The Christchurch Junior Moto-Cross School has been operating for almost twenty years now, and many of our top senior riders were members of the school during their early years in the sport.

The school committee is made up of a keen group of parents who organise and oversee the training of the riders and they work to foster the development of the sport in Canterbury. Many of these parents are also involved at committee level in the Christchurch Off Road Motorcycle Club and so the two groups work very closely together. The Schools aim is to encourage junior riders to participate in dirt bike riding activities, build confidence in their abilities, and help develop riding skills with an emphasis on safety.

The school caters for children from 3 - 16 yrs. We have very young children taking part on three or four wheelers and these bikes fit easily into our Pee Wee group.

The Pee Wees are the youngest group (generally 4-6 yr olds) and the machinery ranges from the 50cc four wheelers, through to Yamaha's PW50, KTM50's, XR50's etc.

The next group are the mini riders and as the children get a little bigger they tend to ride a variety of machinery the KTM65's and KX65's being popular for this age group.

At 8yrs the riders are able to move into the full junior racing classes and the 85cc machines are by far the favoured bikes here. They come in two sizes...small wheel for the younger riders, and the big wheel version for the older or taller rider.

When they finally outgrow these machines the 125cc bikes are the bikes of choice, but any dirt bike up to 200cc 2 stroke and up to 300cc 4 stroke can be used.

The school runs training days once a month using a variety of local properties. This gives experience in a range of terrain types and prevents over use of any one area. We use local trainers, usually senior riders who give their time to help the youngsters. The children are split into age and ability based groups and work on a number of skills throughout each day.

To see where and when these events will be taking place check out the calendar of events or check out the motorcycle column in the Press. We advertise here well in advance of each event.

The school organises the Middle of the South, the major race meeting for juniors held in Christchurch each year...usually during the middle weekend of the September/October school holidays.

The school also works closely with MNZ and runs in conjunction with them one or two coaching sessions a year, and a weekend camp for those riders taking part in full junior competition. These are aimed at the more competitive rider and the coaches have included New Zealand champion Josh Coppins and other top riders like Camron Negus, the McKay brothers Hayden and Quinton, Brad Thomas,James Lavender and Anthony Sproull.

Contact Info:

If you require further information about the school, our events, suitable machinery, safety gear required, licensing etc, contact:

Glen Phillips
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