Bikes hit the tar for practice day

RIDERS from across the state headed to the Whitsundays to take part in a ride day for road registered bikes on the weekend.

About 20 representatives from Townsville, Brisbane, Mackay and the Whitsundays hit the Whitsunday Raceway and Driver Education Training Facility track to get some practice in and have some fun.

Townsville rider Jarrod Koppe was using the day as preparation for round two of the Queensland Titles that will be held at the raceway on May 18-20.

It was his first time riding at the raceway in the dry. "This track is going to be one of the best tracks in Australia," he said.

"It's new and exciting and should make some close competition because the corners are nice and tight.

"Hopefully being here and having a ride will give me an extra advantage on other riders when it comes to the titles." Koppe also used the ride day as practice for the Australian series where he hopes to get a podium place.

He said an advantage of the ride days was the safety aspect as opposed to riders hitting the streets to give their bikes a run. Sunshine Coast rider Beau Laing travelled north for his first ride on the raceway, also in preparation for the Queensland Titles.

"It's a wicked track, the tar's really good, tight and technical," he said.

"It keeps it nice and interesting for the riders and good for spectators. Laing also hosted a coaching day specific for supermoto riders on Sunday.

"I'm teaching riders how to ride dirt bikes on the road which is pretty important so they get the most out of their bikes but do it in a safe way."