Cycling: Hundreds sign up for Rotorua to Taupo 100K Flyer

Between 900 and 1000 cyclists will take on a 100km test of endurance from Rotorua to Taupo this weekend.

The Moa Rotorua to Taupo 100K Flyer has been alternating directions in recent years. This year was meant to be from Taupo to Rotorua but some changes in road layouts on the course forced organisers to change direction.

Event Promotions marketing manager Aimee Gregory said the change was made for safety reasons because the new entrance to Rotorua from Taupo was a single-lane roundabout.

"We just couldn't have cyclists and cars on that roundabout, for safety reasons. We assessed the situation and decided it wasn't possible," Gregory said.

Further to that, she said this would likely be the last year of the event in its current form, as organisers were looking at a new location and course for 2019.

"We're looking at changing it up or moving to a new location, or maybe having three or four locations we can alternate between. People like to try new things and because we can't alternate directions now we want to bring something new to the event."

Gregory said entries were up on last year's event, which attracted about 700.

"Entries are looking really good and it's good to see there are more than last year. It has always been a popular event, it's been around for just over 15 years so it has a bit of history as well.

"I think the event has that appeal of riding 100km, which is a pretty huge achievement for most people. It's a big milestone. We always say you're riding your way through some of the most scenic countrysides in New Zealand from one tourist mecca to another.

"We have a cool set-up in Taupo at the finish line. We'll be welcoming home all the riders and a lot of the supporters and riders hang around the finish line, too, which creates quite a cool atmosphere."

She said the event attracted a wide range of people.

"You see it all at the start line. We've had mountain bikes before, which is a big feat, 100km on a mountain bike. We say it's there for anyone and everyone and you definitely see that."

Riders will start in Ward Ave, outside the Copthorne Hotel in Rotorua. The main race starts at 9.30am and those who expect to take more than four-and-a-half hours start at 8.30am.

They will head along State Highway 5 before turning left and looping through the scenic Reporoa countryside then entering Taupo and finishing in Tauhara Rd, near the Taupo Event Centre.