“The TGS Mountain Bike Club helps boys find somewhere they feel at home. Mountain biking teaches courage and camaraderie, as well as being good for mental health. I would recommend the TGS Mountain Bike Club to any boys with a sense of adventure.”— Nate Ryals, Year 10
The TGS Mountain Bike Club was first offered to students in 2022 as a way to participate in skill and social rides.
What started with 12 boys now has 90, with many of the riders racing in the Schools Academy Gravity Enduro Series and other events. We also have a tour of 20 boys going to Thredbo in December this year, where they will tackle some of the most exciting trails in Australia.
We thank the wonderful group of parents who support the club. They can often be found driving vehicles up and down the range on a Sunday morning to support the boys. We would not have been as successful as we are without their help.
This is what some of the riders love about the experience.
Nate Ryals, Year 10
I am one of the original members of the club and have been to nearly every club event. We do social rides, mechanical courses, races and basic training. My favourite part is going to the races, with my highlight being the first race we ever did with a good group of mates. It is important for the School to diversify its sporting options because not everyone likes traditional sports.
Olly Dunk, Year 11
I joined the TGS Mountain Bike Club when it was established and have been to more than 25 club events. We learn new skills on the trail, as well as how to be courteous to others using the trail. We have sessions about on-trail repair and maintenance, which is incredibly valuable when facing a sticky situation. I thoroughly enjoy the experience. Just being out on the bike with friends, learning the sport and having the ability to race and enjoy myself is valuable.
“Being a part of this community has been one of the best and most enjoyable experiences of my time at TGS. I am very grateful for its introduction to TGS because the club fosters a sense of community among like-minded students; you make friends you otherwise would not have.”— Olly Dunk, Year 11
Mountain biking is also very good for your physical health and fitness, offering an enjoyable alternative to traditional sports. The club participates in local races and competitions, including cross-country and enduro for riders of all levels. These events push riders to be better. They help students connect with others while improving their riding.
I have learned many life lessons from mountain biking. These include responsibility and problem-solving. It is a valuable ability to mentally work out a trail feature or overcome a tough piece of terrain whilst making sure you have the correct gear. From experience, it can be a long walk back to the top of Jubilee Park if you don’t have the right equipment!
Mountain biking has taught me to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and embrace new challenges. All these skills are critical for later in life, showing the importance of mountain biking and the positive effect it can have on the rider.
Rory Black, Year 11
I joined the TGS Mountain Bike Club when I was in Year 8 and have been to almost every event since, including social riding at Jubilee Park, Friday School races, an early night ride (with high-powered lights), various tool and maintenance sessions and fun skill learning sessions.
I enjoy being able to socialise and ride with people. It is important for TGS to offer activities like this, as well as normal sports, because it provides opportunities for students to do something different while still representing TGS. Mr Oliphant and Mr Massi do a great job.
“A major highlight for me is helping younger riders learn and grow. It is incredibly rewarding to see them improve over time. To know that I played a part in their progress is such a wonderful experience.”— Rory Black, Year 11
I have learnt many valuable life skills, character traits, life lessons and core values from my experiences with the TGS Mountain Bike Club. I’ve learnt perseverance through the challenges and obstacles presented in mountain biking, as well as resilience and determination by pushing through difficult terrain. I have also learnt about responsibility, preparation, maintenance, teamwork, encouragement, the value of passion and personal growth. Overall, my experiences with the TGS Mountain Bike Club have enhanced my biking skills but have also shaped my character and instilled values that extend beyond the trail.
Latest Blog
Never Give Up
Six years ago, after experiencing ongoing muscle weakness, he was given a life-changing diagnosis - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2i (LGMD2i). Basically, Matt’s body doesn’t produce the chemical substance, Ribitol which is crucial for muscle function. He was told there is no treatment or cure, that he would be wheelchair bound in five to ten years and require oxygen, with the likelihood of an early death. But Matt would not accept that fate. Instead, he took up the fight – not just for…
A Magical Collaboration - “Midnight: The Cinderella Musical”
A co-production between Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College, this enchanting musical captivated audiences at the Empire Theatre for two nights in early June, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. A Story Brought to Life “Midnight” is a fresh take on the Cinderella story, featuring music and lyrics by John Foreman and Anthony Costanzo, with orchestrations by Anthony Barnhill and additional contributions from Kate Miller-Heidke. The book, written by Dean Murphy and Pip…
Pioneering Excellence: Launching TGS's Athletic Development Program
Our Athletic Development Program represents a paradigm shift in how schools nurture sporting talent—combining cutting-edge technology, evidence-based practices and a whole-person philosophy that prepares young men for success beyond the scoreboard.
Reflecting on the Past, Walking Forward Together
This week is an important time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to reflect on how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation. The theme for NRW 2025, 'Bridging Now to Next,' calls on us to honour the past, acknowledge the present and actively build a better future. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a destination, it is a journey guided by reflection, respect and a shared commitment to walking together. As we look back on the…
A Bright Start to our Rising and Leading Series
More than 150 members of the Toowoomba and Darling Downs community joined us to hear from leading demographer and data commentator Simon Kuestenmacher, whose presentation sparked fresh thinking about the decade ahead.
Women of Grammar Luncheon
A Tribute to the Heart of the School Originally scheduled for International Women's Day but rescheduled (thanks, Cyclone Alfred!) to the eve of Mother's Day, the timing felt serendipitous. It was a day to honour the women—past and present—whose quiet strength, tireless support and enduring love have shaped the School's legacy and the lives of its boys for 150 years. The marquee was beautifully appointed for a day of merriment
Lachlan Stuart's Marathon Feat
Mr Stuart will return to TGS again for the event held on Wednesday, 28 May to support the Year 12's significant fundraising G150 Gift Run event. The boys are running 1500km in a relay format to honour a 1968 TGS Interact Club fundraising project that will help upgrade the original School gates on Herries Street, along with raising funds for the Nerve Connection Foundation.
Remembering Private Colin Stirling, a TGS Old Boy (1899-1900)
This was the headline that screamed out on the pages of the Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs General Advertiser on Thursday, 15 August 1901. With ANZAC Day just last Friday, this week we continue to honour many of our Old Boys who gave the ultimate sacrifice including Private Colin Stirling, a TGS Old Boy (1899-1900) and our first former student lost in the Boer War. The story began with: “News was received on Tuesday afternoon that in an engagement at Kopjesfontein, on the 6th instant,…
Honouring Tradition: Toowoomba Grammar School and ANZAC Day
This year marks 98 years since TGS and the 13 Army Cadet Unit (Toowoomba Collective Unit) first participated in ANZAC Services in Toowoomba. The School's commitment to these services is a testament to its deep-rooted military traditions and the enduring spirit of remembrance. Mounties out the front of School House in 1908. A Legacy of Service Toowoomba Grammar School's military traditions date back to its early days. The School's Cadet Unit, formed in 1892, has been a cornerstone of its…
