Tommy Teat, 4, (left) and Travis Isemonger, 6, at the Kidsworx arena. Photo/Ben Fraser
Tommy Teat, 4, (left) and Travis Isemonger, 6, at the Kidsworx arena. Photo/Ben Fraser
The rain and mud only added to the thrill at the Kidsworx arena at Crankworx, with the enthusiasm of participants not dampened by the weather.
And for Rotorua residents who didn't make it along to locals' day at Skyline Rotorua today, there will be another chance with tomorrow also freewith proof of address.
Crankworx event director Tak Mutu said gates would open at 10am.
The Mons Royale Dual Speed and Style event, postponed today due to wet weather, would take place tomorrow from 5pm until 7pm, Mr Mutu said.
"It's one of the best events, and perfect for locals after work."
Travis' mum, Karen Isemonger, said they had been each year and kept returning as it was a world-class event.
Mrs Isemonger also brought along Leon, 3 months, and Esmae, 1.
Kidsworx activities manager Marcello Ojerio said there was lots of excitement, with the target audience happy.
"There are bigger challenges for other Crankworx events given the weather but as far as the kids are concerned the rain is awesome sauce. Today was the first day of Kidsworx, and it was great to see so many kids having a blast and the tracks holding up. I couldn't be happier."
Mr Ojerio said it was cool to be able to provide a welcome space not just for the kids but their families and younger siblings who may not be big enough to ride as well.
Image 1 of 5: Jonty Macpherson, 4,
"It's a place where they can all hang out and enjoy Crankworx."
Mr Ojerio said it was awesome even on a rainy day to see the effort made to take part.
Fee Teat and her son, Tommy Teat, 4, were not put off by the rain, having been at the Kidsworx arena for more than two hours.
"We're locals out to support the event. [The volunteers] are amazing. They totally get behind it, and Marcello is so good with the kids," Mrs Teat said.
First time volunteer Leonie Smith said it was great to be involved.
A mountain biker, Ms Smith has taken a week off work to help out and said she loved volunteering at the Enduro World Series on the weekend.
"It was awesome to see right there beside guys you see in magazines. They have unbelievable skills. It's seriously cool."
Linda Macpherson, who had taken along her son Jonty Macpherson, 4, and daughter Prue Macpherson, 2, said the kids were normally with her at home on a Wednesday. Despite the weather forecast looking better than it was, they decided to head to Kidsworx.
She said the Crankworx volunteers had been amazing.
"They go out of their way [to help] and to teach the kids skills."
A mountain biker herself, Mrs Macpherson said she enjoyed watching other people ride at Crankworx.
The weather impacted some Crankworx events with the Air DH training and race postponed to Friday.
The Official Oceania Whip-Off Championships has been cancelled for today. It will be moved to later in the week with the day and time to be confirmed.
The dual speed and style training was postponedwith tomorrow's training to start 8am, one hour earlier than planned to compensate for today's session postponement.
Thursday Locals' Day schedule
10am - 7pm Gates open to public 10am - 5pm Kidsworx Arena: Pimp My Ride, Scavenger Hunt, Tamariki Track 8am - 4:45pm Crankworx Rotorua Downhill presented by iXS training 9am - 12:30pm Mons Royale Dual Speed and Style training 12pm - 4pm Slopestyle training 12pm - 2pm Professionals Rotorua National Schools XC Teams Relay Championships presented by Altherm 1pm - 3pm Kidsworx Pump Track Sessions 3pm - 3:30pm Prize giving for National Schools Championships 5pm - 7pm Mons Royale Dual Speed and Style Finals 8:30pm - 9:30pm Deep Summer Photo Challenge screening (City Focus, Rotorua Night Market, Tutanekai St)
