Editorial: Event a chance to shine

Crankworx has kicked off in Rotorua.

It seems like just yesterday we were splashing the news that Rotorua would host the biggest mountain biking festival in the world in March, 2015.

That was in August and now here we are, just days away from Crankworx kicking off.

Last night, hundreds of volunteers from Rotorua and all over the globe gathered at the Energy Events Centre.

World-class slopestyle course ready for Crankworx (+video)

The bike tree is in place on the Village Green, the acts have been announced for the accompanying free music festival and the tracks and jumps are ready for action - as we've been reporting over the past few weeks.

Accommodation providers, retailers, bars and restaurants will also be preparing for a busy week - having heard a variety of accents from mountain bike-looking types around town this weekend it seems the influx of visitors has already begun.

A few days ago Rotorua police issued a statement urging extra caution during the event.

That works both ways. Mountain bikers and visitors need to take care of themselves and their valuables, as sadly there will always be a tiny minority that will endeavour to ruin someone's experience.

But locals are also urged to relax, show a bit of patience and help Rotorua put its best foot forward.

Yes, there will be extra bikes on the roads and the wait for your morning coffee may be a few minutes longer. The roads around Skyline and the Waipa car park could be especially congested at times - given the limited parking at Skyline.

But bear in mind that any small inconvenience should be more than balanced out by the benefits this event will bring - the economic boost to the city, the exposure it will give Rotorua nationally and internationally through media coverage and the pure influx of energy to the city.

Whether the last time you rode a bike was two hours or 20 years ago, let's all support and get behind Crankworx and show our visitors the manaakitanga (hospitality) that this city is known for.