Locals get a taste of Crankworx on the second day of the international bike festival

Keegan Wright, right (no 17) eagerly anticipating his race along with many other riders. Photo / Stephen Parker

On the shoulder of the forest, dirt was flying left right and centre from bikes carving through the Dual Slalom track.

Locals were able to watch in awe today as competitors pit against each other to battle the clock's cruel hand and avoid elimination at Wattles.

Judy Hewlett lived a few streets over and thought the public event was a great way to entertain her guests from Hamilton and, as an avid user herself, was pleased to see the forest being used.

"It is a superb asset and it is so handy and accessible for everybody.

"This [Crankworx] is good, it maybe will inspire kids to get into it."

Bernard Kerr trying to pedal his way to a championship at yesterdays Dual Slalom challenge. Photo / Stephen Parker

Being on public land the event was free but the good news is locals with proof of residency can get their fix of the action which moves to Skyline tomorrow and Thursday.

Both are mainly training days for the Air Downhill and Slopestyle races.

A Rotorua resident who wished not to be named caught a glimpse of the riders yesterday while walking her dog along the forest.

"This is my usual track before work, but this is really cool.

"After Crankworx and just before it is just awesome to see people use the track."

Event director Ariki Tibble told the Rotorua Daily Post last week that while he tried to make it work financially he tried to let locals through the doors for as low a cost as possible.

"I often hear people say they don't check it out because they can't ride ... You don't need to be a rider to enjoy it, there are so many opportunities to enjoy your time there."

The details
What: Crankworx 2019
When: March 19 to 24
Where: Skyline, Redwoods, and more.
Cost: Varies from free to free for locals to $75 for an adult's five-day pass and $35 for a child's five-day pass.