KINROSS State Forest was the perfect backdrop for yesterday’s Ginja Ninja 250, the first race in the $80,000 Fairfax Media Evocities MTB Series.

Novice juniors through to world champions took to the track in a 250-minute event that attracted riders from across the state.

Wollongong rider Troy Roberts has previously been to Orange to compete in the Kinross State Forest.

“But the track was different this time - it was an awesome event,” he said.

Mr Roberts said the organisation of the event with Rod Farrell at the helm was first class, and he looked forward to returning to Orange to ride again.

Mr Farrell said he was pleased with the numbers, with 217 competitors taking part on the day.

“We didn’t want to run a huge event with big numbers - to us it’s more important that the riders go away and say it was a great experience,” Mr Farrell said.

He said during their stay in Orange riders and their families enjoyed local events, including a visit to the night markets on Saturday night.

He said while Orange had a strong base of keen mountain bike riders in the 30-45 years age group, new riders were coming through.

“We have some really good local juniors,” he said.

Central Western Daily managing editor  Tony Rhead said Orange should be pleased with the success of the first leg.

“We are off to a really good start and we want to keep getting the message out to people that Orange is a great place to live,” he said.

“It was great to see people came long distances to take part.”

Riders will now be able to rest up for the next leg of the evocities event to be held in western Sydney in April, before future legs are held in Bathurst, Albury, Dubbo, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga.