Huge number of cyclists ride the runway (+ video)

Hundreds of cyclists of all ages and abilities took part in a rare opportunity to bike down the runway of the Rotorua Airport last night.

The Ride the Runway, a family event for the general public, and the Flying Kilo, a 1km straight line drag race for professional riders, were the first evening events for the Rotorua Bike Festival, which began yesterday.

The events offered riders the chance to ride on the runway of the city's airport, a rare treat for members of the public, including Connor Hooper, who celebrated his fifth birthday by attending the unusual event.

Mum Lara Hopper said Connor was excited to Ride the Runway.

Among the participants was Rotorua born and raised Olympic cyclist Sam Bewley, 27.

"It is a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be. It is going to be fun, it's a unique experience and has brought the crowds. Everyone wants to do something different.

"I have done the kilo before but I have never done this on a runway.

"I think it's going to be awesome, every year it gets larger and larger.

"Eventually we want to get everybody on bikes, and not just for a week."

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Rotorua's Sam Shaw, 22, was biking home from work when he saw crowds and bikes at the airport and thought he would get involved.

Rotorua Bike Festival ambassador Gary Sullivan was stoked with the turnout.

"It is way bigger than any of us thought it was going to be. I am blown away. It has affirmed really that Rotorua loves bikes.

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"You've got people who are full-time professional Tour de France riders here.

"It is incredible, I am absolutely amazed. It is a good sign of things to come for the rest of the festival."

Bike Festival events today include National MTB Championships Cross-country Race Day at Whakarewarewa Forest, National MTB Championships Downhill Practice Day at Skyline Rotorua from 10am, BMX Club meet, and the Valentine's Day Ride into Twilight.

For more information, visit www.rotoruabikefestival.com.