What's On: Hotel Ibis Bike The Lake

The Hotel Ibis Bike The Lake challenge

More than 1000 cycling enthusiasts will converge on Rotorua this weekend to bike around the edge of Lake Rotorua.

The Hotel Ibis Bike The Lake challenge starts at 8am on Sunday outside the Ibis Hotel, finishing at Rotorua Village Green.

The event is in its ninth year and will feature an individual-based event of one lap (42km) for novice and recreational riders, a two-lap (84km) race for the more advanced riders and a four-person team competition for secondary school students (84km).

Event manager Phil Clode said they had received more than 1000 registrations so far and he was expecting this to hit 1300 with late registrations taken on Saturday afternoon.

"Last year, we had 1200 people as it's popular for the elite and those who are just starting out."

He described the course as a fast moving one, that was a fun and challenging ride.

"The main prizes this year are a trip for two to do the Rail Trail in Central Otago for a week, valued at over $3000, two Cannondale bikes and two 50-inch TVs plus heaps more spot prizes."

Mr Clode said the best spot to watch the riders was at the finish line outside the Novotel Hotel.

Karl Murray has participated in the event four years running but, due to a serious crash on the Tour New Caledonia, he won't be this year.

"I think it's a great course, it suits everyone, it has a little bit of a hill near the back of the course that splits the field up but that's when you see people's true colours come out."

He said the course gave recreational cyclists a taste of what real racing was like.

"You get to race your friends, it's a great group challenge which is a bit different to your normal weekend. I just hope the weather gods are nice to Rotorua this weekend."

Registration costs $65 -$85. For more information contact Brave Events on (09) 578 0530 or email info@braveevents.co.nz.