“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
Transition to Senior School at TGS
Starting at a new school can be a time of mixed feelings – very exciting, but also quite daunting and challenging. Irrespective of whether your son is joining us from the TGS Junior School, or if they are just starting at Toowoomba Grammar School, this is the start of a long and special journey. Your son will have a lot to digest with a new, possibly larger campus to navigate, different teachers and lessons, making new friends, where to go and what to do at morning tea and lunch. There can be a…
The Transition to Year 7 - from a Parent and Staff Member's Perspective
Regardless of your history with the school, you are all equally welcome here and should feel comfortable in knowing that we value every family and their son’s contribution to our School. Toowoomba Grammar School was built by the community, for the community and it is a School that I am immensely proud of. In 2025 we will celebrate our sesquicentenary or Grammar 150 and your sons will play a vital role in those celebrations. Our pedagogy is modelled on explicit instruction which has its roots in…
Boarding Families - Surviving Homesickness
Homesickness can be brutal for both the child and their parents. As a parent it can feel like your heart is being ripped out in some cases daily. It is extremely hard hearing how sad your boy may sound on the phone, and then you are left reeling for 24hrs until the next call, you are often left worried that they are feeling like this ALL DAY. Rest assured only vary rare cases are that bad, they usually improve as they settle in, and it is temporary. The reality is that most boys tend to save…
Helpful Tips for New Boarding Parents
Name absolutely everything! Socks, undies, phone chargers, water bottles, caps. EVERYTHING!! Make sure you name items with Boy’s name & House number; most parents will put their senior house number if printing the tags so they don’t have to rename items when they move the following year (Corfe House doesn’t have a house number). Some boys find a double bed doona is a better option than single doona as it hangs down the sides of the bed a little more to keep them warmer in winter. An…
Parenting Styles: Parties and the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, parents and caregivers find themselves immersed in the joy and bustle of festivities. Amidst the celebrations, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the pivotal role our parenting styles play in shaping our children’s attitudes and behaviours, especially concerning alcohol and other drug use. As a father of four young people with my fifth child coming into our family on 8 December 2023, I’m particularly mindful of my parenting style and my role as School…
Building the Boarding Experience - at Home
Family connections is a vital aspect of our Toowoomba Grammar School boarding program that we hold close to our heart. Our Heads of House regularly make the effort to visit our boarding families so they have a better understanding of our boarders' lives, the challenges and experiences, and staff always enjoy the warmth and hospitality provided by families. Head of Corfe House, Henry White and his wife, Samantha recently spent a weekend with the Acton family on Dalgonally Station near Julia…
A New Season for Coach Kabe
Highly respected Head of Basketball and 1st V Coach, Kabe Ciccolini is embarking on a new and inspiring chapter. This season, he takes up the role of Assistant Head of Corfe House, guiding our youngest boarders with a warmth and passion that is uniquely his own. Kabe’s decision to transition into the role of Assistant Head of Corfe House reflects his unwavering commitment to mentorship and leadership. For him, this move signifies a positive step in his career. “It’s an opportunity to further…
Embrace Every Moment
In the words of one of the greatest leaders of all time, Albus Dumbledore, “it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” The wise wizard spoke these words to Harry as he stood before the Mirror of Erised, a magical artifact that reveals one’s deepest desires. These words tell the story of the balance between our dreams and the richness of the present moment. We live in a world that often urges us to focus on our aspirations; , sometimes we get so lost in our dreams that we do not…
What is the TGS Athletic Development Academy?
As a TGS Old Boy (2003-14), sport has always been an integral part of my upbringing. As a young boy I discovered the joys of cricket, track and field and touch footy. This love of being active led me to studying Exercise Science at University and I was fortunate enough to work with a range of national and international level athletes, culminating in an internship at the Brisbane Broncos. This experience launched my career in the strength and conditioning space, allowing me to work with…
