This will be the third year Barbara Jenks is a volunteer for Kidsworx, a part of Crankworx Rotorua. PHOTO/BEN FRASER
This will be the third year Barbara Jenks is a volunteer for Kidsworx, a part of Crankworx Rotorua. PHOTO/BEN FRASER
The excitement and buzz of volunteering at Crankworx Rotorua keeps local woman Barbara Jenks coming back.
This year will be her third time volunteering for Kidsworx.
She says she got in to volunteering for the event because she knew a few people involve - including Crankworx Rotorua event director TakMutu and his brother Tu, who she taught.
Barbara is also a keen mountain biker. Barbara says as a Kidsworx volunteer you look after the children, who are up to 12 years old. She says they do things such as help children ride the tracks and teach some to ride.
"Really just looking after the children-making sure everyone is safe, happy and enjoying themselves."
Being fit, a mountain biker, and having experience with children are all advantages for volunteering at Kidsworx, she says.
"You have to be fit to do the Kidsworx. You are out there and running around all day."
Barbara thinks Crankworx is a great event because it is well organised and is in an amazing location. She says Rotorua is lucky to have the opportunity to showcase the environment and see top riders of the world.
Barbara says there is a buzz with all the businesses showcasing their merchandise.
"It's very exciting, and just getting bigger each year and becomes more and more exciting."
Kidsworx. Photo/Clint Trahan
She says a highlight of being part of the event for her is the people she has met, including people from overseas who have come for Crankworx, organisers, the children and their parents.
"You do get a buzz when you see their excitement."
Barbara has been mountain biking for about seven years and loves it.
She says it is pretty exciting and she loves doing the trails all around New Zealand. Mountain bikers are also positive people and it is greatexercise as you age, she says.
Kidsworx is a part of Crankworx Rotorua held fromMarch 25 to April 2 at Skyline Rotorua. It is a dedicated area for mini shredders, with free activities and riding available throughout the day, as well as three competitive events -two of which have already sold out.
Kidsworx operations manager Marcello Ojerio says there is enough to keep families at Crankworx engaged throughout the entire day.
"There's a mix of competitive events for the older kids, and free play areas for the younger kids so they can learn at their own pace. We've expanded the Tiki Tour Scavenger Hunt after popular demand so kids can spend the whole day exploring the Crankworx Village.
"We've also got more Pump Track Skills coaching sessions, a longer Tamariki Track and of course, all the stickers and bike bling for the kids to pimp their ride before hitting the trails.
"Something special we noticed last year was howyoung the kids were that were getting into it. We had a bunch as young as two years old who were riding the trails on their runner bikes.
"We loved this and we've made the Tamariki Track even more friendly for the little ones by creating more space for parents to take them up and run by themon the trail."
All Kidsworx events are free with a valid Crankworx ticket. The Kidsworx area is open 10am to 5pm
