Logan Dick is among thousands of young Kiwis cottoning on to the new "sport for life" - mountainbiking.
The Rotorua 7-year-old reckons mountainbiking is cool and was among hundreds of young riders at Rotorua's Kids' Bike Jam, part of a popular nationwide series of events.
The event, held
in Baker's Hollow in Rotorua's Whakarewarewa forest yesterday, attracted hordes of young mountainbikers aged between 6 and 13. Logan said the event was a lot of fun.
"You get to go fast."
He said the thing he loved most about riding his mountainbike was being able to skid in mud puddles.
Meanwhile, 8-year-old Cameron Butterworth, said he particularly liked doing jumps and stunts.
Both boys said they had taken part in Bike Jam events before.
"I really enjoy them," Cameron said.
Children aged 5 and 6 needed a parent to accompany them over their 2.5km-3km course while riders aged seven to 10 rode a 4.5km-5.5km circuit and the 11 to 13-year-olds had the challenge of a 9.5km-10.5km circuit.
The courses weren't technically challenging so that riders of all abilities were able to take part.
All participants received a medal, a certificate and a goody bag for their efforts.
National event co-ordinator Jill Ford said the events had always been well received.
"The kids just love the Bike Jams, which gets them out being active on an off-road bike track.
"Mountainbiking is really a sport for life.
"When they are older, they can be competitive if they want, but mostly the kids just want to get out there and have fun."
Rotorua organiser Dave Donaldson hailed the event a big success.
"It was fantastic. Organised chaos, but great fun ... Bring on the next one."
He said it was great to see so many families taking part.
About 340 children were entered in the event and there were also hundreds of people supporting them.
There were a few scraped knees and bruises but but no major injuries.
