The Rotorua Bike Festival is less than a month away, and with 12 new events set to take place in the programme, the festival has a fresh new offering for participants and spectators.
Starting on Friday the 10th of February, the festival has a traditionally low-key start with Go By Bike Day, run by Sport Bay of Plenty, followed by a brand new Friday night launch event, the Agroventures Freestyle AirBag BIG AIR Comp, which will take place on the village green in the centre of town. With a prize purse of over $2,000, it is sure to attract some of the best talent in the country.
Tuesday February 14 – Low Key Super D
Debbie Guptill, Sales and Marketing Manager at Agroventures is excited about the addition of the Big Air competition to this year’s programme. “The festival allows us to show the uniqueness of the airbag and put the spotlight on some of our local talent. This event is the first of its kind for Rotorua and the Bike Festival. Everyone loves watching aerial tricks and the riders love executing them.”
The new events range from small, community owned events, such as “Ride and Reflect”, “Low Key Super D” and “Stars, Spokes and Tentpoles” to professionally run events such as “Rotorua8” run by NDuro events and “The Big Bike Film Night presents Cycling Chic”
Saturday February 18 – Rotorua8
Rachel Doelman, from the Cyways Team, said that the ‘Frock n Roll’ fashion show will be right at home as part of the Bike Festival. “Frocks on Bikes kaupapa isn’t about how fast you can go or far you can ride. It is about getting the message across that biking is for everyone and has health, financial and social benefits. You can have loads of fun and look very stylish!”
With the cancellation of Bike the Lake late in 2016, Cycling Rotorua have filled the gap in the road cycling market with their Tour of the Valleys race. Jonathon Dodd, from Cycling Rotorua said “The quality of the local roads for road cycling is one of Rotorua’s best kept secrets, and so moving our event to the Bike Festival is a great way to showcase a fantastic part of local cycling that is often overlooked”. He also spoke about how affordable the race is compared to other road races in the market, at only $40 per rider.
Sunday February 12 – Tour of the Valleys
For a full list of events see www.rotoruabikefestival.com. The 2017 Rotorua Bike Festival runs from Friday 10th to Sunday 19th February.
