The South Coast Zone Endurance Riders Association (SCZERA) will hold educational talks and introductory rides at Willinga Park, Malua Bay, on December 3.

Committee member Clare Feary said the training day gave keen riders right along the South Coast the chance to try endurance riding in a supportive environment.

“The sport motto is: to complete is to win,” Ms Feary said. “We want to show riders how to successfully complete a ride.”

She said joining any new sport could be confusing and difficult. “We are welcoming new riders: Offering 10, 20, and 40 kilometre rides and explaining all the rules and processes involved,” she said.

The training day was proposed after a survey by the sport’s state body found the majority of riders who hadn’t yet tried endurance riding said they needed more information and support.

Ms Feary said she was pleased the event will be based at Willinga Park.

“There are great facilities with yards already in place; makes things a bit easier – and cheaper – for first-timers,” Ms Feary said. “You don’t need go out and purchase all of the camping and strapping gear.

Those travelling from further afield can camp at the venue on Saturday night. Ms Feary said the course was very beautiful, with sections of rainforest.

“The 10 and 20 kilometre rides are all on the Willinga property,” Ms Feary said. “We expect most newcomers will enter those distances.”

She said the 40 kilometre ride ventured into the Murramarang forest. “All the rides are very good underfoot and a generally easy going,” Ms Feary said.

She said the scheduled was not yet finalised but expected talks and workshops to continue through the morning from 8.30am. The 20 kilometre ride begins and 1pm and the 10 kilometre ride at 1.30pm.

Ms Feary said the 40 kilometre ride would start earlier, 11am, to give entrants plenty of time to complete the course.

More information at the South Coast Zone Endurance Riders Association page on Facebook.