Something for everyone at Rotorua Bike Festival

FESTIVAL: The Rotorua Bike Festival was a hit last year, with a popular event being Ride the Runway. PHOTO/FILE

Next month's Rotorua Bike Festival people will feature 12 new events, including a meditative biking event and testing out Arawa Park Racecourse.

Festival director Megan Dimozantos said there were 25 events in total, more than last year, which had allowed them to inject more variety into the programme.

Ms Dimozantos said organisers wanted to give the festival "a bit of a fresher feel" and broaden the types of events, to make it more inclusive.

"We did something a bit different and put out public expressions of interest for events on Facebook this year, and the response was incredible."

She said last year the concept of the Rotorua Bike Festival Passport was introduced.

This year, that has been moved into a digital format to make it more user-friendly.

Ms Dimozantos said festival organisers were looking for a way to involve local businesses, even if they were not necessarily "biking businesses".

"The way it works is local businesses register and provide a prize for the prize pool, then they go on the passport map. Users then visit these businesses and scan a QR code to enter the draw to win prizes.

"We are currently in the process of getting businesses on board for this year and would love to hear from any businesses that are interested."

She said each festival event was run by someone different, which was what gave it its unique flavour.

"Some events sell out really quickly, so if you are keen on an event, you should [register] early."

Ms Dimozantos said the festival had about 6500 participants last year.

This year, with the broader event offering, she expected a turnout of at least 8000.

"I'd love to say we might crack 10,000, but I might need to wait until 2018 for that!"

She said an active lifestyle and being part of the biking "community" had enriched her life.

The festival was an opportunity for others to discover the same, she said.

"For the biking enthusiasts, there are some fantastic competitive events, and for the first-timers, or the cruisier riders, there are some great options for them too.

"I hesitate to overuse the old term 'there's something for everyone', but there really is, even as a spectator. Bikes are great fun to ride and to watch."

What: Rotorua Bike Festival 2017
When: February 10 to February 19
Where: Locations throughout Rotorua

New events:
Straight Rhythm
Ride and Reflect
Tour of the Valleys
Ride the Racecourse Family Fun Day
The Big Bike Film Night presents Cycle Chic
Frocks on Bikes Fashion Show, Valentines Special
Low Key Super D
Agroventures Freestyle Airbag BIG AIR comp
Stars, Spokes and Tent Poles
The Happy Ewe Hot Lakes Ride
Rotorua8
The Great Electric Bike Challenge
For more information on each event visit www.rotoruabikefestival.com.