Bike Festival rides all about fun and families

Hanneke Anderson got into the spirit of Frocks on Bikes last year.

People and bikes of all shapes, sizes and styles will be out enjoying the biking bonanza this weekend.

The wheels are in motion for another big Bike Festival weekend with a range of activities on offer.

Beginner riders looking for a casual ride in the city can take part in the Sport Bay of Plenty Family Fun Ride. It starts at Telly Tubby Hill, behind the Rose Gardens at the Government Gardens and is aimed at families and beginners.

The theme is 'what I want to be when I grow up' and participants are encouraged to dress up for the easy ride.

The Rotorua Hill Climb is a new event organised by Cycling Rotorua with the big emphasis on fun, said organiser Jonathon Dodd, from Cycling Rotorua.

"The aim is to get up to the top of Mount Ngongotaha by having as much fun as possible. You get to enjoy the scenery and if you want you can try to do it as fast as possible," he said.

The event is open to both mountain bikers and road cyclists and "for those of us who aren't whippet thin, or don't have light bikes, we can weigh them in the beginning and measure how much power they have used to get to the top. It's not about who gets there first," he said. "The whole idea is for people to feel okay about doing the ride, no matter what bike or what shape or size they are."

Registration for this event is from noon and racing starts from 1pm-2pm. Bikers need to meet at the bottom of Mountain Rd, Western Heights.

Another perennial favourite is Frocks on Bikes. Last year the event attracted 80 riders and it's gaining momentum said organiser Natasja Duplessis, Sustainable Transport manager for the Rotorua Lakes Council. Once again frock wearing cyclists will be joined by the mayor for the Sunday ride. They will start at the council car park, heading to the Ngongotaha Cycle Trail where they will be hosted by Essence Cafe who will have coffee, tea and light refreshments available.

"The day is just about getting people on bikes. You don't have to have the lycra outfit, just wear what you normally wear," said Ms Duplessis.

The cost for this outing is $10 and registration is necessary by today, for catering, she said.

Details:

* What: Bike Festival - Family Fun Ride, Rotorua Hill Climb and Frocks on Bikes

* Where: Government Gardens, Western Rd and Rotorua Lakes Council carpark

* When: Saturday and Sunday