Graeme Simpson: Next generation lining up

NEW GENERATION: Curtis Keene, Thomas Clarke, Dylan Walton and Jared Graves. PHOTO/KEV WALTON

One of the best things about being involved in mountain biking in Rotorua is watching a whole generation of kids growing up pretty much in the forest. A second generation ... wait, in some cases, a third generation — kids, parent, grandparents riding together.

Kev Walton was one of the MTB pioneers in our town. He shared that love for the sport with his wife, Niki, and their children, Dylan and Laura.

Dylan doesn't just ride. He's also set up an Instagram page for younger riders — @RotoYouthMTB.

"I often struggle to find someone to ride with as most of my school friends don't get out there as often as I do," he says.

"I know that other local kids have this problem, so I decided to create the page to give the younger mountain biking community an opportunity to ride together."

There have been five rides since the page started with a new face every time.

"I've even managed to convince my schoolmates to join in, occasionally. I'm hoping this can lift further off the ground so we can get more riders to come along. We generally ride about 20 kilometres and tailor the rides to the riders' abilities. We're all about hanging out and having fun. Run by kids, for kids."

Dylan is also a racer and set himself a weekly training target in 2017. It seems to be working.

"I've been on the podium at a number of races, including overall first place in the Nduro Winter Series Single Speed Category, where I was racing in the open age category," adds Dylan, who recently turned 15.

To show his versatility he's had second places and a first in his age category in Giant 2W Enduro races and was part of the winning team at the 2017 Whaka 100 relay.

"I had a lot of fun racing the Single Speed World Champs in November," he continues. "I was stoked to come 2nd equal, like all the riders who weren't first ... though, Dad wasn't too happy that I beat him over the line."

Last year, Dylan represented Rotorua Lakes High in the New Zealand Secondary Schools XC and XC relay events and then raced in the North Island Secondary schools champs in October.

"My aspirations for the future are to carry on with my training and continue to raise my skills and fitness levels," he says. "I'd love to improve my results for both the secondary schools champs races this year, alongside sitting my Level 1 NCEA."

He'll be racing the New Zealand Single Speed champs in Waihi, as well as Nduro Events and the Giant 2W Enduros.

"Busy year ahead, but I'm looking forward to it," he adds. "My dream one day is to race in the Enduro World Series, but I know I've a lot to do before then."

A few weeks ago, Dylan and his mate, Thomas Clarke, met up with international superstars Jared Graves from Australia and Curtis Keene from the United States, who were in Rotorua for some pre-season training (aka having a great time).

Knowing Dylan's focus and determination, I'm not sure it'll be that long before he's battling it out with this calibre of talent.