Frocks on Bikes and Boats

Rotorua's annual Frocks on Bikes event will be held this Sunday.

Ladies, prepare to strap on some high heels, shimmy your way into a dress and slap on some lippy for this weekend's Frocks on Bikes.

The annual cycling event will be held on Sunday as part of the Rotorua Bike Festival.

Event-goers will meet at Long Mile Rd and parade their colourful frocks as they bike to the Lakefront.

Organiser Niki Carling said the event was a chance for people to take a leisurely bike ride, get some fresh air and dress up.

But the event is not just for ladies.

"Blokes can dress up too. They can put on their Sunday best and join in the fun.

"Everyone is welcome to take part, from kids to grandma," she said.

This year will be the first where the bike ride will be followed by a one-hour cruise on the Lakeland Queen.

Riders will get the chance to socialise and enjoy tea, coffee, muffins and other goodies on the cruise, Ms Carling said.

"It will be a nice way to spend a summer's day.

"It will also show that you don't have to wear Lycra and have a fancy bike to enjoy cycling."

Ms Carling said people needed to take their own bikes to the event but they can use any bike, even if it has been lying in the garage for 10 years.

"For some people it's a chance to dust off their old bike and let it see the light of day again." About 50 people are expected to turn out for the event but Ms Carling said "the more the merrier".

She encouraged people to go along to the event, which has been running in Rotorua for about three years.

Each year it has a different theme and this year's will be "summer frocks".

Tickets are available from the Lakeland Queen office at the Lakefront.

For more information visit www.rotoruabikefestival.com.