After watching their bikes gather dust for almost two months, the Mount Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club fired back to life at Manga Road near Penola on Sunday.

The fifth round of the 2021 Limestone Coast Motorcycles and Small Engines Grass Track Series was full of life, speed and power as around 100 riders hit the dirt in earnest.

Club president Richard Humphries said it was a beautiful occasion seeing the motocross community back together again under sunny skies.

“It was good to see everyone back racing and there was a nice family atmosphere,” he said.

“From the 50cc’s to the old fellas like myself, everyone got along and just wanted to have a ride.”

The average MGJMC meeting before lockdown attracted well over 100 riders and encouragingly the majority put the helmets on again.

Humphries said he was happy with the turnout despite the Victorian racers being unable to join in.

“Edenhope had a ride day on as well which probably took away a few people, but we still had 100 plus riders again,” he said.

“A lot of the Victorian guys who usually come over from Casterton kept riding over there with all the restrictions on, so we probably missed out on an extra 30, but still had good numbers.”

To add to the enjoyment, Humphries said the riders who hit the dirt had the pleasure of riding in good racing conditions with the track in top shape.

“It was a really nice day from first thing in the morning,” he said.

“The family did a great job prepping the grass track on their property and with all of the rain we had, the sand was nice and firm.

“As a rider you could hit the bends and know they were going to stay there.

“The track was pretty brutal on the body near the end of the day, but there were not too many mishaps.”

The favourable conditions produced some stunning racing with all the big names fighting for the MX1 victory.

Humphries said the senior riders put on a show for spectators.

“The MX1 riders had a really good battle,” he said.

“Brad Thompson won overall, but anyone could have won on the day between him, Jack Knightley Riley Knightley and Allen Morrison.

“They all had to get a good start to get in front because it was really quick.”

The high-octane action does not stop as the club prepares for another race this weekend.

The second leg of the doubleheader will take place at 272 Magarey Lane near Coonawarra from 9.30am.