Put a note in the calendar, book a day off work – Annandale-Leichhardt Motorcycle Club are holding another Sidecar Come and Try Day this October!
There is nothing like the thrill of being a human ballast on a moving sidecar, and now you have the chance to try it for yourself. There will be a range of sidecars circulating on the day to let you experience both historic and modern outfits.
The day will be hosted by ALMCC at Pheasant Wood circuit at Marulan, it is a short circuit but has a number of corners that gives a new passenger a good feel for sidecar racing.
The following is an overview of the questions we get most often about these events.
What is the day about?
A come and try day is not a training day, it is a chance to get on and give being a sidecar passenger a go. There will be guidance from current club members about how to move, and the riders will support an individual’s ability on the track as best they can. Everyone who races sidecars loves it and will take any opportunity they can to share the sport they love with anyone who will listen.
Who can take part?
Anyone who is over 16 and physically able to move around on the sidecar is able to give being a sidecar passenger a go. Sidecar passengers are required to firstly hold on, and secondly move around on a moving sidecar, so there is a level of mobility required. The sidecars will not be moving at pace but that does not decrease the workload on a passenger.
We do not want to scare anyone away from joining us and having a go, but no-one knows better than you what your physical limitations are so please consider this when deciding to give it a go or not.
What do you need?
There are some essential safety items that must be worn to participate, the club may have some spares available to borrow on the day, but it is best to arrange your own prior to attending.
Essential are a closed face helmet, full leathers (one or two piece are okay) or Kevlar riding gear, leather boots that cover your ankle and riding gloves. As you will be moving, and around moving parts of a motorbike, please be conscious of the fit of anything you are wearing.
If you have any questions about your gear please feel free to reach out and check prior to attending.
How will the day run?
Sign on will be from 8am for everyone to participate, there is no need to pre book.
Following this process there will be a welcome and safety briefing from the Pheasant Wood team, then rider and passenger briefings from ALMCC members.
We will be sharing track time with solos for the day, so there will be half hour on track then half hour off track sessions for the duration of the day.
ALMCC will be running a barbecue lunch and there will also be club merch available to purchase.
The day will wrap up around 4pm, depending on how many outfits are able to keep going for the duration. We want everyone to get as many rides out of the day as possible but it can be taxing on the riders and their machines to be constantly doing laps all day.
Can I bring my sidecar?
The short answer – yes please!
But….
If you are new to the sport, have a new machine or one you have just finished rebuilding we would love to have you join us, but your ability to take participants in the Come and Try Day will be at the discretion of the ALMCC committee. There will be experienced passengers around on the day who can help new outfits if needed. Ideally after a couple of runs, depending on the riders experience and ability, all outfits will begin circulating with Come and Try Day participants.
We would love as many outfits on track circulating with our Come and Try Day participants so we encourage any members and friends to dust of their amazing machines and get them back out on track.
Any outfit taking part on the day must be safe and pass a basic scrutineering check.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to discuss with a member of the ALMCC committee.
ALMCC 