Opinion: Crankworx has the 'feel-good' factor

Some of the crowd at Crankworx 2016. PHOTO/FILE

What fantastic news that Rotorua has secured Crankworx for a further 10 years.

A huge amount of work made the 2015 and 2016 events so successful. Event director Tak Mutu and his team, the hordes of volunteers, the council and all the businesses and individuals involved have so far produced two amazing events that showcased the best of Rotorua around the world. Not to mention giving locals a thrilling, affordable event to support.

Knowing Rotorua will host the event through until at least 2017 will give event organisers and the council the confidence and freedom to continue growing and investing in Crankworx, which has brought proven benefits to the Rotorua district as a whole. That return will surely only grow in the future.

Crankworx has the potential to become an iconic Rotorua event. Heck, perhaps it already is one? One that people will travel to year after year, from around New Zealand and the world.

Its beauty, in my view, is that you don't have to be a mountain biker to love it. In fact, non-mountain bikers are just as likely to be blown away by the spectacular high-flying tricks, insane skills and guts of the competitors - the best mountain bikers in the world.

There are also those intangible benefit that events such as Crankworx bring to a community. At the risk of sounding all soft and gooey, it brings a 'feel-good' factor to the city. People together in the sunshine to simply be happy and enjoy a show, to have pride in our city, to extend hospitality and friendship to visitors, well, it's all just blimmin great isn't it?

Well done to all involved in securing the 10-year deal. Now Rotorua just has to keep supporting it, starting in a few months time at Crankworx 2017. If you haven't been yet, grab some tickets. I guarantee you won't regret it.