Northdene mum takes up BMX at 55
BMX rider shares her experience where she recently competed as the only woman on the track.
NORTHDENE resident Diane Vorster (55) recently took up BMX, following in the tracks of her husband and three sons who have been riding BMX since 2004. Vorster rides at the Queensburgh BMX track where she took part in a recent competition. She has competed in three races so far – one at her home track and two at Giba Gorge, which were double headers – eight races in one day.
“For the first three races, there were five of us racing, with me being the only lady,” said Vorster.
She rides in the Cruser B case which is an open-wheel class.
Also read: Queensburgh riders compete in BMX World Champs
“Some ride 20-inch and 24-inch wheel bikes on the rack together in a race. I am just riding for fun and fitness. I do, however, have to give my best to keep up with the men so I don’t get left too far behind,” she said.
She hopes to see more women taking to the track.
“There are more males than females in the sport, but by no means is it just a male sport – we have some very good female riders. They also represent South Africa in the World Championships. We encourage women to take part just as much as men. We need a lot more female riders, so there is more completion,” explained Vorster.
Taking up BMX is not as expensive as some may think.
“To start BMX, you would need a BMX bike – it really doesn’t need to be a fancy, expensive one to start. Once you fall in love with the sport, like so many of us have, then you can upgrade. You need a long-sleeve shirt, long pants and gloves and preferably a full-face helmet as it is an intense sport,” said Vorster.
She added that newcomers are welcome at Queensburgh BMX Track.
“The BMX family are a great bunch – we are always helping the newbies with kits and such like. We really do become part of the BMX family. We spend a great deal of time together. It is great fun. The tracks are a safe haven for young and old to have a great time,” she said.
Also read: Young SA riders on their way to compete in Uganda
BMX trumps mountain bike for Vorster
Vorster was inspired to take up BMX after she participated in the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic Race. “I have always thought of racing but never seriously gave it a go in the past. I just used to ride every now and again on the Queensburgh BMX track. Then seven years ago, I decided to do the Amashova 35km as my sons have done the race plenty of times on their BMXs,” said Vorster.
She tackled the race on a mountain bike and ‘hated it‘.
“After that, I have done the race on my BMX every year. I have completed it seven times, and I have completed the Tour Durban 42km four times, also on my BMX. I just find it much more comfortable,” said Vorster.
For Vorster, BMX is a great way to stay fit.
Also read: Horse riding association needs volunteers
“The only other exercise I do is boot camp and gym training. I love to keep fit. So for me, BMX is another type of exercise to keep myself fit,” she said.
“I am a bit old to learn any fancy tricks like jumping or manualling. My main aim is to stay on my bike and have a great deal of fun,” she concluded.
When she is not tearing up the BMX track, Vorster works as a bursar at Parkside Primary School.
For more information on the Queensburgh BMX Club, email queensburghbmxclub@gmail.com or contact Nicolene van Staden (club secretary) on 084 529 7189 or Daryl Vorster (club chairman) on 083 601 7919.
For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
