Little Shredders
Our young riders are the future of our Sport. We welcome Little Shredders to the GESA community, a brand-new Gravity Enduro SA category from 2026, designed just for riders under 11 who are ready to roll, explore, shred and have fun on their bikes.
This category, gives our youngest community members a safe, supportive way to experience the excitement of enduro racing - without the pressure of full-scale competition. Whilst each venue will be different, Little Shredder courses are shorter, less technical and built to grow confidence. Riders get to enjoy the atmosphere of a real race day, learn trail etiquette and develop skills alongside friends.
The Schedule for Little Shredders is more relaxed, so the riders are not rushed or overwhelmed. Little Shredders will get to receive plenty of encouragement regardless of where they finish, a chance to ride “just like the big kids” while still keeping things age appropriate. Our focus is on participation, and skills - braking, cornering, trail awareness and riding with others.
Age Requirements
Auscycling Membership
Bike Requirements
Protective Equipment
Race Format
Riders must be 10 years old or younger on 31 December of the race year. Minimum age is 7 years old on race day.
Under 11 (9 - 10 years)
Under 9 (7 - 8 years)
All competitors, include Little Shredders must have Auscycling membership, which includes insurances. Auscycling offers a number of membership options for all competitors.
A safe, well-maintained bike with working brakes front and rear and handlebars with end plugs. There is no requirements for wheel size. No e-bikes in this category.
All Safety equipment as per Junior Riders, which include Full Face helmet, gloves, knee-pads and elbow pads. Closed toe shoes are required.
Untimed, or lightly timed stages depending on the venue. Our focus is on participation, not results.
Guardian Rider
A Guardian Rider is a parent or guardian who rides behind a junior competitor (only in U9 & U11 categories) during their race run to provide support, reassurance and an extra set of eyes on the trail. Guardian Riders are role models for our youngest competitors, we expect calm, respectful behaviour at all times. Guardian Riders are not compulsory but are highly recommended for new Little Shredders to build their confidence.
Guardian Riders are role models, our key expectations are:
Respect first, racing second. Keep communication positive and supportive.
Teach Course Etiquette.
If another competitor is approaching, the overtaking rider must call out clearly. The rider being overtaken should move aside safely when possible
Stopping on Course. If your rider needs to stop, move off the trail quickly. Never stop on features, blind corners or narrow sections.
Rejoin safely. Only re-enter the trail when it’s clear and safe.
Be clear with the stage starting marshal of the starting gap before the next rider of the queue to commence.
Guardian Riders must display a GUARDIAN race plate, so riders and officials know you are not competing. Registration to be a Guardian Rider is required through the Entry Portal. Plates are provided as part of your registration. Cost to enter as a Guardian Rider for 2026 is $10
No pushing, or towing. Guardian must not push, tow or physically assist their rider during a race run, or during any transition including to and from the village at the start, during or end of the event.
Insurance. Guardian Riders are considered spectators, not competitors. As such, they are not covered under the same Auscycling insurance as competitors, at GESA events. We strongly recommend at least Auscycling Lifestyle Insurance for peace of mind. Auscycling Lifestyle Insurance will allow Guardian Riders to make a claim through Auscycling and will protect Gravity Enduro SA in the event of an incident.
Guardian Rider Equipment, are required to set an example for our youngest competitors, and therefore we strongly encourage Guardian Riders to wear a full-face helmet. In addition, safety equipment should include gloves and kneepads. We also encourage, elbows to be covered, and no headphones are permitted.
Whilst we do our best to design a race schedule that allows a parent/guardian to compete and act as a Guardian Rider, this may not always be possible. Race format, course layouts, and timing requirements can occasionally overlap in ways that prevent a parent/guardian from fulfilling both roles on the day. We encourage families to plan ahead and speak with the Race Director if they need guidance on how the schedule may affect their ability to ride as both a competitor and a Guardian Rider.