Junior Road Program

Alpine Junior Road Program – “Junior Bunchie”

 

Welcome to Alpine Cycling Club’s Junior Road Program for 2024/25

Building on the enthusiasm and success of last season, Junior Bunchie will return in Term 4, 2024 & Term 1, 2025 culminating in the Alpe de Buffalo Junior Road Race  in April ’25.

Junior Bunchie is a weekly training session for road cyclists aged 7-13 years that focuses on learning the skills required to ride safely on the road, in a peloton and introductory race-craft. It is suitable for children that may be new to road cycling/road bikes but are already capable cyclists. The sessions are held on a Wednesday morning from 7am-8am at Pioneer Park and finish with hot chocolate at a local café. 

In addition to the Wednesday sessions, we are pleased to announce an expanded ride and race program that will enhance the kids’ socialisation and enjoyment of riding their bikes in a road group environment. Whilst our main goal is to get more kids out riding their bikes more regularly, we would also like to support and encourage those kids that may be interested in racing by providing access to low-pressure club/local races. Participation in any of the activities is optional and there is no requirement to commit to every session. 

For more information or to register your interest, email adb@alpinecyclingclub.com.au

 

Junior Bunchie Requirements:

  • Bike – Participants must have a road bike with drop handlebars in good working order. A red rear light and helmet is required for every session. Please bring a spare tube suitable for your bike’s wheel size and make sure you have suitable clothing options. If you would like to participate but do not have a road bike, the club has a number of bikes available for loan at no cost. 
  • Membership – Participants must be Alpine Cycling Club members and have a valid AusCycling membership, available here.  If you have not had a membership previously, a free 4-week trial licence is available here 
  • Location – Pioneer Park- meet at the netball court.
  • Volunteers – In order to manage the safety of the groups, we require some parental assistance. We understand that not everyone is able to assist with ride support but even a session or two is much appreciated. 
  • Cost – The program is provided by the Alpine Cycling Club free of charge to participants thanks to volunteers and generous sponsors. 

 

Planned Activities: 

  • Albury Wodonga Cycling Club Summer Criterium Races – With the plan to attend monthly, these criterium style race involve racing around a closed road circuit for a defined period of time (approx. 30min depending on age) at a venue that is ideal for introducing kids to safe, fun racing.  ACC will assist with transport for kids and bikes if required. 
  • ACC Club Races  – There will be the opportunity for the juniors to participate in both flat Individual Time Trial races and the ACC “Buffalo Hill Climb” handicap. The flat time trial will take place on the Back German Town Road with a 6km “out & back” course. 
  •  Social Sunday Rides –  Approximately monthly sessions that will encourage juniors to explore the area on their road bikes. More dates TBC.

 

Alpine Cycling Club Junior Road Calendar:  STC

2024

  • Wed 23rd Oct: Weekly Junior Bunchie commences Pioneer Park Netball Court. Meet at 6.50 for 7am start. The groups will ride off at 7am sharp. Session 1 includes a thorough bike safety check. 
  • Sun 10th Nov: Social ride to Red Stag Deer Farm (dependent on ride leader/volunteer availability)
  • Wed 13th Nov: Wodonga Criterium Race (no Junior Bunchie in am). Registration/warm up 5.30. Race starts at 6pm
  • Sat 16th Nov: Mt Buffalo Hill Climb Handicap race. Approx 8.30am. Ties in with the seniors race. 
  • Fri 29th Nov: Tour of Bright Junior Team Criterium.  5.30pm Bright main street. 
  • Sun 8th Dec: Social Ride to Harrietville pub for dinner. Parents welcome
  • Wed 11th Dec: Wodonga Criterium Race (no Junior Bunchie in am)
  • Wed 18th Dec:  Final morning Junior Bunchie ride for 2024 

2025

  • Wed 5th Feb: Junior Bunchie recommences
  • Wed 12th Feb: Wodonga Criterium racing (no Junior Bunchie in am)
  • Wed 12th March: Wodonga Criterium racing (no Junior Bunchie in am)
  • April- Alpe de Buffalo Junior Road Tour – Date TBC
  • May– Canberra Junior road tour

 

Racing opportunities:

There is a vibrant and inclusive Junior road racing scene in Victoria with the racing season occurring from April to September.  There are five rounds of the Junior Road series with monthly events around Victoria including the State Championships in Glenrowan in August. Racing is open to Juniors in categories Under 11 (minimum age of turning 9 by 31st Dec) to Under 17.  Alpine Cycling Club hosts the first round of the series with the Alpe de Buffalo Junior Road Tour (three events over two days).