Over the next week thousands of people will be flooding in to Skyline Rotorua to catch a glimpse of the world-class mountain bike courses and pro riders at the Mountain Bike Gravity Park, as part of Crankworx Rotorua.
Crankworx is the world's largest mountain biking festival and is being held in Rotorua for the first time from Wednesday until Sunday.
Skyline Rotorua general manager Bruce Thomasen said everyone onsite was buzzing about competition kicking off.
"It is fantastic to be able to participate in Crankworx, which is a world-renowned celebration of all things biking and Crankworx Rotorua will also be a celebration of all things Rotorua. The fact we can offer such a unique site as part of that is an exciting opportunity.
"We can't wait to welcome riders and visitors, but the safety of both competitors and spectators is paramount during this event.
"When you're exploring everything the Crankworx village has on offer, please ensure you and any children in your care remain on the specified pathways at all times.
"Many luge and mountain biking tracks will remain operational, so please do not walk on any you may come across."
All mountain bike trails are currently open to Skyline visitors as usual from 9am to 6pm, apart from Ten Fifty One due to its close proximity to the Crankworx slopestyle course. While riding Skyline Gravity Park, you can use the hashtags: #ridemore #skylinemtb #cwxrotorua.
Mr Thomasen said as a result of hosting the event, access to some areas of Skyline Rotorua would be limited, including no public access to the Crankworx Rotorua Downhill Course, Slopestyle Course, Dual Speed and Style Course or the Pump Track until racing began.
"As the event kicks off, two Gravity Park trials - Ten Fifty One and Moss Piglet - will be closed from 25 - 29 March. The advanced luge track will also be closed on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 March, when athletes take part in the Crankworx Rotorua Downhill presented by iXS and the Giant Toa Enduro."
Crankworx spectators will be able to purchase tickets to all Skyline Rotorua's activities - Zoom Zipline, Luge, Skyswing, MTB Gravity Park - throughout the event. The gondola is included in the Crankworx ticket.
Skyline Rotorua visitors will need to purchase Crankworx specific tickets if they would like to join in on the action taking place elsewhere on Mt Ngongotaha. Crankworx tickets can be purchased onsite.
During the event, Skyline Rotorua has introduced special Crankworx mountain biking rates for riding sessions offered each day. There will be four riding sessions for two hours daily, with a maximum of 100 people for each session for only $25, with demo bikes available.
During Crankworx Rotorua, parking onsite at Skyline Rotorua will be limited so spectators and visitors are encouraged to use alternative parking sites, which are as follows:
1. Rowi Street Reserve - located on Rowi St, off Kea St, Western Heights (five minute walk from Skyline)
2. Waikite Rugby Club - accessed from Bellvue Rd, off Koutu Rd, Kawaha Point (eight minute walk from Skyline)
For more information, go to www.skyline.co.nz/rotorua/ or www.crankworx.com/rotorua.
