Locals enjoy second free day at Crankworx (+ video)

There was a buzz in the air as Rotorua residents came out to support and ride at the second - and drier - Crankworx locals' day.

Crankworx added another day free for Rotorua residents today after weather affected the event yesterday. Event director Tak Mutu said everything was going to "plan B".

There had been changes to today's schedule due to the weather, with the Mons Royale Dual Speed and Style Webcast, and the Oceania Whip-Off Championships moved to tomorrow.

A decision would be made tomorrow morning regarding the Slopestyle as the safety of the riders was paramount, Mr Mutu said. The Slopestyle finals are scheduled for Sunday, with riders practising on the course prior to that.

He said otherwise all things were going "status quo" and he was looking forward to the weekend.

Local Preston Moorcroft, watching the Pump Track Challenge training, said he loved mountain biking and attended Crankworx every year.

"I love the atmosphere, the skills of the riders. I hope the weather improves for the rest of the week, it's a really good event for locals."

Joy Thomas, was at the event to see her son take part in the Professionals Rotorua National Schools XC Teams Relay.

"[Crankworx] is a great event to watch."

Full Crankworx schedule here.

Lynmore's Roger Shepherd was watching the downhill, having bought a five-day ticket.

"The weather kind of messed things around but there's nothing you can do about it, it's still good to watch."

Also watching the downhill was Ngongotaha's Ewen Aldridge.

"It's a great event to watch. I've been at Crankworx all week, it's awesome."

Mr Aldridge said Crankworx was putting Rotorua on the map.

It was pumping over at the Kidsworx, with plenty of locals and their families taking advantage of the free entry.

Kidsworx activities manager Marcello Ojerio said he was blown away by the sheer number of people that had come to the Kidsworx arena.

"It's really important to have a space for kids and their families. Today is good vibes."

Fans from around New Zealand and overseas were also enjoying the day.

Craig Brown made a day trip from Auckland with his son, Tyler, 11.

Recreational mountain bikers, Mr Brown said it was their first time at the event and they were enjoying taking a look around.

"It's great checking everything out. If there's enough time we might go for a ride."

Tyler said it was cool to be there and his favourite event was the downhill racing.

Over from Sydney, Darren Beecroft was watching his 22-year-old daughter training for the Rotorua Pump Track Challenge.

"We came over last year [to Crankworx 2016] and will be here till Saturday. It's an awesome event. It's good to see the schools' events, getting kids into mountain biking."

UK professional athlete Ben Deakin, 31, will race in the Air DH (downhill).

The racing for his event was postponed till tomorrow , which he said he didn't mind too much as it meant he could stay a little longer in Queenstown.

Last year he broke his shoulder in Rotorua after overshooting the Whip-Off track, so was happy to be back for another shot.

Deakin said he'd had a great time so far, despite it not being the best weather.