Primary, won a Bicycle Works-sponsored $500 voucher for a new bike.

“In its eleventh year, the free series aims to promote health and wellness to school-aged children while providing a safe and fun environment to hone their cycling skills,” a spokesperson said. “Children ride a short course in the Arboretum dependent on their age group and bikes from striders all the way to high-end mountain bikes can be seen.

“This year, TMR welcomed over 320 kids to their five events held on Saturdays in November and January.”

The idea for the Mountain Bike Series originated from discussions within the BBA on how to get young children interested in cycling.

Ed Jordan, from TMR, Neil de Ste Croix, from Bicycle Works, and Garth Thompson, who was a PE teacher at Francis Patton Primary School, organised the first series in 2007. TMR supported the event from the beginning by funding the event so it would be free for the children and provided the necessary volunteers. Bicycle Works has also supported the event from the beginning providing raffle prizes and organisation.

“What started off with 30 to 40 kids has grown over the last decade to multiple events with over 300 kids coming out,” the spokesperson added. “The format has always been the same with a racecourse designed to challenge the older riders while also being safe for the younger children.

“There is also an obstacle course, which was rebuilt this year with the help of Dennis Cherry, where the children can test their skills on the narrow ramp.

“The last event always finishes with a parents race where they have to ride their children’s bikes with their helmets firmly fastened; always a great way to round off a successful series”

Jordan said how his favourite part of the event is seeing how within a few events children’s confidence grows as they get more comfortable on a bicycle and improve their handling skills.

“TMR would like to thank Roger Parris and his team at the Parks Department, all the TMR volunteers and their families and especially to the parents for bringing their children out each week to participate,” the spokesperson said. “TMR looks forward to hosting this free event again later in the year and encourages all children to sign up for this fun and enjoyable afternoon.

“Follow us on Facebook at Tokio Youth Mountain Bike Series for more information”.