Macleay Valley Mountain Bikers Club keeping the wheels in motion with inclusiveness and a can-do attitude

Glen Clark and Brett Secomb are at the forefront of that inclusiveness, with Glen riding on an adaptive cycle whilst Brett suffers from seizures and requires a carer to accompany him on his rides.

For Secomb, riding any sort of bike has been in his DNA for a long time.

"I've been mountain biking for 12 years but originally I was involved in motocross till 15 years of age," Secomb told the Argus.

"I had to stop doing motocross because of epilepsy but always wanted to do something similar and mountain biking was closest to it."

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Secomb's fondness for the sport is touching as he credits his participation towards improving mental health.

"I get lots of anxiety and mountain biking really helps me overcome that," he said.

"When riding you're able to focus on what is front of you and not what's in your head.

"It's great for fitness and I enjoy the social aspect - the fitness also helps with seizures."

For Clark, mountain biking hasn't always been in his blood but he hasn't looked back since picking up the habit 18 months ago.

"I went down to Sydney to a respite facility for people with spinal cord injuries where they introduce you to different sports so I did cycling, kayaking, golf and others," he told the Argus.

Back in 2003 Clark suffered spinal injuries from a motor vehicle accident that left him paraplegic.

His can-do attitude and willingness to get on with life kept him active and the construction of the bike stemmed from the respite facility.

"I gave the cycling a go down there and thought I don't mind this and ended up getting this bike and it's gone from there."

"It's got front wheel drive, power assist but I still have to pedal - if I don't pedal it doesn't drive."

"There is a few people in Coffs Harbour that have adaptive cycles, I go up there every Wednesday afternoon and ride the velodrome for an hour."

Craig Hale, of the MVMBC, admires the strength required to ride the bike and Clark believes that's built up.

"Over time I've gained [physical] strength, it keeps you fit," he said.

Hale was apart of the club's formation after moving to the area three years ago.

His desire is to keep growing the club and promote its inclusiveness and says watching people like Clark ride certainly keeps everyone motivated.

"He's an inspiration, sometimes you're tiring on the course and turn back to see Glen still going hard and competing, he keeps you going," he told the Argus.

"It shows anyone can get up off the couch and go for a ride."

Hale said the tracks have to be made only slightly wider to fit the adaptive cycle and Clark says he hopes to see participation rise.

"It'd be good to see more people involved in the sport, it's not hard to make the trails wider and it's a great community activity," he explained.

"I just like the atmosphere and getting out there with the group, it's inclusive, nothing is a problem for them and I ride most trails they go on."

The club have competitive racing on certain weekends but mainly enjoy social rides on the Saturday.

Hale is hoping to set up a youth squad if numbers continue to grow with Tuesday afternoon social rides for under 18s.

To find more about the Macleay Valley Mountain Biking club click here.