“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
A Holistic Approach to our Boarders' Activities Program
A true education is about much more than just lessons in a classroom. It’s about providing experiences that challenge a child, physically and mentally. It’s about providing opportunities that build independence, resilience and that help develop their good character. Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to offer a broad and liberal education that stretches way beyond the walls of a classroom and equips our boys with the skills to flourish as an individual. We offer a diverse and engaging…
A Beginner's Guide to Manga
If your son has brought home a book with big eyed characters, and he seems to be reading backwards, chances are, he's discovered Manga. The Dent library has a Manga collection that would be the envy of many schools, with over 100 unique titles. It Is easily the most visited section in the library, over half of the top 100 titles borrowed this year are Manga! But what is Manga? Manga is an umbrella term for a variety of print comics and graphic novels originating from Japan. Unlike western…
A Safe, Welcoming and Joyous Community
Tell us about yourself My background, at least that associated with boarding and teaching, is long and varied with a number of different aspects leading to this chosen career path. For the most part, I was schooled in Canberra but had extended periods in Lesotho, Norfolk Island, and Samoa as a result of my father’s work in foreign aid. My schooling was quite disruptive, and I wasn’t a model student! I was always passionate about English; often distracting myself (amongst other things) immersed…
Facilitating Respect
Recently the 2022 TGS Prefect group spoke at the Headmaster’s Assembly about respecting individuality. But what does this mean? The foundations for a successful relationship with peers, family, co-workers, and others is framed and supported by a two-way street of respect. However, for this two-way street to be functional it is important to know that respect cannot be demanded, it can only be earned. Toowoomba Grammar School is no different and respect is nurtured in various forms such as in the…
The Benefits of Early Learning at TGS
Making a decision about our children’s education can be difficult; especially when there are so many options available. Once upon a time parents simply sent their children to the school that was a walkable distance from home. Much research has evolved since the early 1900s about what is best for our children to foster a love of learning and feel confident and safe in the classroom. Here at Toowoomba Grammar School, we take this very seriously. Pastoral care comes before anything else; we see…
Outside of the Text Book
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” — Ludwig Wittgenstein There is no denying that learning a foreign language can sometimes be a challenging experience, particularly with limited opportunity to practise outside the classroom. However, learning a language is a skill that will add to many facets of your life, often without you even realising, and as part of a well-rounded education, the value of language learning cannot be underestimated. "A different language is a…
TGS Academic Enrichment Program for Boarders
Toowoomba Grammar School provides an inspiring and broad curriculum for boys, delivered by dedicated educators who understand how to engage boys in their learning. Our staff go above and beyond in providing an outstanding education and support network for our boys. They are regularly available to answer questions, assist with homework and assignments and provide academic support for all our students. This is particularly so for our boarders, thanks to our Academic Enrichment Program (AEP). All…
Teacher as a Student
As a teacher at Toowoomba Grammar School, I teach mathematics and business studies, and manage the GPS Chess team. Prior to teaching, I worked as a financial analyst. Recently I have completed a master's degree in science at the University of Southern Queensland. My study was focused exclusively on data science, and I have become an expert in the management of big data with a specialisation in modelling and forecasting using machine learning techniques. The motivation for this study was…
Developing Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships are extremely important for the development of mental health in our youth. When you spend time with people you care about, who care about you, this can help you feel connected and supported. This term is one of the largest in regard to boys participating in activities and sports ranging from field, to court, to thought. This is in addition to music and drama programs. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we believe this allows for plenty of opportunity to develop the ability to…
