Rotorua gears up for big Singlespeeds party

The marquee being erected outside the Pig & Whistle - the base for this weekend's event.

The marquee is up and the riders are rolling into Rotorua ahead of the 2017 Singlespeed World Champs this weekend.

A large marquee is today being erected outside the Pig & Whistle pub on Tutanekai St, which is the base for the mountain biking event being held on Saturday at Waipa.

The Singlespeed World Championships are a unique event with competitors in an array of wacky costumes, tattoos for fastest man and woman and on-course beverages.

Last held in Rotorua in 2010, this year's event has so far attracted 470 entries, said Rotorua Singlespeed Society member Graeme Simpson.

Simpson said the marquee was required as the Pig & Whistle didn't have the capacity to cope with the large numbers expected.

It will remain up until Sunday afternoon.

Tutanekai St is closed to traffic at Haupapa St, however it can be accessed from Arawa St for those visiting Lakes Primecare.

Simpson said a lot of people were already in town and there was a great vibe already, with riders from all over the world enjoying the city.

Festivities begin tonight with Filmed by Bike - a selection of short bike film shorts - in the marquee. Entry is by donation with all money raised going to Lifeline. The charity is the main beneficiary of the event this year, which aims to raise suicide awareness.

It begins at 7pm and all are welcome.

Registration will happen tomorrow with the race starting at 10am on Saturday, followed by a party at the Pig & Whistle, which will also host a breakfast on Sunday morning.