After nearly two decades in the works, the Goulburn Motor Cycle Club has finally opened its complex to the public.
The club is welcoming a huge number of riders to its track this weekend, for what president Richard Toparis called a "soft opening".
For more than a year, the GMCC has been on the verge of opening its track officially, but consistently come up against red tape and small formalities which have delayed the process.
Now, Toparis said, to see the track in use by amateurs and professionals alike is both extremely pleasing and a relief.
"Today's a positive day, we're actually up and running," Toparis said.
"It's really good, all the committee's really excited. It's a relief as well now, because it was so hard for so long. It's been a full-blown mission for us to make sure it happens.
"And it's not just this current committee, it goes back to the committee before. We actually had approval in Collector in 2004 for a facility out there, that ultimately was squashed.
"So to get the approval from the Goulburn Council [is special]."
In attendance this weekend is a number of high-profile names in the world of motocross, the most prestigious of which was Josh Brookes, who has compiled a career of more than 15 years racing motorcycles in high-profile events and competitions around the world.
"He normally rides at Appin, but we rang him up and asked him if he wanted to come. He'll be a regular here when he's in Australia," Toparis said.
Brookes was one of dozens of riders who have turned out to celebrate the opening of the GMCC track, who all geared up and took to the dirt on Friday.
Toparis made sure to thank the council for its input, which he said "helped us all the way along".
"We've had great help from the Goulburn Mulwaree Council, we've had help from Wendy Tuckerman, we've had help from Veolia," he said.
"And then all the volunteer help, a massive amount from Divalls. They've been instrumental in this, their kids helped build the track. And then all the volunteers who've come, it's a group effort."
While the track is mostly complete, there remain a couple of smaller projects for the GMCC to finish. The clubhouse is still under construction, and the complex needs to be connected to the power grid, as it currently relies on a generator.
However, the club will regardless look to run events in 2022 and aims to have the track open almost every weekend.
The GMCC will continue its opening event today, and tomorrow, December 19. The gates open at 8am with riding to take place between 9am and 2pm. The event is for 65cc bikes and up, with beginners asked not to take part.
Spectators are welcome, and the track can be found at 135 Speedway Road, just past the Goulburn Speedway.
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