Moranbah BMX Club’s annual Weekend of Madness Carnival in May saw over 300 riders from all over Queensland descend on Moranbah. However, this event is much more than a BMX competition.

Renee Cross, Moranbah BMX Club President, said that the Club has had a few rebuilding years since covid but the record turnout for the event shows just how much they have bounced back.

“We’ve had a real resurgence, not only having a record number of riders attend this year’s Weekend of Madness, but we also have a record number of club members.”

The Weekend of Madness has been running since the Club was established in 1985. Over two days of racing, a range of races cater for all ages – from 2 to all the way to 50+. Renee said that while they encourage riders of all skill levels to participate, they do get a lot of professional riders coming along as they offer some of the best prize money in the state.

“Not only did we have more than 300 riders turn out to compete, but their families and friends came along with them which meant this year we had at least 1000 people come to Moranbah.

“We are lucky to receive a lot of support from local businesses and especially from the mining industry. With the support of Moranbah Workers Club and the Moranbah Rugby League Club we were able to provide free camping and it really helped to attract families to come for the weekend.

“Having this influx of people is not just great for the Club, but it benefits the entire community.

Also held on the weekend is the Ethan Stevens 13yr Memorial Cup. Ethan was a national plated BMX rider and Moranbah local who lost his battle with leukemia in March 2021. The Memorial Cup was established to honour his legacy and remember the contribution he made not only to the sport, but to his community.

“During the opening ceremony we do a tribute to Ethan. There’s not a dry eye in the house, it feels like he is there with us. It’s beautiful.”

Renee said they are so proud of every one of their club members who participated on the weekend but wanted to shout out a few in particular.

“Jackson Elliot came 3rd in the Open Superclass and won the 17-24yrs which is a sensational effort, and Michael Jamo took second place in the Mens Masters Superclass.

“I also want to shout out Ngkau Abbot who won the Ethan Stevens 13yr Memorial Cup and Gabbi Reichelt who took 3rd place.

“I wish there was space to name everyone as we are so proud of all our Club members.”

Moranbah BMX will celebrate 40 years in 2025 and Renee said that over the years they have had many riders go on to compete in national and world championships.

“We have kids as young as 2 riding balance bikes and from the get-go it’s about teaching them to ride responsibly. We also have guest coaches coming from Brisbane to provide the opportunity for the kids to develop.”

The Club is run entirely by volunteers, with many of those being parents or family members. Like Renee and her husband Daniel who is the Club’s coach. They became involved when their two girls joined.

“What’s great about the Club is that it’s not just about the riders, it’s something the whole family can do together.”

Moranbah BMX Club hold race meetings every Thursday night and occasional meets on Saturdays and Sundays. You can find them on Facebook by searching Moranbah BMX Club.