Mixing biking and orienteering a big hit

MTB Adventure Quest is on this weekend. Photo/Alan Ofsosk

Like an amazing race on a bike is how organisers are describing the MTB Adventure Quest on this weekend.

Part of the Rotorua Bike Festival, the event is a firm favourite with lots of local families and families in surrounding areas.

"It's like an amazing race on a bike" said event organiser Pete Swanson.

"Anyone can give it a go, even if they are a passenger on a bike."

Competitors compete in teams and try to visit as many checkpoints as they can in two hours and complete mystery activities for bonus points.

This year the event will have a Kiwiana theme with Mr Swanson suggesting that competitors practice their Weetbix eating and famous kiwi impersonations.

MTB Adventure Quest is on this weekend. Photo/Alan Ofsosk

"I think there will be a lot of laughs," he said.

The MTB Adventure Quest is put on by Orienteering Bay of Plenty with the local club seeing it as a great way for people to give orienteering a go, and get in some exercise, in a really fun social way.

It is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Organiser Karyn Kerrison said there will be great spot prizes which local businesses have generously donated.

"Places like Rotorua Duck Tours, Capers, Zorb, Hells Gate and Sequoia have given us a lot of support."

Entries are well up on last year's event, with a lot of participants coming back from previous years, and also lots of new faces who want to give it a go.

The event will start from the main Waipa MTB Car Park at 2.30pm this Sunday February 19.

More information can be found on the Orienteering Bay of Plenty website.