During the week Andrew is kept busy at his father John’s business Wagga Cycling Centre, while at the weekend he enjoys his spare time by riding his mountain bike with the MTB Wagga club.

“I am passionate about cycling but the social aspect to MTB Wagga appeals to me as much as anything,” Andrew said.

“You can have anyone participating from the elite guys to the mums and dads who like to get on their mountain bikes for a bit of fun every now and again.

“I am certainly no fitness freak, so if I can do it anyone can.”

Andrew has been involved with mountain biking since MTB Wagga formed five years ago.

“We have our club monthly events as well as the RAMBO inter-club series with Albury, Beechworth, Mt Beauty and Bright, and also our Summer Series,” Andrew said.

“I have found a lot of people who enjoy their mountain biking come into the club and are propelled to do more ... they get involved in the racing as an addition to social rides.”

Andrew does not have the same profile as his brother Peter – a top-class Wagga rider – but he still enjoys joining fellow MTB Wagga members to compete in enduros.

“The club is a great launch pad to the bigger events around the major citites.

“Club members often organise to head to big 12-hour and 24-hour events as a team and fly the flag for MTB Wagga.

“And it doesn’t matter how big the event is, there is always a great atmosphere – relaxed and casual.”

MTB Wagga schedules a number of events for Pomingalarna Reserve and is among a number of organisations working hard to conserve the area.

“Wagga City Council should be applauded for its efforts,” Andrew said.

“The reserve is closed to vehicle access, while we only use existing tracks for our events as we try to rehabilitate Pomingalarna.

“It’s a great recreational facility for all types of users – from the Road Runners, to orienteers, horse riders, people walking their dogs and mountain bike riders.”

For further information, visit www.mtbwagga.asn.au.