MTB: Month of frills and spills for biking

BACK IN FASHION: Spring Frocks gets on the road this Saturday. PHOTO/MIKE VINCENT

October is packed with events, mainly for women.

Southstar Shuttles' Ladies Night is on this evening and every Wednesday through summer. This started back in 2011 and was the inspired idea of Kim McVicker. It allows women to enjoy the shuttle and the high-altitude trails from the top of Tawa Road. All in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere - and there are cakes.

Meet at Hill Road Gate at 5.30pm. There is more information at www.southstaradventures.com.

October is also Cyclezone Women's Ride Month, with a variety of events.

The next one is this Friday, October 17 and is 'Have a go - Nduro'. Multi-stage gravity enduro racing is the new black in mountain biking. Rotorua will host round one of the Enduro World Series next March as part of Crankworx.

'Have a go' is a mini-enduro and a perfect introduction to this form of racing with timed runs on three short trails in the Challenge Block starting at 5.30pm.

The event is organised by Tim and Belinda Farmer at Nduro Events along with Cyclezone. It's only $10 and you can enter online: www.raceentries.co.nz

There's more information and updates about all the remaining Women's Ride Month events on facebook.com/cyclezonerotorua

If you want to have a crack at the longer form, the Giant 2W Gravity Enduro is on Saturday, December 13. It's the second 2W of the season and the third and final race will be on the second weekend of the Rotorua Bike Festival on Saturday, February 21.

Women (and men) can enter both at www.2W.co.nz; I'll just be rolling the stages in December. However, entering was irresistible. It is such an enjoyable event. There are shuttles to the start of each stage (or you can ride) and some of the very best downhill trails in the forest. And it's a very sociable event. Revolve Rotorua is run by Agnes Arnold and is focussed on regular social rides for women. The weekly Thursday ride starts from Mountain Bike Rotorua at the Waipa car park, leaving at 6PM to explore some of the Whakarewarewa Forest's magnificent trail network.

Agnes told me that the rides would split into groups if the speedsters want to go ahead.

"No girl gets left behind," she added.

Like the Facebook page for more information: www.facebook.com/revolverotorua.

As the warmer weather finally arrives, Frocks on Bikes is back. At the elegant end of the cycling spectrum, Spring Frocks is on this Saturday, October 18. There will be a 10am departure from the Redwoods Shopping Centre followed by a leisurely spin to Rydges Hotel on Fenton Street for high tea. It's only $11 and the last chance to get your ticket from reception at Rydges is today.

The weekend also features a two-day mountain bike navigation event run by Orienteering Bay of Plenty. The Vegas Vindaloo promises 'hot and spicy' action. On Saturday October 18 there is a Classic event in the morning with 3 courses - from beginner to expert. In the afternoon there is a Rogaine. The event HQ for both is at the end of Waipa State Mill Road and will be signposted from State Highway 5.

On Sunday there is a Middle Event at Tui Ridge, 260 Anderson Road, Hamurana. Check out the website for more information on www.obop.org.nz.