Mountain Biking: Entertaining event has a serious side

Competitors can dress up in extravagant costumes at the New Zealand Singlespeed Championships. Photo / Stephen Parker

One of the most entertaining events on the New Zealand mountain bike calendar is returning next month to Rotorua - where it all began in 2008.

This year's New Zealand Singlespeed Championships will coincide with the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli in Turkey.

"The champs has always run on the closest weekend to Anzac Day," said Gary Sullivan, president of host club, the Rotorua Singlespeed Society.

"We organise a dawn ride to the Anzac Day service at Ohinemutu on the shores of Lake Rotorua and want to make this year even more special than ever."

While the championships is eccentric, with extravagant costumes, tattoos for fastest man and woman and on-course beverages it also has a heart of gold and a serious side.

"We've made substantial donations to the Cancer Society, CanTeen and 88 Bikes over the last seven years," Sullivan continued.

"This year we'll be doing the same to the Returned Servicemen's Association and to Kidney Health New Zealand ... the more entries, the more we'll be able to give."

The dawn ride opens the event on Anzac Day, Saturday, April 25. Race day is on Sunday the 26th at Waipa mountain bike car park, followed by an after- race party at the society's long-time HQ, the Pig and Whistle historic pub.

The championships always attract a good turnout from Australia.

This year, one of the finest endurance singlespeed riders, Australian Brett Bellchambers, will be at the start line.

He is the current 24 Hour Solo World Singlespeed champion.