Ian Waller pays a visit to Keynsham Enduro near Bristol where children learn the skills of motocross
At five years old, Carson is already a veteran of motocross and it shows by the skills on display as his races his tiny motorbike around the dirt track. Carson took up motocross – a form of off-road motorcycling – two years ago after watching his cousin on his motorbike.
Now he is one of regular visitors, along with sister Amelia and mum and dad Carl and Kirsty, to the Keynsham Enduro track, situated at Chandos Lodge Estate off Durley Lane, accessed by the tiny road on the edge of Keynsham cemetery.
The track is owned by gentle giant and custom bike maker Jon Eales, who keeps a close eye on everyone paying a visit to the track to make sure the strict safety rules are followed to the letter, while also offering advice and a helping hand whenever it’s needed.
“It used to be my dad’s track and I took it over when he passed away,” explains Jon. “We’re open every other Sunday, with the main track for the grown-up riders and the smaller track for the juniors.”
While those grown ups range from enthusiastic weekend riders to trials and enduro stars such as local superstar Charlie Frost, the kids’ track allows children from 3-14 years the chance to hone their skills before moving on to take on the big boys.
“Everybody is welcome and there’s no need to book,” explains Jon. “For the juniors it’s £15 to ride all day and all we ask is that all riders wear helmets and boots, and follow the rules of track. The main thing that everyone respects each other, which works well and they’re all a friendly bunch with plenty of help and advice on hand if you need it.”
For Carl and Kirsty, that friendly atmosphere is a big attraction of the Keynsham Enduro track. “We come over from Cardiff for the children to ride here because it’s such a good, big track and a friendly set-up. While we’ve visited a few others, this is the best kids’ track around.”
One of the 10 or so juniors sharing the dirt circuit with Carson and Amelia is eight year old Haydon, whose been riding for eight years and visits Keynsham Enduro regularly with his mum and dad, Bristol locals Nick and Paige. “It’s ideal for us as we live nearby in Kingswood, and it’s a big, good track so great to Haydon,” explained Nick.
“He’s 100% into the sport and once he gets on his bike, he’s a different child from the one at school,” added mum Paige. “On his bike he’s in control and it’s so good for him, while at school he sometimes has trouble concentrating.”
“His school has also been really supportive, allowing him to leave early on occasions to enter events,” added Nick. “In fact, some schools are even offering motocross now as an extra-curricula activity, which is just great to see.”
While the young riders race around the track, the mums and dads cheer their children on, enjoy a chat and enjoy some family time together. It’s not unusual to see a few barbecues on the go during the summer afternoons, while advice on technique and riding style is shared.
“It’s a very sociable scene,” said Paige. “In fact, while Haydon is riding, it’s great for me to have some well earned me time.”
Jon explained that once the juniors are good enough, they’re welcome to join the seniors on the three mile woodland track. In the meantime, however, the children are just loving being in control of their own motorbikes and enjoying another Sunday of speed, excitement and loads of fun.
Keynsham Enduro is open every other Sunday from 10am to 4pm. For more details, call Jon on 07841 338741 or follow Keynsham Enduro and Trials on Facebook.