Graeme Simpson: Kidsworx, something for every kid

Kidsworx is coming back in March. PHOTO/CRANKWORX MEDIA

Look at this wonderful photo: the joy of that first bike.

It was taken at Kidsworx, which returns in March as part of Crankworx Rotorua 2018.

"Kidsworx was launched to get children and families involved and connected with Crankworx, not just as spectators, but as participants," says Kidsworx operations manager Marcello Ojerio.

It's designed for children 12 and under, giving them a chance to ride. The Kidsworx zone offers all the races, demo bikes, and expo fun of the main festival, with extra coaching opportunities to help youngsters to enjoy the action.

With seesaws and skinnies, berms and rollers, it includes a specially-built skills track area, pump-track and coaching sessions, scavenger hunts, a hipster downhill race and a chance to meet the Crankworx stars themselves.

"Some kids come to see the pros, others look forward all year to simply riding the Tamariki track and Kidsworx pump track all day, every day, soaking up the Crankworx vibe," Marcello continues.

"That's the standout feature of Kidsworx — there really is something for every kid, every day of the festival, and the parents really appreciate that."

The Kidsworx team want to maximise the fun for kids by giving them their own space to play, learn new skills and be inspired by what they see the pros get up to.

"It's not very common to have this sort of access to venues and athletes at an event of this calibre," he adds. "We're so excited to be able to offer these opportunities as part of Crankworx Rotorua."

For those kids who aren't able to bring their own bikes with them, there will be bikes available to borrow, and all kids walk away with their very own personalised Kidsworx number plate, stickers and lots of bike bling to 'pimp their rides'.

"A real highlight of Kidsworx is the civility and the good sportsmanship the children show. We manage to give kids the freedom to ride on their own and the kindness towards each other that comes out of it is really special."

In 2015, 1000 kids took part, this tripled in 2016 and in 2017 there was another significant increase, with 50 per cent of the kids being 5 years old and under.

The feedback from kids and parents who have taken part in Kidworx is very positive. "The parents absolutely love Kidsworx and the kids just can't get enough — we have kids who ride the trails all day, and return 18 hours later amping to do it all over again."

Events include Hipster DH, Skyline Sprint Warrior DH Race, Pump Track Challenge, Pump Track Sessions, Pimp my Ride and the Tiki Tour Scavenger Hunt.

The first time I got media accreditation was as a TV director on the Commonwealth Games in Auckland in 1990.

While there have been other events, like mountain bike world champs since, I never get blasé. So, it was a thrill to get my accreditation to Crankworx confirmed last week.

Not such good news for the overall media contingent. I'll raise the average age by a decade or two.

- For more on Kidsworx and Crankworx, see: www.crank worx.com/festival/rotorua/