Let's get cycling

ROTORUA teenager Sam Osborne loves mountainbiking.

The 14-year-old Western Heights Student, who usually heads out into the forest at Whakarewarewa three times a week, says it's cheap, it's good fun and it's a good way to stay fit.

This Saturday he'll be taking part in the Rotorua Mountain Bike Family Fun Day being held as part of national Bike Wise Week, aimed at promoting cycling.

Sam, his 5-year-old sister Zahyra, and their parents Edd Serrallach and Lennore Osborne will all take to the tracks for the family event which kicks off a week crammed full of events around the region.

Mrs Osborne is one of the organisers of Saturday's ride which will be led by Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters.

"It's a great event for families. Mountainbiking is an activity for people of all ages."

Among those at the event will be one of New Zealand's most experienced trialists, D'Arcy Belfield from Tokoroa, who will be performing stunts on his bike.

As well as Rotorua, Bike Wise Week also features on calendars in Taupo, Whakatane, Kawerau and Opotiki.

Taupo mayor Clayton Stent is among several around the country leading mayoral cycle challenges in a bid to be crowned the most cycle-mad place in New Zealand. The title will go to the centre that attracts the most riders for the mayoral challenge.