The fifth annual Rotorua Bike Festival starts today with a stack of new events to get more people rolling on two wheels.
"It's all about participation and inclusion. We have been quite focused on making sure we have a good variety of events that cater to a broad portion of visitors and people in the community," said festival director Megan Dimozantos.
Organisers are kicking things off with new daredevil drama at 6pm tonight when the heats of the Agroventures Freestyle Big Air Competition take place in the Village Green.
"It's going to be a thrill for spectators to watch riders throw down their sickest tricks and try to win some cash," said Ms Dimozantos.
"We've got two sections, on both Fridays, but we thought it would be nice to start the festival in the middle of town so there is mutual benefits for the town as well."
If catching your breath, instead of catching air, is more your thing, a more sedate Family Fun Ride is happening tomorrow between 9.30am and 11.30am. The event has moved out to the Redwoods this year, and is on an easy well-graded track the entire family can enjoy, taking in the 3.6 Mokopuna Loop Track.
Ride and Reflect is another new event and it targets those who like to appreciate nature while they ride. Meditative readings will be part of the experience and it continues the theme of inclusiveness.
"We really wanted to get a better mix of events, and I thought this was a fantastic way of allowing people to just enjoy the festival in a more calm and relaxed manner," said Ms Dimozantos.
This event takes place out at the Waipa side of the Redwoods Forest, beginning at the corner of 8 Mile Gate and Hill roads.
Thrill-seekers in the meantime will be out at Lake Tikitapu tomorrow taking part in the Giant 2W Gravity Enduro.
This is the chance to see hard-core riders race downhill and it would be another one for the spectators, said Ms Dimozantos. She advised people to ask at the Blue Lake reserve on the morning of racing to find out where the best spots are to watch the racing.
Festival events continue on Sunday when Tour of the Valleys takes place at 10am. The route winds through Waikite Valley and caters to all levels of experience.
"There will be some guys up front that take it pretty seriously, and others at the back who just want to enjoy the scenery," said Ms Dimozantos.
Frocks on Bikes is back and is for anyone (men and women) who like to dress to impress while they cycle. It starts at 10am at the band rotunda in the Government Gardens and taking a 10km flat route through the McIntyre Reserve/Puarenga Stream and through Sulphur Point.
A BMX event is also happening at the Te Ngae Rd course and it's the chance to watch local riders and world ranked riders take on the jumps and bumps of the local track.
What: Bike Festival 2017
When: Today until February 19
For more information: www.rotoruabikefestival.com