“The TGS Mountain Bike Club helps boys find somewhere they feel at home. Mountain biking teaches courage and camaraderie, as well as being good for mental health. I would recommend the TGS Mountain Bike Club to any boys with a sense of adventure.”— Nate Ryals, Year 10
The TGS Mountain Bike Club was first offered to students in 2022 as a way to participate in skill and social rides.
What started with 12 boys now has 90, with many of the riders racing in the Schools Academy Gravity Enduro Series and other events. We also have a tour of 20 boys going to Thredbo in December this year, where they will tackle some of the most exciting trails in Australia.
We thank the wonderful group of parents who support the club. They can often be found driving vehicles up and down the range on a Sunday morning to support the boys. We would not have been as successful as we are without their help.
This is what some of the riders love about the experience.
Nate Ryals, Year 10
I am one of the original members of the club and have been to nearly every club event. We do social rides, mechanical courses, races and basic training. My favourite part is going to the races, with my highlight being the first race we ever did with a good group of mates. It is important for the School to diversify its sporting options because not everyone likes traditional sports.
Olly Dunk, Year 11
I joined the TGS Mountain Bike Club when it was established and have been to more than 25 club events. We learn new skills on the trail, as well as how to be courteous to others using the trail. We have sessions about on-trail repair and maintenance, which is incredibly valuable when facing a sticky situation. I thoroughly enjoy the experience. Just being out on the bike with friends, learning the sport and having the ability to race and enjoy myself is valuable.
“Being a part of this community has been one of the best and most enjoyable experiences of my time at TGS. I am very grateful for its introduction to TGS because the club fosters a sense of community among like-minded students; you make friends you otherwise would not have.”— Olly Dunk, Year 11
Mountain biking is also very good for your physical health and fitness, offering an enjoyable alternative to traditional sports. The club participates in local races and competitions, including cross-country and enduro for riders of all levels. These events push riders to be better. They help students connect with others while improving their riding.
I have learned many life lessons from mountain biking. These include responsibility and problem-solving. It is a valuable ability to mentally work out a trail feature or overcome a tough piece of terrain whilst making sure you have the correct gear. From experience, it can be a long walk back to the top of Jubilee Park if you don’t have the right equipment!
Mountain biking has taught me to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and embrace new challenges. All these skills are critical for later in life, showing the importance of mountain biking and the positive effect it can have on the rider.
Rory Black, Year 11
I joined the TGS Mountain Bike Club when I was in Year 8 and have been to almost every event since, including social riding at Jubilee Park, Friday School races, an early night ride (with high-powered lights), various tool and maintenance sessions and fun skill learning sessions.
I enjoy being able to socialise and ride with people. It is important for TGS to offer activities like this, as well as normal sports, because it provides opportunities for students to do something different while still representing TGS. Mr Oliphant and Mr Massi do a great job.
“A major highlight for me is helping younger riders learn and grow. It is incredibly rewarding to see them improve over time. To know that I played a part in their progress is such a wonderful experience.”— Rory Black, Year 11
I have learnt many valuable life skills, character traits, life lessons and core values from my experiences with the TGS Mountain Bike Club. I’ve learnt perseverance through the challenges and obstacles presented in mountain biking, as well as resilience and determination by pushing through difficult terrain. I have also learnt about responsibility, preparation, maintenance, teamwork, encouragement, the value of passion and personal growth. Overall, my experiences with the TGS Mountain Bike Club have enhanced my biking skills but have also shaped my character and instilled values that extend beyond the trail.
Latest Blog
“Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
Whether it was American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson, Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, or even UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s father who coined the phrase “watch your character, it becomes your destiny,” it was Dr Linda Evans who gave it real relevance to a theatre full of students, staff and families. After a decade and a half in charge of Toowoomba’s respected Fairholme College as Principal and some 22 years in total on staff, Dr Evans will leave the institution she has led and loved by…
Preparation for Boarding: Practical Tips and Tricks
In fact, I’ve coined the phrase “the clearer the runway, the smoother the landing” as a neat summary of this observation. A great deal of boarding experience can be initiated at home in the weeks and months leading up to your son’s departure, helping him prepare psychologically and logistically for his upcoming journey. At TGS, we acknowledge that the boarding journey for boys and families starts long before they enter the house in late January. In the mind of a new boarder and their family,…
Exploring the Role of Neuroscience in Supporting Teenage Boys
Recent insights from neuroscience reveal that the teenage brain undergoes significant changes, particularly in the frontal lobe, which is essential for decision-making, impulse control and emotional regulation. By leveraging this knowledge, we can create supportive environments that guide our boys through the complexities of their teenage years.The Prefrontal Cortex The prefrontal cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is one of the last areas of the brain to mature, significantly impacting…
Wellbeing and Character Development Program — Benefiting Students and Staff Alike
In 2024, the School re-established the Head of Pastoral Care position. The role will be pivotal in supporting all staff to foster a supportive and nurturing environment at Toowoomba Grammar School. Integral to the role’s success is the parallel expansion of the Wellbeing and Character Development (WCD) program to yield multifaceted benefits for both staff and students. For staff, the Head of Pastoral Care provides guidance, support and resources, aiding in their efforts to address students’…
Nurturing the Seeds of Leadership
Early exposure to leadership roles helps children develop character traits such as responsibility, empathy, resilience and integrity. As a School, we provide the opportunity for the cultivation of leadership skills in our young boys. From the formative years in Prep through to the adolescent years of Year 6, the importance of fostering leadership qualities cannot be overstated. In our modern world, where adaptability, resilience and initiative are regarded as quality attributes, nurturing the…
Pedal Power: The TGS Mountain Bike Club
What started with 12 boys now has 90, with many of the riders racing in the Schools Academy Gravity Enduro Series and other events. We also have a tour of 20 boys going to Thredbo in December this year, where they will tackle some of the most exciting trails in Australia. We thank the wonderful group of parents who support the club. They can often be found driving vehicles up and down the range on a Sunday morning to support the boys. We would not have been as successful as we are without…
Beyond the Blue and Gold
Our focus is to work with each individual student to assist in creating awareness of the world of work, helping students to articulate their interests and identifying what is important to them and their values. We assist the boys in developing the skills to explore the different careers out there. We connect them with employers and industry professionals and help them navigate towards the job or career they are interested in. We work hard to individualise each student’s unique School journey to…
Character and Wellbeing – The Grammar Way
Legacy of Leadership: The Impact of John Mackintosh at Toowoomba Grammar School Toowoomba Grammar School’s first Headmaster, John Mackintosh (1876–1879) led the School with the demeanour of a typical Victorian father figure. His leadership was steadfast and nurturing, with decisions that were definitive and meticulously aimed at creating an environment that was conducive to a boy’s character and learning outcomes. Mackintosh introduced recreational activities such as chess and draughts…
2024 IBSC Conference
It is part of our Strategic Plan's People Pillar which is "build a high-performing culture that supports the wellbeing and development of staff, who exemplify the TGS values and share our commitment to the growth of our boys". In fact, that focus was acknowledged in our receiving The Educator’s 2024 5-Star Employer of Choice award. The Award acknowledges excellence in providing professional development opportunities and nurturing a culture of inclusion and respect. So it was with great pleasure…
